Message of 7-22-11
Published: Mon, 07/18/11
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
Constantly practice the habit of inwardly gazing upon God. You know
that something inside your heart sees God. Even when you are
compelled to withdraw your conscious attention in order to engage
in earthly affairs, there is within you a secret communion always
going on.
- A. W. Tozer (1897-1963), "The Pursuit of God"
(. . . "something inside your heart sees God." Take a few moments
to get in touch with God's indwelling presence.)
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LECTIONARY READINGS FOR THE DAY
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Ex 20:1-17; Ps. 19:8, 9, 10, 11; Jn 20:1-2, 11-18
R. (John 6:68c) Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.
They are more precious than gold,
than a heap of purest gold;
Sweeter also than syrup
or honey from the comb.
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MEDITATION ON THE SCRIPTURES
- from
http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
Today's readings cover a great amount of ground. The first reading
presents the great commandments, which always seemed to me like a
bunch of no-brainers. However, upon further review, the wording of
the commandments leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Take the
second commandment, for instance, taking the Lord's name in vain.
Often this commandment is interpreted as to not curse or swear.
That's what Sister Mary taught me in first grade. Now I find out,
from a different text, that it actually has more to do with using
the name of the Lord for self-profit, using His name not in praise
but more in utility or commerce. Sometimes when and how and why you
say a name makes a difference.
In the Gospel, we have the story of Mary Magdalene at the tomb.
Today we honor her service to Jesus and His disciples. Yet I am
impressed once again, this time by Jesus, who calls Mary by name.
It is not until He actually calls her by name that she recognizes
Him. How does she respond? She calls him "Rabbouni," teacher. . .
Let's think about the people who serve us during the day, who make
us look good or feel good in one way or another. Do we know their
names? As they board the bus to go home, could we look each of them
in the eye, shake each hand, and thank each of them by name? No
doubt, Mary Magdalene was often overlooked by Jesus' other
disciples. Perhaps many did not even know her name. But Jesus did.
- by Brian Kokensparger
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SPIRITUAL READING
- Christ's Four Modes of Presence to Us
by Philip St. Romain
- 2. The Church (part 2 of 3)
After Jesus ascended to heaven, he sent the Holy Spirit to continue
his work on earth through the Church. This is not to say that he
is not working in other religions as well--only that it seems his
express intention was to found a Church that would consciously and
intentionally invite the Spirit to form them and do his work.
Through this Church, he multiplied his presence. Where once he was
one man going about doing good, now he lives in millions of people,
who constitute his Mystical Body.
This understanding of Church as Christ's presence was forcibly
drawn to St. Paul's attention. As he traveled the road to Damascus
in search of Christians to arrest and persecute, the glorified
Christ intervened, striking him blind and speaking to him: "Saul,
Saul, why do you persecute me?" "Who are you, sir?" Paul asked.
"I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting." (Acts 9: 4-5). Earlier
during his life, Jesus had taught his disciples, "Where two or
three or gathered in my name, there am I in their midst." (Mt. 18:
20) Now, with his message to Paul, he left no doubt that he was
intimately identified with his Church.
- from "Jesus Alive in Our Lives"
http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/jesus-alive-in-our-lives/11780728
(paperback)
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/41961 (ebook formats)
http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Alive-Our-Lives-ebook/dp/B00427YKNU/
(Kindle)
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Amazon.com gift cards - good for any occasion
- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00067L6TQ/?tag=christianspiritu
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