Message of 12-5-11

Published: Mon, 12/05/11


A Daily Spiritual Seed
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth


Message of the Day

When our hearts are tenderly responsive --- and it suits His greater plan, then the Lord will lift the thin veil that separates us. And we will be stunned to realize that He has been closer than our own breath all along.
   - Patsy Clairmont

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Lectionary Readings of the Day
   http://www.usccb.org/calendar/index.cfm?showLit=1&action=month

Is 35:1-10;    Ps 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14;    Lk 5:17-26

R. (Isaiah 35:4f) Our God will come to save us!

I will hear what God proclaims;
the LORD --for he proclaims peace to his people.
Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,
glory dwelling in our land.

Kindness and truth shall meet;
justice and peace shall kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
and justice shall look down from heaven.

The LORD himself will give his benefits;
our land shall yield its increase.
Justice shall walk before him,
and salvation, along the way of his steps.

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Reflection on the Gospel
  - from Daily Bread
    http://www.preacherexchange.com/daily_bread.htm

Which is easier, to say, "Your sins are forgiven," or to say, "Rise and walk"?

We've all experienced the pain of watching loved ones suffer from physical or emotional illnesses. In these moments, we've longed for the right words to ease their agony.  If we could take on their pain, we would. Jesus sees our distress and speaks the only words of true and lasting healing: the forgiveness of sins. Today, very few still equate infirmity with sin, yet we must clearly understand how guilt, regret, loss, addiction or misdeeds manifest themselves in real ailments. We're called to reach out to those in misery with loving care and to encourage those who suffer to keep faith in the Lord during their times of trial.

Heal us, Lord, we pray.

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Spiritual Reading

The Adornment of the Spiritual Marriage
   by St. John of Rusybroeck (1293-1381)

This rich and enlightened man shall distribute gifts to all the angelic choirs, and all spirits, each in particular according to its merits, out of the richness of his God and out of the generosity of his own ground; which is illuminated and overflowing with great and wonderful gifts. He passes through all choirs, through all hierarchies and orders, and beholds how God dwells in all according to the merit of each. This enlightened man goes swiftly and in ghostly wise round and through all the heavenly hosts, rich and overflowing with charity, and enriching and inundating the whole celestial company with fresh glory out of the Richness and Abundance of the Trinity and Unity of the Divine Nature.

- Chapter 40: The established person shall go out toward God and all the saints.

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