Message of 9-1-08
Published: Sat, 08/30/08
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
"I advise you to remain simply either in God or close to God,
without trying to do anything there, and without asking anything of
Him, unless He urges it."
- St. Francois de Sales -
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
1 Cor 2:1-5; Ps 119:97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102; Lk 4:16-30
R. (97) Lord, I love your commands.
How I love your law, O LORD!
It is my meditation all the day.
Your command has made me wiser than my enemies,
for it is ever with me.
I have more understanding than all my teachers
when your decrees are my meditation.
I have more discernment than the elders,
because I observe your precepts.
From every evil way I withhold my feet,
that I may keep your words.
From your ordinances I turn not away,
for you have instructed me.
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REFLECTION ON THE SCRIPTURES
- from http://www.dailyscripture.net/
The word "gospel" literally means "good news". Isaiah had
prophesied that the Messiah would come in the power of the Holy
Spirit to bring freedom to those oppressed by sin and evil (see
Isaiah 61:1-2). Jesus came to set people free from the worst
tyranny possible - the tyranny of slavery to sin and the fear of
death, and the destruction of both body and soul. God's power alone
can save us from emptiness and poverty of spirit, from confusion
and error, and from the fear of death and hopelessness. The gospel
of salvation is "good news" for us today. Do you know the joy and
freedom of the gospel?
"Lord Jesus, you are the fulfillment of all our hopes and desires.
Your Spirit brings us grace, truth, life, and freedom. Fill me with
the joy of the gospel and inflame my heart with love and zeal for
you and for your will".
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LECTIO DIVINA PROCESS
- http://heartlandspirituality.org/vocations/prayer.html
First, you choose a passage of Scripture that you will pray with.
It might be the Gospel reading used in the liturgy of the day, or
anything else you want. The process then follows these steps:
* Reading (lectio) After settling in and quieting yourself,
read the passage slowly, prayerfully. Just let it sink in for a
minute or two, then read it a second time, paying closer attention
to the words or phrases that speak to you.
* Reflecting (meditatio) What do you hear God saying to you in
this passage? What words or phrases caught your attention?
* Responding (oratio) What do you want to say to God in
response to what you've heard? Here you can also voice your prayers
of petition, remorse, thanksgiving, praise, and so forth. If you
sense God speaking to you in your thoughts, feelings or
imagination, you respond as you would in any conversation.
* Resting (contemplatio) If, at any time, you feel drawn to
simply rest in the awareness of God's loving presence, you let
yourself do so. Remain in loving silence as long as you feel
comfortable, perhaps using a simple word or phrase from the
Scripture passage to help deepen your openness to rest in God.
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THEOLOGICAL GEMS FROM EMIL MERCH'S "THEOLOGY OF THE MYSTICAL BODY"
from http://www.innerexplorations.com/chtheomortext/theolgems.htm
Chapter 14: The Holy Spirit
416. The explanation of the Spirit's work has to be found within
the totality of Christ.
417. The Incarnation is attributed particularly to the Holy Spirit.
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