Message of 3-8-11
Published: Sat, 03/05/11
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
One of the marks of spiritual maturity is the quiet confidence that
God is in control - without the need to understand why He does what
He does.
- Anonymous
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LECTIONARY READINGS FOR THE DAY
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Tb 2:9-14; Ps 112:1-2, 7-8, 9; Mk 12:13-17
R. (see 7c) The heart of the just one is firm, trusting in the Lord.
Blessed the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commands.
His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;
the upright generation shall be blessed.
An evil report he shall not fear;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear
till he looks down upon his foes.
Lavishly he gives to the poor;
his generosity shall endure forever;
his horn shall be exalted in glory.
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REFLECTION ON THE GOSPEL
- from http://www.dailyscripture.net/
Coinage in the ancient world had significant political power.
Rulers issued coins with their own image and inscription on them.
In a certain sense the coin was regarded as the personal property
of the ruler. Where the coin was valid the ruler held political
sway over the people. Since the Jews used the Roman currency,
Jesus explained that what belonged to Caesar must be given to
Caesar.
This story has another deeper meaning as well. We, too, have been
stamped with God's image since we are created in his own likeness
(Genesis 1:26-27). We rightfully belong, not to ourselves, but to
God who created us and redeemed us in the precious blood of his
Son, our Lord Jesus Christ (see 1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Paul the
Apostle says that we are to present our bodies as a living
sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1). Do you acknowledge that your life
belongs to God and not to yourself? And do you give to God what
rightfully belongs to Him?
"Lord, because you have made me, I owe you the whole of my love;
because you have redeemed me, I owe you the whole of myself;
because you have promised so much, I owe you all my being.
Moreover, I owe you as much more love than myself as you are
greater than I, for whom you gave yourself and to whom you promised
yourself. I pray you, Lord, make me taste by love what I taste by
knowledge; let me know by love what I know by understanding. I owe
you more than my whole self, but I have no more, and by myself I
cannot render the whole of it to you. Draw me to you, Lord, in the
fullness of love. I am wholly yours by creation; make me all
yours, too, in love." (prayer of Anselm, 1033-1109)
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SPIRITUAL READING
"The Way of Perfection"
- by Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
(Continues the subject begun in the first chapter and persuades the
sisters to busy themselves constantly in beseeching God to help
those who work for the Church. Ends with an exclamatory prayer.)
Do not think that offering this petition continually is useless.
Some people think it a hardship not to be praying all the time for
their own souls. Yet what better prayer could there be than this?
You may be worried because you think it will do nothing to lessen
your pains in Purgatory, but actually praying in this way will
relieve you of some of them and anything else that is left -- well,
let it remain. After all, what does it matter if I am in Purgatory
until the Day of Judgment provided a single soul should be saved
through my prayer? And how much less does it matter if many souls
profit by it and the Lord is honoured! Make no account of any pain
which has an end if by means of it any greater service can be
rendered to Him Who bore such pains for us. Always try to find out
wherein lies the greatest perfection. And for the love of the Lord
I beg you to beseech His Majesty to hear us in this; I, miserable
creature though I am, beseech this of His Majesty, since it is for
His glory and the good of His Church, which are my only wishes.
- Chapter 3
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