Message of 2-13-15

Published: Fri, 02/13/15

Lent 2015 Spiritual Growth Resources

Eight audio presentations (mp3 format) with handouts on topics pertaining to Christian spirituality. Private discussion forum option.

- see http://shalomplace.com/inetmin/lent15.html for more information and registration options.

Message of the Day

May I be patient! It is so difficult to realise what one believes, and to make these trials, as they are intended, real blessings.
- John Henry Cardinal Newman (1801-1890)

(What trials do you struggle with these days? What blessings might come from them?)

Readings of the Day

GN 3:1-8; PS 32:1-2, 5, 6, 7; MK 7:31-37

R. Blessed are those whose sins are forgiven.

Blessed is he whose fault is taken away,

whose sin is covered.

Blessed the man to whom the LORD imputes not guilt,

in whose spirit there is no guile.

Then I acknowledged my sin to you,

my guilt I covered not.

I said, “I confess my faults to the LORD,”

and you took away the guilt of my sin.

For this shall every faithful man pray to you

in time of stress.

Though deep waters overflow,

they shall not reach him.

You are my shelter; from distress you will preserve me;

with glad cries of freedom you will ring me round.

USCCB Lectionary

Amazon Gift Cards: Good for any occasion.

Gospel Reflection

What is the significance of Jesus putting his fingers into the man’s ears? Gregory the Great, a church father from the 6th century, comments on this miracle: “The Spirit is called the finger of God. When the Lord puts his fingers into the ears of the deaf mute, he was opening the soul of man to faith through the gifts of the Holy Spirit.”

The people's response to this miracle testifies to Jesus' great care for others: He has done all things well. No problem or burden was too much for Jesus' careful consideration. The Lord treats each of us with kindness and compassion and he calls us to treat one another in like manner. The Holy Spirit who dwells within us enables us to love as Jesus loves. Do you show kindness and compassion to your neighbors and do you treat them with considerateness as Jesus did?

"Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit and inflame my heart with love and compassion. Make me attentive to the needs of others that I may show them kindness and care. Make me an instrument of your mercy and peace that I may help others find healing and wholeness in you."

DailyScripture.net

Spiritual Reading

The Way of Perfection, by Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)

Expounds these words of the Paternoster: "Fiat voluntas tua sicut in coelo et in terra." Describes how much is accomplished by those who repeat these words with full resolution and how well the Lord rewards them for it.

Now that our good Master has asked on our behalf, and has taught us ourselves to ask, for a thing so precious that it includes all we can desire on earth, and has granted us the great favour of making us His brethren, let us see what He desires us to give to His Father, and what He offers Him on our behalf, and what He asks of us, for it is right that we should render Him some service in return for such great favours. O good Jesus! Since Thou givest so little (little, that is to say, on our behalf) how canst Thou ask [so much] for us? What we give is in itself nothing at all by comparison with all that has been given us and with the greatness of Our Lord. But in truth, my Lord, Thou dost not leave us with nothing to give and we give all that we can -- I mean if we give in the spirit of these words: "Thy will be done; as in Heaven, so on earth."

- Chapter 32

(Keep in mind that she is writing to sisters in a cloistered contemplative order.)

Paperback (Kindle edition available)

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