Message of 8-11-11
Published: Sat, 08/06/11
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
The supreme test of goodness is not in the greater but in the
smaller incidents of our character and practice; not what we are
when standing in the searchlight of public scrutiny, but when we
reach the firelight flicker of our homes; not what we are when some
clarion-call rings through the air, summoning us to fight for life
and liberty, but our attitude when we are called to sentry-duty in
the grey morning, when the watch-fire is burning low. It is
impossible to be our best at the supreme moment if character is
corroded and eaten into by daily inconsistency, unfaithfulness, and
besetting sin.
- Frederick Brotherton
(Those who are great in small matters will be great in large. )
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LECTIONARY READINGS FOR THE DAY
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Jos 3:7-10a, 11, 13-17; Ps. 114:1-2, 3-4, 5-6; Mt 18:21-19:1
R. Alleluia!
When Israel came forth from Egypt,
the house of Jacob from a people of alien tongue,
Judah became his sanctuary,
Israel his domain.
The sea beheld and fled;
Jordan turned back.
The mountains skipped like rams,
the hills like the lambs of the flock.
Why is it, O sea, that you flee?
O Jordan, that you turn back?
You mountains, that you skip like rams?
You hills, like the lambs of the flock?
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MEDITATION ON THE GOSPEL
- from "Daily Bread"
http://www.preacherexchange.com/daily_bread.htm
"Lord, when my brother wrongs me, how often must I forgive him?"
We know the answer, of course: always. At least, this is the ideal
for which we must strive, even when it is contrary to our
inclinations. John Steinbeck wrote in his journal that when one
truly understands another person, he cannot hate that person. Jesus
counsels us to pray for our persecutors. Theologians and
psychologists explain that when we earnestly pray for someone, we
forge a bond with them that makes forgiveness possible, even in the
most difficult circumstances. So, when it is almost inconceivable
for us to forgive someone, we must pray for that person. This
includes our leaders, whose decisions can often cause suffering.
"Lord, help us forgive, we pray."
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SPIRITUAL READING
- "Imitation of Christ," by Thomas A. Kempis
The Voice of Christ
YOU must often return to the source of grace and divine mercy, to
the fountain of goodness and perfect purity, if you wish to be free
from passion and vice, if you desire to be made stronger and more
watchful against all the temptations and deceits of the devil.
The enemy, knowing the great good and the healing power of Holy
Communion, tries as much as he can by every manner and means to
hinder and keep away the faithful and the devout. Indeed, there are
some who suffer the worst assaults of Satan when disposing
themselves to prepare for Holy Communion. As it is written in Job,
this wicked spirit comes among the sons of God to trouble them by
his wonted malice, to make them unduly fearful and perplexed, that
thus he may lessen their devotion or attack their faith to such an
extent that they perhaps either forego Communion altogether or
receive with little fervor.
- Book 4, Chapter 10
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