Message of 3-17-11
Published: Sun, 03/13/11
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
It is clear that he does not pray, who, far from uplifting himself
to God, requires that God shall lower Himself to him, and who
resorts to prayer not to stir oneself us to will what God wills,
but only to persuade God to will what one wills.
- Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
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LECTIONARY READINGS FOR THE DAY
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25; Ps 138:1-3, 7-8; Mt 7:7-12
R. (3a) Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple
and give thanks to your name.
Because of your kindness and your truth;
for you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
Your right hand saves me.
The LORD will complete what he has done for me;
your kindness, O LORD, endures forever;
forsake not the work of your hands.
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MEDITATION ON THE GOSPEL
- from "Daily Bread"
http://www.preacherexchange.com/daily_bread.htm
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find."
What do we seek this Lenten season? Healing for our broken spirits
and bodies? A greater awareness of the presence of Christ in our
lives? Unwavering trust in the abundant mercy of the Father?
Justice for the lowly and oppressed? Whatever we seek and wherever
our Lenten journey takes us, let's remember St. Patrick, who,
despite grave suffering, showed tremendous virtue, hope and faith.
While in captivity, he prayed constantly. He wrote, "In a single
day, I have said as many as a hundred prayers, and in the night,
nearly the same." Like St. Patrick, may we by our persistence in
prayer come to know the Light of Christ.
"Loving God, hear our prayers."
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SPIRITUAL READING
- "Imitation of Christ," by Thomas A. Kempis
- The Disciple
Oh, wonderful condescension of Your affection toward us, that You,
the Lord God, Creator and Giver of life to all, should see fit to
come to a poor soul and to appease her hunger with all Your
divinity and humanity! O happy mind and blessed soul which deserves
to receive You, her Lord God, and in receiving You, is filled with
spiritual joy! How great a Master she entertains, what a beloved
guest she receives, how sweet a companion she welcomes, how true a
friend she gains, how beautiful and noble is the spouse she
embraces, beloved and desired above all things that can be loved
and desired! Let heaven and earth and all their treasures stand
silent before Your face, most sweetly Beloved, for whatever glory
and beauty they have is of Your condescending bounty, and they
cannot approach the beauty of Your name, Whose wisdom is untold.
- Book 4, Chapter 3
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