Message of 8-7-08
Published: Sat, 08/02/08
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
We plant seeds that will flower as results in our lives, so best to
remove the weeds of anger, avarice, envy and doubt, that peace and
abundance may manifest for all.
- Dorothy Day
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Jer 31:31-34; Ps 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19; Mt 16:13-23
R. (12a) Create a clean heart in me, O God.
A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
Give me back the joy of your salvation,
and a willing spirit sustain in me.
I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners shall return to you.
For you are not pleased with sacrifices;
should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it.
My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
- from "Daily Bread"
http://www.preacherexchange.com/daily_bread.htm
"I will forgive their evildoing and remember their sin no more."
God is so eager to forgive us and welcome us back with open arms!
It is always "an acceptable time" for repentance. If I have not
taken stock of my spiritual state or have not availed myself of the
Lord's unconditional mercy in the sacrament of reconciliation for a
while, today would be a good time. The Lord wants to remove every
barrier that keeps us from forgiveness and spiritual peace. Lord,
grant me your grace so that every barrier that separates me from
you or from my brothers and sisters may be removed.
"May your law of love be written on my heart and be evident in my
life."
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PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE (Carmelite Method)
A. Introduction: settling in, relaxing in awareness of God's
presence.
B. Reading the text slowly, prayerfully.
C. Meditation: imaginative representation of the material; reflection
on the meaning of the material and its application to one's life.
D. Affective prayer: conversation with God, attentive to sharing
feelings awakened in meditation. Prayer of petition, thanksgiving,
remorse.
E. Resting in God in silent loving awareness, if moved to do so.
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NOTES FROM A CLASSICAL WORK
- "Imitation of Christ," by Thomas A. Kempis
The Voice of Christ
. . . it is impossible to satisfy all people. Although Paul
tried to
please all in the Lord, and became all things to all, yet he made
little of their opinions. He labored abundantly for the
edification
and salvation of others, as much as lay in him and as much as he
could, but he could not escape being sometimes judged and
despised by
others. Therefore, he committed all to God Who knows all things,
and
defended himself by his patience and humility against the
tongues of
those who spoke unjustly or thought foolish things and lies, or
made
accusations against him. Sometimes, indeed, he did answer them,
but
only lest his silence scandalize the weak.
-------- Bk. 3, Chapter 36
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