Message of 2-2-15

Published: Mon, 02/02/15

A Daily Spiritual Seed
Monday: February 2, 2015
Message of the Day
The word “Comforter” as applied to the Holy Spirit needs to be translated by some vigorous term. Literally, it means “with strength.” Jesus promised His followers that “The Strengthener” would be with them forever. This promise is no lullaby for the faint-hearted. It is a blood transfusion for courageous living.
- E. Paul Hovey

(What do you need from "The Strengthener" this day?)
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Readings of the Day
 
MAL 3:1-4;    PS 24:7-10;    HEB 2:14-18;    LK 2:22-40

R. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!

Lift up, O gates, your lintels;
reach up, you ancient portals,
that the king of glory may come in!

Who is this king of glory?
The LORD, strong and mighty,
the LORD, mighty in battle.

Lift up, O gates, your lintels;
reach up, you ancient portals,
that the king of glory may come in!

Who is this king of glory?
The LORD of hosts; he is the king of glory.

USCCB lectionary
Reflection on the Scripture
"For my eyes have witnessed Your saving Deed displayed for all the peoples to see: a revealing Light to the Gentiles." —Luke 2:30-32

Today, throughout the world, the Church proclaims that Jesus is the Light to the nations and the Glory of Israel (Lk 2:32). However, "the Light came into the world, but men loved darkness rather than Light because their deeds were wicked" (Jn 3:19). Thus, Jesus was and is a "Sign of contradiction" for "the downfall and the rise of many in Israel" (see Lk 2:34). The message of today's feast day, the Presentation of Jesus, is highly controversial.

If we accept Jesus as our Light, we will become lights ourselves (Mt 5:14). We will be like candles, giving forth light by being consumed. Yet we are hesitant to lose our life in order to give our light. By the graces of today and tomorrow, die and shine.

Prayer:  Father, may darkness not overcome my light (see Jn 1:5).

Promise:  "He is like the refiner's fire, or like the fuller's lye. He will sit refining and purifying." —Mal 3:2-3

Praise: Alleluia! Praise Jesus, the Sign of contradiction (Lk 2:34) and risen Lord! Alleluia!

mycatholic.com

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Spiritual Reading
NOTES ON THE LIFE OF CHRISTIAN PRAYER
 
2701. Vocal prayer is an essential element of the Christian life. To his disciples, drawn by their Master's silent prayer, Jesus teaches a vocal prayer, the Our Father. He not only prayed aloud the liturgical prayers of the synagogue but, as the Gospels show, he raised his voice to express his personal prayer, from exultant blessing of the Father to the agony of Gesthemani. (Cf Mt. 11: 25-25; Mk 14: 36)
- The Catechism of the Catholic Church, IV, 3

- part 5 of 24

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, IV
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