Message of 5-26-15

Published: Tue, 05/26/15

Message of the Day

Kind Christ, you are my only hope. Come to me. Don’t be slow to visit my heart, which desperately needs your love. Fill it with divine grace. Join my mind and soul. Make them burn in You who are ﬂame without smoke always, wholly resplendent.

- Umilta of Faenza, “Sermons”

(Amen!)

Daily Readings

SIR 35:1-12; PS 50:5-8, 14 AND 23; MK 10:28-31

R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

“Gather my faithful ones before me,

those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”

And the heavens proclaim his justice;

for God himself is the judge.

“Hear, my people, and I will speak;

Israel, I will testify against you;

God, your God, am I.

Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you,

for your burnt offerings are before me always.”

“Offer to God praise as your sacrifice

and fulfill your vows to the Most High.

He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me;

and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.”

USCCB Lectionary

Reflection on the Scriptures

Both today’s Old Testament Reading and Gospel promise greater rewards if we are willing to give. I hear an evolution in the meaning of this reward as we go from Sirach to the Psalm to the Gospel of Mark.

The first reading makes the point that obedience to the law has an importance similar that of making an offering. For these actions a greater reward is promised. My sense is here earthly benefits are being promised. In the selections from the Psalm the reward is for praise and sacrifice and this reward can be understood as salvation. In the Gospel message the reward that is promised is clearly beyond this physical world.

The passage previous to today’s reading from the Gospel of Make provides the description of the interaction between a wealthy man and Jesus. The man says that he is obedient to the law and wishes to know what else is needed. Jesus asks him to give up his things in service of the poor. This is difficult for the man. Today’s New Testament reading then begins with Peter saying how he and the other disciples have given up their worldly possessions in becoming His followers.

- by Mike Cherney

Creighton Online Ministries

SPIRITUAL READING

On Spiritual Direction
- by Philip St. Romain, M.S., D. Min.
Excerpted from Handbook for Spiritual Directees

http://shalomplace.com/view/handbook.html

The Agenda in Spiritual Direction (part 1)

Some spiritual directors have a set agenda for time spent with their directees; most do not. You will usually be allowed to talk about anything you have on your mind. If your sharing seems to have nothing to do with living a spiritual life, the director will eventually try to steer the discussion in that direction by asking open questions that invite reflection and response concerning spiritual disciplines and other related matters.

Usually, the first few meetings will be spent just getting to know each other. The director will want to know all about your life. Telling your story to another in this way will help you come to know yourself better; the listening presence of the director is also a source of great healing. Because the spiritual director is not in the same role as a counselor, he or she may also choose to tell you much about his or her life and faith journey. This can help you see the director as a fellow pilgrim on the journey rather than as a guru with all the answers.

see http://shalomplace.com/direction for more info about spiritual direction.

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