Message of 1-3-11
Published: Sun, 01/02/11
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
How often do we look upon God as our last and feeblest resource! We
go to Him because we have nowhere else to go. And then we learn
that the storms of life have driven us, not upon the rocks, but
into the desired haven.
- George MacDonald (1824-1905), "Annals of a Quiet Neighbourhood,
v. I"
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LECTIONARY READINGS FOR THE DAY
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
1 Jn 3:22-4:6; Ps 2:7bc-8, 10-12a; Mt 4:12-17, 23-25
R. (8ab) I will give you all the nations for an inheritance.
The LORD said to me, "You are my Son;
this day I have begotten you.
Ask of me and I will give you
the nations for an inheritance
and the ends of the earth for your possession."
And now, O kings, give heed;
take warning, you rulers of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice before him;
with trembling rejoice.
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REFLECTION ON THE GOSPEL
- from "Daily Bread"
http://www.preacherexchange.com/daily_bread.htm
"When he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee."
This comment in Matthew's Gospel shows a quality in Jesus that we
don't often consider: prudence. Jesus knew his own safety was in
danger when the authorities arrested John the Baptist. His own
ministry needed to continue before a similar situation happened to
him. He had to use his time fruitfully, and we are told he left
Nazareth and went to live by the sea so he could continue to teach
and cure the sick. At other times Jesus seems more confrontational
as he challenges the religious leaders of his day. Here we see him
exercising common sense and removing himself from needless danger.
"O Lord, protect your followers in dangerous situations as they
strive to continue your work, we pray."
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SPIRITUAL READING
The Adornment of the Spiritual Marriage
by St. John of Rusybroeck (1293-1381)
Of this sensible love is born devotion to God and to His glory. For
none can have within his heart the hunger of devotion save him who
bears within himself a sensible love of God. Where the fire of love
sends up the flames of its desire to heaven, there is devotion.
Devotion moves and draws a man, both from without and from within,
towards the service of God. Devotion makes body and soul to blossom
in nobility and worth before God and before all men. Devotion is
demanded of us by God in every service which we ought to do to Him.
Devotion purifies the body and the soul of everything that can stop
and hinder us. Devotion shows and bestows the right way at
blessedness.
- Book 2, Chapter 12: Of Devotion
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