Message of 1-14-10
Published: Mon, 01/10/11
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
Many people not only lose the benefit, but are even the worse for
their mortifications [i.e., sacrifices, abstensions],...because
they mistake the whole nature and worth of them: they practice them
for their own sakes, as things good in themselves, they think them
to be real parts of holiness, and so rest in them and look no
further, but grow full of a self-esteem and self-admiration for
their own progress in them. This makes them self-sufficient,
morose, severe judges of all those that fall short of their
mortifications. And thus their self-denials do only that for them
which indulgences do for other people: they withstand and hinder
the operation of God upon their souls, and instead of being really
self-denials, they strengthen and keep up the kingdom of self.
- William Law
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LECTIONARY READINGS FOR THE DAY
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Heb 4:1-5, 11; Ps 78:3 and 4bc, 6c-7, 8; 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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MEDITATION ON THE SCRIPTURES
- from
http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
Within the Church, we sometimes lose sight of what is going on
around us and we forget that it is our mission to be witnesses of
the Good News. Instead, we sometimes overlook the human suffering
around us. We forget Christ's preferential option for the
marginalized and suffering. None will deny that it is important to
focus on Christ and be united in faith when we gather for religious
services and pray together. The reading from the letter to the
Hebrews makes this very clear: "But the word that they heard did
not profit them, for they were not united in faith with those who
listened." However, it is also important to put our eyes on the
world around us: listening to Christ and being united in faith with
each other should sharpen our eyes to see the human suffering
around us, to increase our desire to alleviate it, and to commit
ourselves to serve the marginalized in our society and globally.
Let us look at our world today with open eyes and an open heart for
those who need our support.
- by Alex Rödlach
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SPIRITUAL READING
- Fenelon's "Maxims of the Saints"
The way of holiness is wonderful, but it is not miraculous. Those
in it, walk by simple faith alone. And perhaps there is nothing
more remarkable nor wonderful in it, than that a result so great
should be produced by a principle so simple.
When persons have arrived at the state of divine union, so that, in
accordance with the prayer of the Saviour, they are made one with
Christ in God, they no longer seem to put forth distinct inward
acts, but their state appears to be characterized by a deep and
Divine repose.
The continuous act is the act of faith, which brings into moral and
religious union with the Divine nature; faith which, through the
plenitude of Divine grace, is kept firm, unbroken.
- Artilce 29
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