Message of 6-19-12

Published: Tue, 06/19/12


A Daily Spiritual Seed
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth


Message of the Day

In religious experience it is possible to distinguish between a superstructure which I call belief and an infrastructure which I shall call faith. The superstructure is the outer word, the outer revelation, the word spoken in history and conditioned by culture. The infrastructure, on the other hand, is the interior word, the word spoken to the heart, the inner revelation . . . there is an interplay between the inner faith and outer belief--there is a marriage and a fullness of religious experience."
- William Johnston, The Inner Eye of Love -

(How do faith and belief speak to each other in your life? What beliefs help you to have faith? Let your reaffirmation of these open your heart more deeply to God's presence within.)

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

1 Kgs 21:17-29;    Ps 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 11 and 16;    Mt 5:43-48

R. (see 3a) Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.

Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me.

For I acknowledge my offense,
and my sin is before me always:
"Against you only have I sinned,
and done what is evil in your sight."

Turn away your face from my sins,
and blot out all my guilt.
Free me from blood guilt, O God, my saving God;
then my tongue shall revel in your justice.

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Reflection on the Gospel
- from http://www.dailyscripture.net/

Was Jesus exaggerating when he said we must be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect? The original meaning of “perfect” in Aramaic is “completeness” or “wholeness – not lacking in what is essential.” God gives us every good gift in Jesus Christ so that we may not lack anything we need to do his will and to live as his sons and daughters (2 Peter 1:3). He knows our weakness and sinfulness better than we do. And he assures us of his love, mercy, and grace to follow in his ways. Do you want to grow in your love for God and for your neighbor? Ask the Holy Spirit to change and transform you in the image of the Father that you may walk in the joy and freedom of the gospel.

“Lord Jesus, your love brings freedom and pardon. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and set my heart ablaze with your love that nothing may make me lose my temper, ruffle my peace, take away my joy, nor make me bitter towards anyone.”

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Spiritual Reading
The Way of Perfection
  - by Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)

- Treats of the great advantage which comes from our not excusing ourselves, even though we find we are unjustly condemned.

I am greatly confused as I begin to

- Chapter 15

(Keep in mind that she is writing to sisters in a cloistered contemplative order.)

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