Message of 1-16-09
Published: Thu, 01/08/09
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
Our Adversary majors in three things: noise, hurry and crowds. If
he can keep us engaged in "muchness" and "manyness," he will rest
satisfied.
... Richard J. Foster
(How might you be caught up in noise, hurry, crowds, muchness and
manyness? To let any of these go makes more room for the Spirit to
work within.)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Heb 4:1-5, 11; Ps 95:6-7c, 8-9, 10-11; Mk 2:1-12
R. (see 7b) Do not forget the works of the Lord!
What we have heard and know,
and what our fathers have declared to us,
we will declare to the generation to come
The glorious deeds of the LORD and his strength.
That they too may rise and declare to their sons
that they should put their hope in God,
And not forget the deeds of God
but keep his commands.
And not be like their fathers,
a generation wayward and rebellious,
A generation that kept not its heart steadfast
nor its spirit faithful toward God.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
- from http://www.dailyscripture.net/
Jesus' treatment of sinners upset the religious teachers of the
day. When a cripple was brought to Jesus because of the faith of
his friends, Jesus did the unthinkable. He first forgave the man
his sins. The scribes regarded this as blasphemy because they
understood that only God had authority to forgive sins and to
unbind a man or woman from their burden of guilt. Jesus claimed an
authority which only God could rightfully give. Jesus not only
proved that his authority came from God, he showed the great power
of God's redeeming love and mercy by healing the cripple of his
physical ailment. This man had been crippled not only physically,
but spiritually as well. Jesus freed him from his burden of guilt
and restored his body as well. The Lord is every ready to bring us
healing of body, soul, and mind. Do you allow anything to keep you
from Jesus?
"Lord Jesus, through your merciful love and forgiveness you bring
healing and restoration to body, soul, and mind. May your healing
power and love touch every area of my life - my innermost thoughts,
feelings, attitudes, and memories. Pardon my offences and transform
me in the power of your Holy Spirit that I may walk confidently in
your truth and righteousness."
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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
I know that some charge this state (his practice of presence) with
inactivity, delusion, and self-love: I confess that it is a holy
inactivity, and would be a happy self-love, if the soul in that
state were capable of it; because in effect, while she is in this
repose, she cannot be disturbed by such acts as she was formerly
accustomed to, and which were then her support, but would now
rather hinder than assist her.
- 2nd Letter
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