Weekend Edition - A Daily Spiritual Seed
Published: Fri, 07/30/10
- readings, teachings, references and reviews -
Contents:
- Ad - Amazon.com gift cards
- Spiritual Growth Resource of the Month
- Weekend Readings
- Theology Note of the Week
- Saint of the Week
- Book of the Week
- Shalom Place Discussion Board
- Personal Spiritual Guidance
- Affiliate Web Sites
- Website of the Week
- Joke of the Week
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Amazon.com gift cards
- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00067L6TQ/?tag=christianspiritu
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SPIRITUAL GROWTH RESOURCE OF THE MONTH
"Jesus Alive in Our Lives," 2nd Edition. Lulu Press, 2010. 158
pages.
- by Philip St. Romain
http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/jesus-alive-in-our-lives/11780728
- Preview online
This work bundles together three related works previously published
for different purposes.
Part One - "The Meaning of the Resurrection," examines the
evidence for the Resurrection and then treats its implications for
the life of the believer.
Part Two - "Encountering the Risen Christ," reflects on meeting
the risen Christ in his four modes of presence to us:
personal/historical, communal, sacramental and cosmic.
Part Three - "The Gift of the Spirit," notes the decisive role
of the Holy Spirit in the lives of early Christian believers, and
in our own as well. The theme running through these three parts is
that Jesus of Nazareth is risen, and that we can come to know him
and give evidence of his life and love in our own as well.
(Use coupon code BEACHREAD305 for 15% discount until August 15th.
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WEEKEND READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Saturday: Jer 26:11-16, 24; Ps 69:15-16, 30-31, 33-34; Mt
14:1-12
Sunday: Ecc 1:2; 2:21-23; Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17;
Col 3:1-5, 9-11; Lk 12:13-21
R. (1) If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
You turn man back to dust,
saying, "Return, O children of men."
For a thousand years in your sight
are as yesterday, now that it is past,
or as a watch of the night.
You make an end of them in their sleep;
the next morning they are like the changing grass,
Which at dawn springs up anew,
but by evening wilts and fades.
Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain wisdom of heart.
Return, O LORD! How long?
Have pity on your servants!
Fill us at daybreak with your kindness,
that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.
And may the gracious care of the LORD our God be ours;
prosper the work of our hands for us!
Prosper the work of our hands!
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THEOLOGY NOTE OF THE WEEK
- Grace
Grace is unmerited favor. It is God's free action for the benefit
of His people. It is different than Justice and Mercy. Justice is
getting what we deserve. Mercy is not getting what we deserve.
Grace is getting what we do not deserve. In grace we get eternal
life, something that, quite obviously, we do not deserve. But
because of God's love and kindness manifested in Jesus on the
Cross, we receive the great blessing of redemption.
Grace is God's riches At Christ's expense. Grace rules out all
human merit. It is the product of God that is given by God, because
of who He is not because of who we are. It is the means of our
salvation (Eph. 2:8-9). We are no longer under the Law, but under
grace (Rom. 6:14). (See 1 Cor. 15:11; Rom. 5:2, 15-20; 2 Cor. 12:9;
and 2 Cor. 9:8).
- http://www.carm.org/g
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SAINT OF THE WEEK
- St. Jean Vianney (1786-1859) - August 4
A man with vision overcomes obstacles and performs deeds that seem
impossible. John Vianney was a man with vision: He wanted to become
a priest. But he had to overcome his meager formal schooling, which
inadequately prepared him for seminary studies.
His failure to comprehend Latin lectures forced him to discontinue.
But his vision of being a priest urged him to seek private
tutoring. After a lengthy battle with the books, John was ordained.
Situations calling for "impossible" deeds followed him everywhere.
As pastor of the parish at Ars, John encountered people who were
indifferent and quite comfortable with their style of living. His
vision led him through severe fasts and short nights of sleep.
(Some devils can only be cast out by prayer and fasting.)
With Catherine Lassagne and Benedicta Lardet, he established La
Providence, a home for girls. Only a man of vision could have such
trust that God would provide for the spiritual and material needs
of all those who came to make La Providence their home.
His work as a confessor is John Vianney's most remarkable
accomplishment. In the winter months he was to spend 11 to 12 hours
daily reconciling people with God. In the summer months this time
was increased to 16 hours. Unless a man was dedicated to his vision
of a priestly vocation, he could not have endured this giving of
self day after day.
