Message of 6-14-10
Published: Sun, 06/13/10
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
It has been well said that no one ever sank under the burden of the
day. It is when tomorrow's burden is added to the burden of today
that the weight is more than a person can bear. Never load
yourselves so, my friends. If you find yourselves so loaded, at
least remember this: it is your own doing, not God's. He begs you
to leave the future to Him and mind the present.
- George MacDonald (1824-1905), "Annals of a Quiet
Neighbourhood," v. I
"Sufficient for today are the problems thereof!" Mt. 6:34
(What needs doing today? Make a list and strive to carry that out,
leaving other matters for another time.)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
1 Kgs 21:1-16; Ps 5:2-3ab, 4b-6a, 6b-7; Mt 5:38-42
R. (2b) Lord, listen to my groaning.
Hearken to my words, O LORD,
attend to my sighing.
Heed my call for help,
my king and my God!
At dawn I bring my plea expectantly before you.
For you, O God, delight not in wickedness;
no evil man remains with you;
the arrogant may not stand in your sight.
You hate all evildoers.
You destroy all who speak falsehood;
The bloodthirsty and the deceitful
the LORD abhors.
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REFLECTION ON THE SCRIPTURES
- from "Daily Bread"
http://www.preacherexchange.com/daily_bread.htm
"Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one
who wants to borrow."
When we're very young, we soon learn two words: "No!" and "Mine!"
We squirm when Jesus tells us to offer no resistance to those who
make inconvenient, even unjust demands. Isn't it normal to fight
bullies and belittle whiners? We might consider how a
nonconfrontational stance can bring about peace -- in our hearts,
our families, our communities, and even peace on earth.
Hopefully, we will grow in wisdom and grace until we appreciate the
value of gentle but firm refusal and of giving freely to those made
ungracious by desperate need, though they might not always thank us.
"Lord, teach me your ways."
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THE ADORNMENT OF THE SPIRITUAL MARRIAGE
by St. John of Rusybroeck (1293-1381)
And by temperance and sobriety of the outward bodily senses, a man
often preserves the health and the soundness of his natural body,
the dignity of his outward life, and a good reputation. And thus he
lives in peace with himself and with his neighbors; for by his
temperance and sobriety he draws to himself and pleases all men of
good-will. And thus he casts out the sixth mortal sin, which is
intemperance, greed or Gluttony. Of all such Christ says: Blessed
are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God;
for they are like unto the Son, Who has made peace in every
creature who desired peace. And whosoever makes peace in himself
through his temperance and sobriety shall partake with Him of the
inheritance of His Father; and shall possess it with Him in
eternity.
- Chapter 21: Of Temperance and Sobriety
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LECTIO DIVINA PROCESS
- http://heartlandspirituality.org/vocations/prayer.html
First, you choose a passage of Scripture that you will pray with.
It might be the Gospel reading used in the liturgy of the day, or
anything else you want. The process then follows these steps:
* Reading (lectio) After settling in and quieting yourself,
read the passage slowly, prayerfully. Just let it sink in for a
minute or two, then read it a second time, paying closer attention
to the words or phrases that speak to you.
* Reflecting (meditatio) What do you hear God saying to you in
this passage? What words or phrases caught your attention?
* Responding (oratio) What do you want to say to God in
response to what you've heard? Here you can also voice your prayers
of petition, remorse, thanksgiving, praise, and so forth. If you
sense God speaking to you in your thoughts, feelings or
imagination, you respond as you would in any conversation.
* Resting (contemplatio) If, at any time, you feel drawn to
simply rest in the awareness of God's loving presence, you let
yourself do so. Remain in loving silence as long as you feel
comfortable, perhaps using a simple word or phrase from the
Scripture passage to help deepen your openness to rest in God.
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