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Exercise pleasantness toward all, taking great care what you have commanded may never be done by reason of force. For God has given free will to everyone, and therefore never forces anyone - but only i
ndicates, call and persuades.
- Angela Merici -
(What kinds of indications, calls and persuasions at this time in
your life provide a sense of direction for God? Pray the grace of
wisdom and discernment to read these "signs of the times" in your
life.)
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1 Jn 2:29-3:61; Ps 98:1, 3-6; Jn 1:29-34
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and melodious song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.
USCCB Lectionary
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When John says he did not know Jesus (John 1:31,33) he was referring to the hidden reality of Jesus' divinity. But the Holy Spirit in that hour revealed to John Jesus' true nature, such that John bore witness that this is the Son of God. How can we be certain that Jesus is truly the Christ, the Son of the living God? The Holy Spirit makes the Lord Jesus Christ known to us through the gift of faith. God gives us his Spirit as our helper and guide who opens our hearts and minds to receive and comprehend the great mystery and plan of God - to unite all things in his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:10). Do you want to grow in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ? Ask the Lord to pour his Holy Spirit upon you to deepen your faith, hope, and love for God and for the plan he has for your life.
"Lord Jesus Christ, fill me with the power of your Holy Spirit and let me grow in the knowledge of your great love and truth. Let your Spirit be aflame in my heart that I may know and love you more fervently and strive to do your will in all things." DailyScripture.net
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Stages of Growth in Christian Prayer, by Philip St. Romain Stages of Contemplative Prayer (part 4) Transforming union. There is no longer any obstacle in the soul to receiving the graces of God, so life proceeds
in full union between the soul and God. All the faculties are trained to cooperate with the Holy Spirit, and in turn they are infused with the loving energies of the Spirit to function according to the will of God. Now something of an "ordinary state" returns, although one is never without the immediate experience of God's loving
presence. The soul continues to learn and grow but in full union with God. This is the fully liberated soul, that already enjoys something of the wonder of heaven while on this earth. Sin is still a possibility but is generally avoided. |
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