|
|
"How many there must be who have smothered the first sparks of contemplation by piling wood on the fire before it was well lit."
- Thomas Merton [20th C], Seeds of Contemplation -
"Meditation tends to contemplation, as means to an end. So when the end is attained, the means are laid aside; people rest at the end of a journey; thus, when the state of contemplation has been attained, meditation must cease."
- St. John of the Cross [16th C], Spiritual Maxims, 242
(Be alert for times to simply rest in God's presence. Put aside your prayer book, bible, and any other inducement to mental activity when these times come.)
|
|
1 COR 2:10B-16; PS 145:8-14; LK 4:31-37
R. The Lord is just in all his ways.
The LORD is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and of great kindness.
The LORD is good to all
and compassionate toward all his works.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom
and
speak of your might.
Making known to men your might
and the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Your Kingdom is a Kingdom for all ages,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
The LORD is faithful in all his words
and holy in all his works.
The LORD lifts up all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.
USCCB Lectionary
|
Reflection on the Scriptures |
While reflecting on today's readings, "and news of him spread everywhere in the surrounding region" kept springing up in my mind. What were the various ways news was spread? What was said? What were people's
reactions? I think about our current methods of spreading news such as blogging, Facebook and Twitter, just to name a few, and these methods disseminate news quickly. And with the amount of news, we have become overloaded with news. At least I have. There are times when I completely try to step back from all news, but that doesn't last long. News is everywhere!
How does the news of Jesus
continue to spread today? How accurate is this news? We are told that people were astonished at Jesus' teaching because he spoke with authority. Jesus had such authority and power that demons not only listened to him but they did what he said. Do I recognize Jesus' authority? Do I not only listen to him but do what he says? Do I believe and live as though he is the Holy One of God?
- by Jan Schnack
Creighton Online Ministries
|
|
Selected Quotes from the Writings of St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179)
O Holy Wisdom, Soaring Power,
encompass us with wings unfurled,
and carry us,
encircling all,
above, below,
and
through the world.
--O Holy Spirit, Root of Life
|
|
|
