Message of 2-13-12
Published: Mon, 02/13/12
A Daily Spiritual Seed
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
Message of the Day
The Greeks had a race in their Olympic games that was unique. The winner was not the runner who finished first. It was the runner who finished with his torch still lit. I want to run all the way with the flame of my torch still lit for Him.
- Joseph M. Stowell
(How would you do this?)
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Lectionary Readings of the Day
http://www.usccb.org/calendar/index.cfm?showLit=1&action=month
Jas 1:1-11; Ps 119:67, 68, 71, 72, 75, 76; Mk 8:11-13
R. (77a) Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.
Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I hold to your promise.
You are good and bountiful;
teach me your statutes.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted,
that I may learn your statutes.
The law of your mouth is to me more precious
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
I know, O LORD, that your ordinances are just,
and in your faithfulness you have afflicted me.
Let your kindness comfort me
according to your promise to your servants.
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Reflection on the Gospel
- from Daily Bread
http://www.preacherexchange.com/daily_bread.htm
Why does this generation seek a sign?
Not much has changed in some ways. Jesus shows his frustration with the Pharisees who continually ask for a spectacular sign as proof that he's the messiah. Many in our own day say that while they're impressed by what Jesus taught, they often do not see that same love and generosity lived out by his followers. Many others, even while surrounded by the beauty and power of creation, still have doubts about God's very existence. It may be in our nature to doubt occasionally, but we can still be a source of strength and faith for those who struggle to believe. We're called to be a sign of God's loving presence through our care for others.
Lord, by our actions may we be signs of your love for all, we pray.
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Spiritual Reading
The Adornment of the Spiritual Marriage
by St. John of Rusybroeck (1293-1381)
As I will specially praise and glorify this state of being in common, so I find another special treasure which Christ has left in Holy Church to all good men; in His supper upon the high feast of the Passover when Christ knew that He would pass from this exile to His father, after He had eaten of the Paschal Lamb with His disciples, and the ancient law had been fulfilled. At the end of the meal and of the feast, He desired to give to them a dish of singular excellence which He had long wished to do. And herewith He willed to make an end of the ancient law and begin the new. And He took bread in His holy and venerable hands, and consecrated His sacred Body, and after that His sacred Blood; and He gave them both to all His disciples, and left them to all good men in common for their eternal profit. This gift and this excellent dish rejoice and adorn all high festivals and all banquets, in heaven and on earth. In this gift Christ gives Himself to us in three ways. He gives us His Flesh and His Blood and His bodily life, glorified and full of joy and sweetness; He gives us His spirit with its highest powers, full of glory and gifts, truth and righteousness; and He gives us His personality through that Divine Light which raises His spirit and all enlightened spirits into the most high and fruitive unity.
- Chapter 47: Showing how Christ has given Himself to all in commin in the Sacrament of the Altar.
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