Message of 12-26-08
Published: Sat, 12/20/08
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
Wouldn't life be worth the living
Wouldn't dreams be coming true
If we kept the Christmas spirit
All the whole year through?
~Author Unknown
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17; Mt
10:17-22
R. (6) Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to give me safety.
You are my rock and my fortress;
for your name's sake you will lead and guide me.
Into your hands I commend my spirit;
you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God.
I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy.
Rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors.
Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your kindness.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
from "Praying the Daily Gospels," by Philip St. Romain:
- http://www.liguori.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=6614
- Matthew 10: 17-22 (Stephen's martyrdom)
Recent studies have shown that the placement of this feast day in
the Church's liturgical calendar has little to do with its
proximity to Christmas. Yet Stephen's martyrdom reminds us that
crucifixion is the price paid for incarnation. Today's gospel
emphasizes this truth; it also promises glory for those who, like
Stephen, are faithful to the end.
* In what ways do you die for Christ each day? How do these deaths
to self allow the incarnation to happen in your life?
* Do you believe that you, at this point in your life, would he
willing to die for your faith? Why? Why not?
* Pray for the grace to be willing to suffer for the sake of love.
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PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE (Benedictine Approach)
1. Relax. Settle in. Be aware that God is here, now, loving you.
2. Read a short passage of Scripture as though God were speaking
directly to you in it.
3. Choose a phrase from the passage that strikes you and repeat it
slowly, prayerfully, non-analytically.
4. When your heart is full, express to God the needs and sentiments
awakened by your meditation. When you're done, read another passage
and repeat steps 3 and 4.
5. If, at any time, you feel moved to simply be present to God in
loving silence, put the Scripture aside and rest in God.
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NOTES FROM A CLASSICAL WORK
- "The Practice of the Presence of God," by Brother Lawrence
My most usual method is this simple attention, and such a general
passionate regard to GOD; to whom I find myself often attached with
greater sweetness and delight than that of an infant at the mothers
breast: so that if I dare use the expression, I should choose to
call this state the bosom of GOD, for the inexpressible sweetness
which I taste and experience there. If sometimes my thoughts wander
from it by necessity or infirmity, I am presently recalled by
inward motions, so charming and delicious that I am ashamed to
mention them.
- Second Letter
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