Message of 5-17-10
Published: Mon, 05/10/10
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
The will is that which has all power; ... it makes heaven and it
makes hell: for there is no hell but where the will of the creature
is turned from God; nor any heaven but where the will of the
creature worketh with God.
... William Law (1686-1761), "The Way to Divine Knowledge"
(In which direction is the compass needle of your will pointed
lately?)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Acts 19:1-8; Ps 68:2-3ab, 4-5acd, 6-7ab; Jn 16:29-33
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
God arises; his enemies are scattered,
and those who hate him flee before him.
As smoke is driven away, so are they driven;
as wax melts before the fire.
But the just rejoice and exult before God;
they are glad and rejoice.
Sing to God, chant praise to his name;
whose name is the LORD.
The father of orphans and the defender of widows
is God in his holy dwelling.
God gives a home to the forsaken;
he leads forth prisoners to prosperity.
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REFLECTION ON THE SCRIPTURES
- from "Daily Bread"
http://www.preacherexchange.com/daily_bread.htm
"Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need
to have anyone question you."
We long for the day when we finally figure out faith and have no
more questions. Unfortunately, even when the disciples profess
that they get it, they've barely scratched the surface of
understanding what lies ahead for Jesus and -- ultimately -- all who
profess belief. Jesus anticipates their questions and offers
reassurance while at the same time challenging them not to be
complacent. We'll never be altogether comfortable with the fact
that we that we can't fully comprehend God's ways, but we can trust
that there's nothing wrong with not knowing everything. That's not
our role. Everything is already covered.
"Lord, calm our fears and give us peace so we can accept that we
need not question you, we pray."
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THE ADORNMENT OF THE SPIRITUAL MARRIAGE
by St. John of Rusybroeck (1293-1381)
From this zeal there spring temperance and sobriety, both inward
and outward; for none can possess the right measure of sobriety
save him who is greatly zealous and diligent to keep his soul and
body in righteousness. Sobriety divides the higher powers from the
animal powers; it saves a man from intemperance and from excess.
Sobriety wishes neither to taste, nor to know, those things which
are forbidden.
- Chapter 21: Of Temperance and Sobriety
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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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