Message of 8-17-10
Published: Sat, 08/14/10
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
The contemplative response gazes on the world with eyes of love
rather than with an arrogant, utilitarian stare. It learns to
appreciate the astonishing beauty of nature, to take delight in its
intricate and powerful workings and to stand in awe of the
never-ending mystery of life and death.
- Elizabeth Johnson CSJ, "God's Beloved Creation"
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LECTIONARY READINGS FOR THE DAY
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Ez 28:1-10; Dt 32:26-27ab, 27cd-28, 30, 35cd-36ab; Mt 19:23-30
R. (39c) It is I who deal death and give life.
"I would have said, 'I will make an end of them
and blot out their name from men's memories,'
Had I not feared the insolence of their enemies,
feared that these foes would mistakenly boast."
"'Our own hand won the victory;
the LORD had nothing to do with it.'"
For they are a people devoid of reason,
having no understanding.
"How could one man rout a thousand,
or two men put ten thousand to flight,
Unless it was because their Rock sold them
and the LORD delivered them up?"
Close at hand is the day of their disaster,
and their doom is rushing upon them!
Surely, the LORD shall do justice for his people;
on his servants he shall have pity.
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REFLECTION ON THE GOSPEL
- from http://www.dailyscripture.net/
Why is Jesus so cautious about wealth? Wealth can make us falsely
independent. The church at Laodicea was warned about their attitude
towards wealth and a false sense of security: "For you say, I am
rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing" (Revelations 3:17).
Wealth can also lead us into hurtful desires and selfishness (see 1
Timothy 6:9-10). Look at the lesson Jesus gave about the rich man
and his sons who refused to aid the poor man Lazarus (see Luke
16:19ff). They also neglected to serve God. The scriptures give us
a paradox: we lose what we keep and we gain what we give away.
Generosity will be amply repaid, both in this life and in eternity
(Proverbs 3:9-10, Luke 6:38). Jesus offers us an incomparable
treasure which no money can buy and no thief can steal. The thing
we most set our heart on is our highest treasure. Material wealth
will shackle us to this earth unless we guard our hearts and set
our treasure in God and his everlasting kingdom. Where is your
treasure?
"Lord Jesus, you have captured our hearts and opened to us the
treasures of heaven. May you always be my treasure and delight and
may nothing else keep me from giving you my all."
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SPIRITUAL READING
Notes on the Life of Christian Prayer
- on vocal prayer -
2704 Because it is external and so thoroughly human, vocal
prayer is the form of prayer most readily accessible to groups.
Even interior prayer, however, cannot neglect vocal prayer. Prayer
is internalized to the extent that we become aware of him "to whom
we speak.,,4 Thus vocal prayer becomes an initial form of
contemplative prayer. ("The Catechism of the Catholic Church," IV,
3, 1)
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