Message of 8-21-08
Published: Sat, 08/16/08
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
"I see Paradise has no gate, but whosoever will may enter therein,
for God is all mercy and stands with open arms to admit us to His
glory. But still I see that the Being of God is so pure (far more
than one can imagine) that should a soul see in itself even the
least mote of imperfection, it would rather cast itself into a
thousand hells than go with that spot into the presence of the
Divine Majesty."
- St. Catherine of Genoa -
(What "motes of imperfection" have you been aware of lately? Are
you entirely ready to let go of them? Humbly ask God to remove
these shortcomings. [Steps 6 and 7 of recovery programs]).
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Ez 36:23-28; Ps 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19; Mt 22:1-14
R. (Ezekiel 36:25) I will pour clean water on you and wash away all
your sins.
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
"Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast
whomever you find."
If there is any consolation for the last kid picked, this is it.
Those who actually share in the banquet are not on the original
guest list. They simply are available and willing to accept the
invitation; as such, they get to partake in an amazing feast. We
may not think that we're extraordinary or important, but those are
not necessarily the qualities that the Lord seeks. A ready and
willing spirit will suffice. We need to be open to the Lord's call
and gracious in our acceptance.
"That we may be ready to acknowledge the Lord's invitation, we pray."
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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
If it seems, then, that you are worsted and that you suffer
undeserved
shame, do not repine over it and do not lessen your crown by
impatience. Look instead to heaven, to Me, Who have power to
deliver
you from all disgrace and injury, and to render to everyone
according
to his works.
-------- Bk. 3, Chapter 36
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