Message of 8-23-12

Published: Thu, 08/23/12


A Daily Spiritual Seed
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth


Message of the Day

Charity never enters a heart without lodging both itself and its train of all the other virtues which it exercises and disciplines as a captain does his soldiers.
- Francis de Sales -

(Love in the source and foundation of all virtues. Let yourself rest in the awareness of God's love for you.)

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

Ez 36:23-28;    Ps 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19;    Mt 22:1-14

R. (Ezekiel 36:25) I will pour clean water on you and wash away all your sins.

A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me.

Give me back the joy of your salvation,
and a willing spirit sustain in me.
I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners shall return to you.

For you are not pleased with sacrifices;
should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it.
My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.

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Reflection on the Gospel
  - from Praying the Daily Gospels
    http://www.liguori.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=6614

- Matthew 22:1-14 (The great banquet)

Today's parable gives us another important insight into the heart of God, teaching us that God is extremely eager to share blessings with us. If we are to gain access to these blessings, we must put on the garment of faith, without which we shall never appreciate the things of God.

  • What are some of the blessings you have received from the Church during the past month (Church meaning people of God")? Thank God for these blessings.

  • Ignatian spirituality holds that joy springs from gratitude, which springs from awareness of grace, which springs from faith. Are you a joyful person? What does this say about the way you recognize grace? 


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    Spiritual Reading
        - Imitation of Christ, by Thomas A. Kempis

    The Disciple

    The Voice of Christ

    Be not disturbed, dispute not in your mind, answer not the doubts sent by the devil, but believe the words of God, believe His saints and prophets and the evil enemy will flee from you. It is often very profitable for the servant of God to suffer such things. For Satan does not tempt unbelievers and sinners whom he already holds securely, but in many ways he does tempt and trouble the faithful servant.

       - Book 4, Chapter 18

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