Message of 10-16-12

Published: Tue, 10/16/12


A Daily Spiritual Seed
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth


Message of the Day

The mere act of prayer is abhorrent to the forces of evil, and you will find that there will be all kinds of hindrances (depression, doubt, frustrations and so on). Many of those hindrances will have the smell of sulfur smoke about them.
  - Steve Brown

(Be suspicious of your reasons for excusing yourself  from taking time to be alone with God in prayer.  Very suspicious!)

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

Gal 5:1-6;    Ps 119:41, 43-48;    Lk 11:37-41

R. (41a) Let your mercy come to me, O Lord.

Let your mercy come to me, O LORD,
your salvation according to your promise.

Take not the word of truth from my mouth,
for in your ordinances is my hope.

And I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever.

And I will walk at liberty,
because I seek your precepts.

And I will delight in your commands,
which I love.

And I will lift up my hands to your commands
and meditate on your statutes.

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

Jesus chided the Pharisees for harboring evil thoughts that make us unclean spiritually - such as greed, pride, bitterness, envy, arrogance, and the like. Why does he urge them, and us, to give alms? When we give freely and generously to those in need we express love, compassion, kindness, and mercy. And if the heart is full of love and compassion, then there is no room for envy, greed, bitterness, and the like. Do you allow God's love to transform your heart, mind, and actions toward your neighbor?

"Lord Jesus, fill me with your love and increase my thirst for holiness. Cleanse my heart of every evil thought and desire and help me to act kindly and justly and to speak charitably with my neighbor."

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

- How not all souls are fitted for contemplation and how some take long to attain it. True humility will walk happily along the road by which the Lord leads it.

Others walk in humility, and always suspect that if they fail to receive consolations the fault is theirs, and are always most anxious to make progress. They never see a person shedding a tear without thinking themselves very backward in God's service unless they are doing the same, whereas they may perhaps be much more advanced. For tears, though good, are not invariably signs of perfection; there is always greater safety in humility, mortification, detachment and other virtues. There is no reason for fear, and you must not be afraid that you will fail to attain the perfection of the greatest contemplatives.

- Chapter 16

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

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