Message of 11-17-11
Published: Thu, 11/17/11
A Daily Spiritual Seed
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
Annual Appeal
On Monday I mentioned a new web site I am developing, and today I will tell you more about it. It is entitled "The First Great Commandment: Promoting the Love of God," and it can be found at http://philothea.net/ (philo=love; thea=divine). As you'll notice if you pay a visit, the site is in early construction, but you can already find a few posts up on its blog. I have also set aside part of the discussion board mentioned yesterday to serve the needs of this new site.
Why another web site when shalomplace.com already focuses on Christian spirituality?
Well, for one thing, Christian spirituality is a very broad topic, as the resources at Shalom Place and the discussion board demonstrate. While its primary focus is, indeed, the love of God, its concerns include spiritual practice, lifestyle issues, discernment, and many other issues. Philothea.net will maintain as it exclusive focus First Great Commandment and will provide inspiration, support and encouragement for keeping first things first. It is only by loving God above all that we can truly love ourselves and our neighbor as we ought. How might we do that? Head on over to the web site to see, and be sure to sign the guestbook and register a user name at the blog so you can post your own comments and responses.
Phil St. Romain
Internet Ministry Coordinator
- - - Several ways you can support our Internet ministry:
a. Pray for us and for those make use of our services (that includes you, of course).
b. Tax-deductible donation or subscription: see
http://shalomplace.com/seed/donations.html(check payment information provided).
A special gratitude gift will be sent to all donors/subscribers.
c. Purchase an Amazon.com gift card:
- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00067L6TQ/?tag=christianspiritu
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Message of the Day
As the genuine religious impulse becomes dominant, adoration more and more takes charge. "I come to seek God because I need Him," may be an adequate formula for prayer. "I come to adore His splendour, and fling myself and all that I have at His feet," is the only possible formula for worship.
- Evelyn Underhill (1875-1941), Worship
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Lectionary Readings of the Day
http://www.usccb.org/calendar/index.cfm?showLit=1&action=month
1 Mc 2:15-29; Ps 50:1b-2, 5-6, 14-15; Lk 19:41-44
R. (23b) To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
God the LORD has spoken and summoned the earth,
from the rising of the sun to its setting.
From Zion, perfect in beauty,
God shines forth.
"Gather my faithful ones before me,
those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice."
And the heavens proclaim his justice;
for God himself is the judge.
"Offer to God praise as your sacrifice
and fulfill your vows to the Most High;
Then call upon me in time of distress;
I will rescue you, and you shall glorify me."
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Reflection on the Gospel
- from Daily Bread
http://www.preacherexchange.com/daily_bread.htm
As he drew near, he saw the city and wept over it.
Jesus laments over Jerusalem, foretelling the horrific destruction and violence it will endure for not recognizing God's presence and plan. Elizabeth of Hungary recognized God in the poor and the sick. God's plan for her, she knew, was to forego the life of privilege she could have enjoyed. Instead, she followed her heart, abandoned riches and power and lived in simplicity and piety, serving the needy. God has a plan for each of us. Like Elizabeth, may we hear the cry of the poor and respond to their need with compassion and generosity. Through her intercession, may we learn to live in solidarity with those who suffer.
For the loving kindness of God, we pray.
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Spiritual Reading
- Imitation of Christ, by Thomas A. Kempis
The Disciple
Even Your saints, O Lord, who now rejoice with You in the kingdom of heaven, awaited the coming of Your glory with faith and great patience while they lived. What they believed, I believe. What they hoped for, I hope for, and whither they arrived, I trust I shall come by Your grace. Meanwhile I will walk in faith, strengthened by the example of the saints. I shall have, besides, for comfort and for the guidance of my life, the holy Books, and above all these, Your most holy Body for my special haven and refuge.
- Book 4, Chapter 11
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