Message of 6-13-11
Published: Mon, 06/06/11
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
[Jesus] did not finish all the urgent tasks in Palestine or all the
things He would have liked to do, but He did finish the work which
God gave Him to do. The only alternative to frustration is to be
sure that we are doing what God wants. Nothing substitutes for
knowing that this day, this hour, in this place, we are doing the
will of the Father. Then and only then can we think of all the
other unfinished tasks with equanimity and leave them with God.
- Charles E. Hummel (1923-2004), "The Tyranny of the Urgent"
(What is the work God calls you to do this day?)
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LECTIONARY READINGS FOR THE DAY
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
2 Cor 6:1-10; Ps. 98:1, 2b, 3ab, 3cd-4; Mt 5:38-42
R. (2a) The Lord has made known his salvation.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
In the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
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REFLECTION ON THE GOSPEL
- from "Daily Bread"
http://www.preacherexchange.com/daily_bread.htm
"You have heard the commandment, "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a
tooth." But what I say to you is: offer no resistance to injury."
This week the Gospel readings are taken from some of Jesus'
teachings that seem to defy common sense, or at least what is
possible. Jesus sets high standards so that we will strive to be
more God-like, more merciful, more forgiving and more compassionate
to all. Jesus continues by saying we are to go the extra mile, give
more than is asked, be always loving and generous, never judgmental
or confrontational. This is quite a challenge for those of us who
are often impulsive in our actions and our judgments.
"For patience, forgiveness and generosity, we pray."
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SPIRITUAL READING
The Adornment of the Spiritual Marriage
by St. John of Rusybroeck (1293-1381)
Sometimes these unhappy people are also deprived of their earthly
goods, of friends, of kinsmen; and they are abandoned of all
creatures, their holiness is not known or esteemed, men speak evil
of their works and their whole lives, and they are despised and
rejected by all their neighbours. And at times they fall into
sickness and many a plague, and some into bodily temptations; or,
that which is worst of all, into temptations of the spirit.
From this poverty arise a fear lest one should fall, and a kind of
half-doubt. This is the utmost point at which a man can hold his
ground without falling into despair. Such a man likes to seek out
good men, and to complain to them, and show them his miseries; and
he desires the help and prayers of Holy Church and of all the just.
- Chapter 28: Of the fourth degree of coming to Christ
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