Message of 3-14-11
Published: Sun, 03/13/11
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
God's care is more evident in some instances of [His providence]
than in others to the dim and often bewildered vision of humanity.
Upon such instances we seize and call them providences. It is well
that we can; but it would be gloriously better if we could believe
that the whole matter is one grand providence.
- George MacDonald (1824-1905), "Annals of a Quiet Neighbourhood,
v. I"
(How do you recognize God's providence at work in the large
patterns and movements of your life? In the small things?)
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LECTIONARY READINGS FOR THE DAY
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Lv 19:1-2, 11-18; Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15; Mt 25:31-46
R. (John 6:63b) Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart.
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.
Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart
find favor before you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
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REFLECTION ON THE GOSPEL
- from "Daily Bread"
http://www.preacherexchange.com/daily_bread.htm
"Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least
brothers of mine, you did for me."
During Lent we focus on living temperately. We look for areas in
our lives to cut back: sweets, entertainment, luxuries. In
addition to examining our excesses, it's a fitting time to look at
the meanness of the lives of so many of our brothers and sisters.
Instead of simply denying ourselves, why not go a step further?
Give up a hot meal and provide one for the poor or marginalized.
Forgo a new item of clothing to provide a warm coat for someone in
need. In all we say and do in our Lenten sacrifice, we must
remember it's a luxury to be able to choose to cut back. We must
ask for guidance so that our daily choices are mindful of the
dignity and value of the least among us.
"For the grace to see the face of Christ in the least of our
brothers and sisters, we pray."
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SPIRITUAL READING
The Adornment of the Spiritual Marriage
by St. John of Rusybroeck (1293-1381)
You should watch the wise bee and do as it does. It dwells in
unity, in the congregation of its fellows, and goes forth, not in
the storm, but in calm and still weather, in the sunshine, towards
all those flowers in which sweetness may be found. It does not rest
on any flower, neither on any beauty nor on any sweetness; but it
draws from them honey and wax, that is to say, sweetness and
light-giving matter, and brings both to the unity of the hive, that
therewith it may produce fruits, and be greatly profitable. Christ,
the Eternal Sun, shining into the open heart, causes that heart to
grow and to bloom, and it overflows with all the inward powers with
joy and sweetness.
So the wise man will do like the bee, and he will fly forth with
attention and with reason and with discretion, towards all those
gifts and towards all that sweetness which he has ever experienced,
and towards all the good which God has ever done to him. And in the
light of love and with inward observation, he will taste of the
multitude of consolations and good things; and will not rest upon
any flower of the gifts of God, but, laden with gratitude and
praise, will fly back into the unity, wherein he wishes to rest and
to dwell eternally with God.
- Chapter 21: A similitude on how one should conduct oneself
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