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To give heart and mind to God, so that they are ours no longer -- to do good without being conscious of it, to pray ceaselessly and without effort as we breathe -- to love without stopping to reflect upon our feelings -- such is the perfect forgetfulness of self, which casts us upon God, as a babe rests
upon its mother's breast.
- J. N. Grou
(Let your life be "cast upon God" this day that you might communicate God's loving presence in all that you
do.)
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NM 24:2-7, 15-17; PS 25:4--9; MT 21:23-27
R. Teach me your ways, O Lord.
Your ways, O LORD, make known to me; teach me your paths, Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior.
Remember that your
compassion, O LORD, and your kindness are from of old. In your kindness remember me, because of your goodness, O LORD.
Good and upright is the LORD; thus he shows sinners the way. He guides the humble to justice, he teaches the humble his
way.
USCCB lectionary
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Reflection on the Scripture |
"I too will ask a question." –Matthew 21:24
Sometimes we pray and talk to God,
even questioning Him, but He doesn't seem to answer. We wonder if He's even listening. One reason for this is mentioned in today's Gospel reading. The chief priests and elders asked Jesus two questions (Mt 21:23). Jesus replied that He would not answer their questions until they answered His (Mt 21:24). "Their answer to Jesus was, 'We do not know.' He said in turn, 'Then neither will I tell you on what authority I do the things I do' " (Mt 21:27).
Jesus loves to ask questions such as: "Who do you say that I am?" (Mt 16:15) "Do you love Me?" (Jn 21:17) "Where are you?" (Gn 3:9) "Do you want to leave Me too?" (Jn 6:67) "Do you really believe?" (Jn 16:31) "What are you looking for?" (Jn 1:38) "Are you confident I can do this?" (Mt 9:28) Will you repent and forgive? Do you love Me with all
your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength? (see Mt 22:37) The Lord has many other questions for us.
Jesus is asking you a question. Don't say: "I don't know" (see Mt 21:27). Answer Him in love.
PRAYER: Father, may Jesus get His questions answered this Advent.
PROMISE: "A Star shall advance from Jacob, and a Staff shall rise from Israel." –Nm
24:17
mycatholic.com
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A Christian Understanding of the Soul, by Philip St. Romain - from Caring for the Self, Caring for the
Soul
8. Asceticism and the Spiritual Soul
Certain ascetical practices (fasting, yoga, certain forms of meditation, etc.) can loosen the hold of the soul on the physical body so that it may experience its spiritual nature somewhat directly. In this state, the soul may realize its connection with God as the giver of existence and so obtain a kind of natural, non-personal union with God. In this state, too, the soul may sometimes
communicate with angelic, demonic, and/or disembodied spirits, who may in turn communicate to the physical realm through the embodied faculties of the spiritual soul. This is the basis for channeling (necromancy) and spiritualism, both of which are condemned by the Church, since it is possible that malevolent or mischievous spirits could be involved in such communications. This may also explain some of the dynamics of demonic possession. When exploring the inner realm, it is
best to pray for the guidance and protection of the Holy Spirit.
The partly body-free soul may also explain manifestations of extrasensory preternatural powers. Such powers need not be attributed to angels, demons, or disembodied spirits but may belong to the higher powers of the human soul itself.
Generally, these powers lie dormant in the unconscious or super-conscious mind. In the partly body-free state, however, they may manifest in certain individuals. This explanation accounts for the unpredictability of these gifts and the inability of the person to produce them at will.
Pdf eBook
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