Message of 9-15-08
Published: Sun, 09/14/08
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
"Because the Holy Spirit is given to us, God transforms the human
spirit, making it receptive to God's Love, the Holy Spirit. Then,
possessing God's own Love and so loving with divine Love, the human
advances in authenticity and so in holiness.
- Daniel Helmeniak, "Spiritual Development" -
(Sanctification (aka "theosis") -- what the Holy Spirit effects in
us. Say "yes" to this process this day.)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
1 Cor 11:17-26, 33; Ps 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 17; Jn 19:25-27
R. (1 Cor 11:26b) Proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes
again.
Sacrifice or oblation you wished not,
but ears open to obedience you gave me.
Burnt offerings or sin offerings you sought not;
then said I, "Behold I come."
"In the written scroll it is prescribed for me,
To do your will, O my God, is my delight,
and your law is within my heart!"
R. Proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes again.
I announced your justice in the vast assembly;
I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know.
May all who seek you
exult and be glad in you
And may those who love your salvation
say ever, "The LORD be glorified."
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REFLECTION ON THE SCRIPTURES
- from "Daily Bread"
http://www.preacherexchange.com/daily_bread.htm
"... and you yourself a sword will pierce."
Few pains are felt more acutely than those of a mother for her
suffering child -- worse yet when those trials seem undeserved or
even cruel. Mary's greatest joys and comforts were seldom without
the accompaniment of sorrow or pain. She was blessed and honored to
bear the Christ, but with that distinction she faced scandal,
persecution and heartache. We try to identify with Mary in her
nurturing role and in her faith, but it is easier to feel akin to
her in our times of affliction. We call to her in our sorrows, for
we know the depth of her compassion and love. She suffered more
than we can ever fathom, yet she accepted the Father's will in
moments of grace and tribulation. May we have the strength to do
the same.
"For the grace to face our trials with faith, we pray."
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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
418. -- In creating the world the first time, He gave existence to
things; but the second time, He places His own existence in it. And
this loving action that proceeds from the Father through the Son to
the Spirit is so eminently a work of love that it is attributed to
the Spirit.
-- The Holy Spirit - is holiness, love, a kiss, a gift, union,
consummation, and perfection.
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