Message of 2-5-16

Published: Fri, 02/05/16

“It is not sufficient to place yourself day under God. What matters is to be only under God: the slightest division of allegiance opens the door to daydreaming, petty conversation, petty boasting, and petty malice—all the petty satellites of the death-instinct.”
- Dag Hammarskjold, Markings -

(Beware this spirit of pettiness. Let your mind and heart be moved to God when you ﬁnd yourself drifting in this direction.)

Lenten Growth Opportunities

Lent is only a week away. What will you do during this special time of retreat for the Christian church? Here are a few options to consider:

The Dominican Genius: Integrity and Balance

Five Webinars by Carla Mae Streeter, OP

February 16, 23, 24;

March 1, 2, 2016

6:30 - 8:00 p.m. CST

Free-will donation.

For more information and registration options, click here.

Christian Prayer Methods Online Course

Specific guidance on the practice of prayer from Christianity's rich tradition on this topic.

10 presentations with handout resources and discussion option. $9.00. Work at your own pace. No expiration after registration.

Click here for course page with gift certificate and group options.

SpiritLife Online

Podcasts and handouts for all six SpiritLife courses

* Includes access to all 60 presentations, with 16 different presenters

* Special Lenten discount of $9 per course, or $40 for the entire program (all six courses)

- For discount, use coupon code: LENT2016 when registering; this code is valid only until March 26.

http://heartlandspirituality.teachable.com

Lessons in Loving: Developing Relationship Skills

Four podcasts and PDF copy of the book, Lessons in Loving, by Philip St. Romain

Topics include:

A. Relationships and Intelligence

B. Relating with oneself

C. Relating with others

D. Relating with God

Special $9.00 Lenten rate. Click here for more information and registration.

Readings of the Day

SIR 47:2-11; PS 18:31, 47 AND 50, 51; MK 6:14-29

R. Blessed be God my salvation!

God’s way is unerring,
the promise of the LORD is fire-tried;
he is a shield to all who take refuge in him.

The LORD live! And blessed be my Rock!
Extolled be God my savior.
Therefore will I proclaim you, O LORD, among the nations,
and I will sing praise to your name.

You who gave great victories to your king
and showed kindness to your anointed,
to David and his posterity forever.

USCCB Lectionary

Amazon Gift Cards: Good for any occasion.

Scripture Reflection

Mark 4: 26-34 (The mustard seed)

The kingdom of God will conquer, Jesus assures us, for God's will is sovereign. Grace reaches deeper than sin; evil will be uprooted.

* Do you believe you have made progress in your life in growing closer to Christ during the past few months? Years? How has grace transformed you?

* Do you feel hopeful about God's kingdom conquering evil? Why? Why not? How does this affect your everyday attitude?

Paperback, Kindle

Spiritual Reading

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

Treats of the great need which we have to beseech the Eternal Father to grant us what we ask in these words: “Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo.” Explains certain temptations. This chapter is noteworthy.

Always strive after humility, sisters, and try to realize that you are not worthy of these graces, and do not seek them. It is because many souls do this, I feel sure, that the devil loses them: he thinks that he has caused their ruin, but out of the evil which he has been trying to do the Lord brings good. For His Majesty regards our intention, which is to please Him and serve Him and keep near to Him in prayer, and the Lord is faithful. We shall do well to be cautious, and not to let our humility break down or to become in any way vainglorious. Entreat the Lord to deliver you from this, daughters, and you need then have no fear that His Majesty will allow you to be comforted much by anyone but Himself.

- Chapter 36

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

Paperback, Kindle

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http://www.heartlandspirituality.org/support.html

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