Many people look forward to retirement and taking it easy, doing
the things they always wanted to do but never had the time. But
John Vianney had no thoughts of retirement. As his fame spread,
more hours were consumed in serving God's people. Even the few
hours he would allow himself for sleep were disturbed frequently by
the devil.
Who, but a man with vision, could keep going with ever-increasing
strength? In 1929, Pope Pius XI named him the patron of parish
priests worldwide.
- http://www.americancatholic.org/features/saints/saint.aspx?id=1097
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BOOK OF THE WEEK
"Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening," by Cynthia Bourgeault.
-
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1561012629/ref=noism/christianspiritu/
Practitioners of Centering Prayer are known for the great
enthusiasm they bring to the practice of this ancient discipline.
Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening is a complete guidebook for
all who wish to know the practice of Centering Prayer. Cynthia
Bourgeault goes further than offering an introduction, however. She
examines how the practice is related to the classic tradition of
Christian contemplation, looks at the distinct nuances of its
method, and explores its revolutionary potential to transform
Christian life. The book encourages dialogue between Centering
Prayer enthusiasts and those classic institutions of Christian
nurture--churches, seminaries, and schools of theology--that have
yet to accept real ownership of the practice and its potential.
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As Amazon.com affiliate, we are paid a small fee for purchases
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http://shalomplace.com/books/index.html
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- PERSONAL SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE -
Need a companion for the spiritual journey? We have several
wonderful people ready to help, using email and telephone
conferences to bridge the miles.
- Now providing -
Consultations: this option is best for short-term guidance
pertaining to a specific issue.
Spiritual Direction: ongoing relationship with a spiritual director
to become more attuned to God's presence in all of life.
See http://shalomplace.com/direction/
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SHALOM PLACE DISCUSSION BOARDS
A variety of topics are under discussion.
- http://shalomplace.org/eve/forums
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AFFILIATE WEB SITES (please give them a visit)
Kyrie Places of Pilgrimmage and Renewal.
http://www.kyrie.com/places/index.htm
Contemplative Rudder: "In the midst of Consecrated Silence
atmospherics ... a Rudder!
http://www.contemplativerudder.com/
Inner Explorations: a vast array of spirituality resources for the
mature Christian.
http://innerexplorations.com
The Sanctuary Foundation for Prayer: resources for spiritual growth.
http://fromholyground.org/index.htm
Institute for Women's Spiritual Dynamics: holistic, flexible,
sensible Christian spirituality for women.
http://www.womensspiritualdynamics.com/
SeeScapes. Picturing the deeper dimensions of our spirituality.
http://www.seescapes.com
Temenos Catholic Worker: support for homeless youth in Polk Street
neighborhood, San Francisco
http://www.temenos.org/
Contemplative Ministries of the Pacific Northwest: teaching and
support on contemplative practice
http://www.prayeroftheheart.com
Heartland Center for Spirituality: retreat center in central
Kansas..
http://heartlandspirituality.org/index.html
Emanuella House of Prayer: a place for prayer and silence in
British Columbia
http://members.axion.net/~massf/
Serenity of the Mind: supportint those who served and who suffer
from PTSD.
http://serenityofthemind.com/default.html
The Ark: Providing a variety of scripture and lectionary study
resources.
http://www.theark1.com
(Reach other people who have a similar interest in Christian
spirituality. Simply publish a link to Daily Spiritual Seed--
http://shalomplace.com/seed --on a prominent place on your web site
and we will reciprocate with a weekly link to your site in the
newsletter. Contact the Editor when you're ready to begin.)
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WEB SITE OF THE WEEK
NASA
- http://www.nasa.gov/
A marvelous web site providing a wealth of information concerning
the various explorations underway by NASA. There are so many good
sub-sections on this site that it's difficult to recommend one, but
you might try the link on the right to the Universe, or the Videos
link, which will take you to a page with many options.
If it's too hot outside to do anything and you're looking for a
fun, educational break, this is a good site to visit.
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JOKE OF THE WEEK
- Zen Sarcasm
1. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.
2. Some days you're the bug, some days you're the windshield.
3. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
4. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and
put back in your pocket.
5. A closed mouth gathers no foot.
6. Duct tape is like 'The Force'. It has a light side and a dark
side, and it holds the universe together.
7. There are two theories to arguing with a women - Neither one
works.
8. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are
moving.
9. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need
it.
10. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a
laxative on the same night.
(Thanks, Jeannie!)
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