Message of 6-12-12

Published: Tue, 06/12/12


A Daily Spiritual Seed
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth


Message of the Day

God's unfailing love for us is shown in Jesus; that is why Jesus accepts us with an acceptance deeper than our being. Jesus accepts us in the deepest roots of our being, the roots lying beneath our consciousness, from which our conscious lives arise. Thus our acceptance by Jesus is even more than our consciousness of him; that is why we can trust our whole selves--conscious and unconscious, known and unknown--to him."
- Arthur A. Vogel [20th C], Radical Christianity and the Flesh of Jesus

(Jesus as the deepest acceptance of your life: how does it feel to know this? How does this help you to trust yourself to life more fully?)

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

1 Kgs 17:7-16;    Ps 4:2-3, 4-5, 7b-8;    Mt 5:13-16

R. (7a) Lord, let your face shine on us.

When I call, answer me, O my just God,
you who relieve me when I am in distress;
Have pity on me, and hear my prayer!
Men of rank, how long will you be dull of heart?
Why do you love what is vain and seek after falsehood?

Know that the LORD does wonders for his faithful one;
the LORD will hear me when I call upon him.
Tremble, and sin not;
reflect, upon your beds, in silence.

O LORD, let the light of your countenance shine upon us!
You put gladness into my heart,
more than when grain and wine abound.

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

Jesus remarks that nothing can remain hidden or secret. We can try to hide things from others, from ourselves, and from God. How tempting to shut our eyes from the consequences of our sinful ways and bad habits, even when we know what those consequences are. And how tempting to hide them from others and even from God. But, nonetheless, everything is known to God who sees all. There is great freedom and joy for those who live in God’s light and who seek his truth. Those who listen to God and heed his voice will receive more from him. Do you know the joy and freedom of living in God’s light?

“Lord Jesus, you guide me by the light of your saving truth. Fill my heart and mind with your light and truth and free me from the blindness of sin and deception that I may see your ways clearly and understand your will for my life. May I radiate your light and truth to others in word and deed”.

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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 urge this virtue upon you, for I ought myself to have practised at least something of what I am recommending you with regard to it: but actually I must confess I have made very little progress. I never seem unable to find a reason for thinking I am being virtuous when I make excuses for myself. There are times when this is lawful, and when not to do it would be wrong, but I have not the discretion (or, better, the humility) to do it only when fitting. For, indeed, it takes great humility to find oneself unjustly condemned and be silent, and to do this is to imitate the Lord Who set us free from all our sins. I beg you, then, to study earnestly to do so, for it brings great gain; whereas I can see no gain in our trying to free ourselves from blame: none whatever -- save, as I say, in a few cases where hiding the truth might cause offence or scandal. Anyone will understand this who has more discretion than I.

- Chapter 15

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

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