Message of the Day
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One way to recollect the mind easily in the
time of prayer, and preserve it more in tranquility, is not to let it wander too far at other times. You should keep it strictly in the Presence of God; and, being accustomed to think of Him often, you will find it easy to keep your mind calm in the time of prayer, or at
least to recall it from its wanderings.
- Brother Lawrence (c.1605-1691), The Practice of the Presence of God.
(Taking responsibility for the thoughts we give consent to is one of the most difficult practices, and most essential.)- share your comments and responses: http://dailyspiritualseed.blogspot.com
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Lenten Study Series
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Topic: God and I: Exploring the connections between God, Self and Ego (spiritual
theology)
Learning Process: 9 written conferences; private discussion forum for participants; video conferences.
See http://shalomplace.com/inetmin/GodandI for more information and registration options.
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Readings of the Day
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JAS 1:1-11; PS 119:67-68, 71-72, 75-76; MK 8:11-13
R. Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.
Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I hold to your promise.
You are good and bountiful;
teach me your statutes.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted,
that I may learn your statutes.
The law of your mouth is to me more precious
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
I know, O LORD, that your ordinances are just,
and in your faithfulness you have afflicted me.
Let your kindness comfort me
according to your promise to your servants. USCCB lectionary
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Reflection on the Gospel
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Consider it all joy, my
brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials.
The Letter of James is the first of the "Catholic epistles," that is, addressed to the whole church and not to a specific community of Christians. James has one dominant theme: Christianity is not theoretical; faith must be put into practice. Within the first few lines James introduces two topics:
the persecution we can expect when we practice our faith and the Gospel privileges of the poor. There is something about James that rings true when you hear his words - challenging, but deep-down true so that you want to know that joy. Such joy is available to those who live the message they profess, despite trials or temptations, convenience or inconvenience.
For hearts
and minds open to the truth, we pray.
- by Paige Byrne Shortal
Daily Bread
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Spiritual Reading
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The Book of Supreme Truth, by St. John of Rusybroeck (1293-1381) Certain of my
friends have desired and besought me, that I should show and make plain in a few words and according to my best cunning, shortly and clearly, how I understand and feel the truth of all the highest teachings that I have written before; so that none should take offense at my words, but everyone should profit by them. And this I willingly consent to do. I will, with God's help, teach the humble who love virtue and truth; and, with the same words, I shall
inwardly vex and darken the false and the proud: for to these my words will be displeasing and contrary, and this the proud cannot endure, but it provokes them to anger.
- Chapter I: Wherefore this book was
written. Amazon.com link
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