Message of 4-26-10
Published: Sat, 04/24/10
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
Each of us has two natures: one, a hard outer husk, which is an old
nature; the other an inner softness, which constitutes our true
self. The outer husk is that part of us that, while we are
flesh-center beings, is used to protect ourselves from the
harshness of our world. Before we come to Christ, that "husk"
protects the inner softness, which otherwise cannot endure the
struggles of life in this hostile, devil-filled world. But when we
come to Christ, the husk must be broken and die. We cannot rely on
the way of the flesh to protect us; we must become Christ-centered.
- Francis Frangipane
(Are you willing to let go of that "hard outer husk" and be
transformed in Christ?)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Acts 11:1-18; Ps 42:2-3; 43:3, 4; Jn 10:1-10
R. Athirst is my soul for the living God.
As the hind longs for the running waters,
so my soul longs for you, O God.
Athirst is my soul for God, the living God.
When shall I go and behold the face of God?
Send forth your light and your fidelity;
they shall lead me on
And bring me to your holy mountain,
to your dwelling-place.
Then will I go in to the altar of God,
the God of my gladness and joy;
Then will I give you thanks upon the harp,
O God, my God!
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REFLECTION ON THE SCRIPTURES
- from "Daily Bread"
http://www.preacherexchange.com/daily_bread.htm
"I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly."
God has not only given me the gift of natural life, but a share in
God's own life, as well. I am truly blessed. But life, whether
natural or supernatural, must be lived. How am I using my
abundance of life? Do I show my gratitude by caring for my health?
Am I conserving resources for the good of the planet and its
inhabitants? Do I pray and reflect on God's goodness? Do I reach
out in love to those who lack the necessities of life or just need
an uncritical listener?
"Lord, give me a truly grateful heart and grant me the gifts of
sensitivity and generosity to others."
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THE ADORNMENT OF THE SPIRITUAL MARRIAGE
by St. John of Rusybroeck (1293-1381)
Because of this generosity men are wont to practise the seven works
of mercy; the rich do them by their alms and because of their
riches, the poor by their good-will and by their hearty desire to
do as the rich if they could. And thus the virtue of generosity is
made perfect.
By generosity of heart all other virtues are increased, and all the
powers of the soul are adorned; for the generous man is always
blithe in spirit and untroubled of heart, and he flows forth with
desire and in his works of virtue, to all men in common. Whosoever
is generous, and loves not earthly goods how poor soever he be, he
is like God: for all that he has in himself, and all that he feels,
flow forth and are given away. And in this way he has cast out the
fourth mortal sin, which is covetousness or Avarice. Of all such
Christ says: Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy
in that day when they shall hear these words: Come, ye blessed of
my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you--because of your
mercy,--from the foundation of the world.
Chapter 19: Of Generosity
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LECTIO DIVINA PROCESS
- http://heartlandspirituality.org/vocations/prayer.html
First, you choose a passage of Scripture that you will pray with.
It might be the Gospel reading used in the liturgy of the day, or
anything else you want. The process then follows these steps:
* Reading (lectio) After settling in and quieting yourself,
read the passage slowly, prayerfully. Just let it sink in for a
minute or two, then read it a second time, paying closer attention
to the words or phrases that speak to you.
* Reflecting (meditatio) What do you hear God saying to you in
this passage? What words or phrases caught your attention?
* Responding (oratio) What do you want to say to God in
response to what you've heard? Here you can also voice your prayers
of petition, remorse, thanksgiving, praise, and so forth. If you
sense God speaking to you in your thoughts, feelings or
imagination, you respond as you would in any conversation.
* Resting (contemplatio) If, at any time, you feel drawn to
simply rest in the awareness of God's loving presence, you let
yourself do so. Remain in loving silence as long as you feel
comfortable, perhaps using a simple word or phrase from the
Scripture passage to help deepen your openness to rest in God.
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