Message of 8-18-11
Published: Thu, 08/18/11
A Daily Spiritual Seed
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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Message of the Day
On what agape' love is like:
Love does not inquire into the character of the recipient but it asks what he needs. It does not love him because he is such-and-such a person but because he is there. In all this it is quite the opposite of natural love: it "does not seek its own". It does not perform the characteristic natural impulse of love and life. Therefore it is basically independent of the conduct of the other person; it is not conditional but absolute. It wants nothing for itself but only for others. Therefore it is also not vulnerable. It never 'reacts" but is always "spontaneous", emerging by its own strength - rather, from the power of God. Love is the real God-likeness of man for which he has been created. In so far as love is in man he really resembles God and shows himself to be the child of God.
- Emil Brunner
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Lectionary Readings of the Day
http://new.usccb.org/calendar/index.cfm?showLit=1&action=month
Jgs 11:29-39a; Ps 40:5, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10; Mt 22:1-14
R. (8a and 9a) Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
Blessed the man who makes the LORD his trust;
who turns not to idolatry
or to those who stray after falsehood.
Sacrifice or oblation you wished not,
but ears open to obedience you gave me.
Burnt offerings or sin-offerings you sought not;
then said I, "Behold I come."
"In the written scroll it is prescribed for me.
To do your will, O my God, is my delight,
and your law is within my heart!"
I announced your justice in the vast assembly;
I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know.
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Reflection on the Gospel
- from Daily Bread
http://www.preacherexchange.com/daily_bread.htm
He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come.
Why would we turn down an invitation? Maybe we're too busy or already committed to another activity. Maybe we don't like the host or the other guests. Maybe social situations make us uncomfortable. Now apply these excuses to our relationship with Christ and the church. Are our days and lives already too full? Do we have other activities that we give priority? Do we hold anger, grudges or disappointment against God or someone within the church whom we believe has offended us? Do we have guilt that makes us feel awkward or unworthy? Some invitations are a direct challenge for us to consider how we want to spend our time and with whom. The Lord invites us to the feast today.
Will we RSVP? For careful examination of our priorities, we pray.
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Spiritual Reading
- Imitation of Christ, by Thomas A. Kempis
The Voice of Christ
No attention, however, must be paid to his cunning wiles, no matter how base and horrible -- all his suggestions must be cast back upon his head. The wretch is to be despised and scorned. Holy Communion must not be passed by because of any assaults from him or because of the commotion he may arouse.
Oftentimes, also, too great solicitude for devotion and anxiety about confession hinder a person. Do as wise men do. Cast off anxiety and scruple, for it impedes the grace of God and destroys devotion of the mind.
- Book 4, Chapter 10
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