Message of 8-25-11
Published: Thu, 08/25/11
A Daily Spiritual Seed
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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Message of the Day
This one is a little longer than usual, but well worth the time it takes to consider.
Ideological notions are strongest amongst people who have lost their traditional religious faith, and they provide a kind of pseudo-religion to take its place. Ideology may well be defined as religion-substitute. The fact that religious faith always expresses itself in the particular ideological forms current in any given period is no reason why we should confuse religion with ideology; and, even though it requires a penetrating and candid investigation to distinguish between the genuinely religious and the merely ideological elements in the outlook of a particular period or individual, this does not mean that religion itself is an aspect of ideology. The core of religious belief is not ideological, whatever may be said of the soft pulp in which it is often wrapped up.
- Alan Richardson (1905-1975), Christian Apologetics
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Lectionary Readings of the Day
http://new.usccb.org/calendar/index.cfm?showLit=1&action=month
1 Thes 3:7-13; Ps 90:3-5a, 12-13, 14 and 17; Mt 24:42-51
R. (14) Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy!
You turn man back to dust,
saying, "Return, O children of men."
For a thousand years in your sight
are as yesterday, now that it is past,
or as a watch of the night.
Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain wisdom of heart.
Return, O LORD! How long?
Have pity on your servants!
Fill us at daybreak with your kindness,
that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.
And may the gracious care of the LORD our God be ours;
prosper the work of our hands for us!
Prosper the work of our hands!
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Reflection on the Gospel
- from Daily Bread
http://www.preacherexchange.com/daily_bread.htm
Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time?
St. Louis, king of France, was such a servant. Born to privilege, he had a heart for the poor. Among his other charitable efforts, he abolished usury. What would happen if church and civil leaders spoke against this practice as vociferously as we denounce some other sins? The imagination runs wild. For inspiration read Louis' "Last Instructions to His Eldest Son," which one can find easily online. Louis was a true servant-leader, modeling his kingship, as near as he was able, after the kingship of Christ.
Lord Jesus, inspired by the saints, help me imitate you today and every day. Amen.
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Spiritual Reading
- Imitation of Christ, by Thomas A. Kempis
The Voice of Christ
Do not remain away from Holy Communion because of a small trouble or vexation but go at once to confession and willingly forgive all others their offenses. If you have offended anyone, humbly seek pardon and God will readily forgive you.
- Book 4, Chapter 10
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