Message of 12-13-10
Published: Sat, 12/11/10
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
One of the essential paradoxes of Advent: that while we wait for
God, we are with God all along, that while we need to be reassured
of God's arrival, or the arrival of our homecoming, we are already
at home. While we wait, we have to trust, to have faith, but it is
God's grace that gives us that faith. As with all spiritual
knowledge, two things are true, and equally true, at once. The mind
can't grasp paradox; it is the knowledge of the soul.
- Michelle Blake, "The Tentmaker"
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LECTIONARY READINGS FOR THE DAY
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a; Ps 25:4-5ab, 6 and 7bc, 8-9; Mt 21:23-27
R. (4) Teach me your ways, O Lord.
Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;
teach me your paths,
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior.
Remember that your compassion, O LORD,
and your kindness are from of old.
In your kindness remember me,
because of your goodness, O LORD.
Good and upright is the LORD;
thus he shows sinners the way.
He guides the humble to justice,
he teaches the humble his way.
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REFLECTION ON THE GOSPEL
- from "Daily Bread"
http://www.preacherexchange.com/daily_bread.htm
"By what authority are you doing these things?"
The chief priests question Jesus in order to entrap him. Although
Jesus leaves the question hanging, we clearly see the answer by his
actions: the blind see; the lame walk; people's lives are
dramatically changed just by interacting with him. Jesus challenges
us to follow his lead and act instead of letting skepticism hold us
back. This passage also raises an interesting question about
authority. The chief priests believe they are the established
religious authority with power to condemn those whom they believe
are "unworthy." Jesus ministers to those the chief priests would
scorn, caring for the powerless, the sick, the forsaken, even tax
collectors and women.
"O Lord, help us always to see the higher authority and follow it."
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SPIRITUAL READING
The Adornment of the Spiritual Marriage
by St. John of Rusybroeck (1293-1381)
Of this ardour there springs unity of heart; for we cannot achieve
true unity unless the Spirit of God blows to a flame His fire in
our hearts. For this fire makes one with itself and like to itself
all that it can master and re-shape.
Unity is this: that a man feel himself to be gathered together with
all his powers in the unity of his heart. Unity brings inward peace
and restfulness of heart. Unity of heart is a bond which draws
together body and soul, heart and senses, and all the outward and
inward powers and encloses them in the union of love.
- Book 2, Chapter 9: On the unity of the heart
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