Message of 3-30-10
Published: Sat, 03/27/10
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
We fail to see the place of suffering in the broader scheme of
things. We fail to see that suffering is an inevitable dimension of
life. Because we have lost perspective, we fail to see that unless
one is willing to accept suffering properly, he or she is really
refusing to continue in the quest for maturity. To refuse suffering
is to refuse personal growth.
- Henri J. M. Nouwen
(What sufferings are you undergoing at this time in your life?
What invitations to grow are to be found in these situations?)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Is 49:1-6; Ps. 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5ab-6ab, 15 and 17; Jn 13:21-33,
36-38
R. (see 15ab) I will sing of your salvation.
In you, O LORD, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your justice rescue me, and deliver me;
incline your ear to me, and save me.
Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to give me safety,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked.
For you are my hope, O Lord;
my trust, O God, from my youth.
On you I depend from birth;
from my mother's womb you are my strength.
My mouth shall declare your justice,
day by day your salvation.
O God, you have taught me from my youth,
and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
- from http://www.dailyscripture.net/
John says that Satan entered into Judas when he rejected Jesus and
left to pursue his evil course. Satan can twist love and turn it
into hate. He can turn holiness into pride, discipline into
cruelty, affection into complacency. We must be on our guard lest
Satan turn us from the love of God and the path which God has
chosen for us. The Holy Spirit will give us grace and strength in
our time of testing. If we submit to Jesus we will walk in the
light of his truth and love. If we turn our backs on him we will
stumble and fall in the ways of sin and darkness. Are you ready to
follow Jesus in his way of the cross?
"Give me, O Lord, a steadfast heart which no unworthy thought can
drag downwards; an unconquered heart which no tribulation can wear
out; an upright heart which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside.
Bestow upon me also, O Lord my God, understanding to know you,
diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a faithfulness that
may finally embrace you; through Jesus Christ, our Lord." (Prayer
of Thomas Aquinas)
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PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE (Ignatian Method)
A. Preparation: acts of faith and reverence in the presence of God;
asking grace of a good meditation; petition for specific graces
sought in meditation.
B. Reading the Scriptures slowly, prayerfully.
C. Exercise of the memory, imagination, and intellect:
consideration of the material.. What practical applications are
suggested?
D. Expression of feelings and sentiments awakened in meditation.
Conversation with God.
E. Exercise of will and imagination in making resolutions. Prayer
for grace to fulfill resolutions.
F. Vocal prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, other prayers).
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NOTES FROM A CLASSICAL WORK
"Sayings of Light and Love," by St. John of the Cross (jottings
from his notebooks)
168. Anyone who does things lukewarmly is close to falling.
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