Message of 10-9-09
Published: Fri, 10/03/08
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
When we begin to believe that there is greater joy in working with
and for others, rather than just for ourselves, then our society
will truly become a place of celebration.
- Jean Vanier
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Gal 3:1-5; Luke 1:69-70, 71-72, 73-75; Lk 11:5-13
R. (68) Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his
people.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old
that he would save us from our enemies,
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
- from http://www.preacherexchange.com/daily_bread.htm
"And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you."
Jesus prayed and exhorted his disciples to do likewise. But prayer
is no magic formula for getting what we want. Rather, prayer is the
intentional shifting of our attention to God, a humble entrance
into the presence of our Maker. Prayer itself is sweet
transcendence, relief from anxiety, where we surrender all worries
and fears. In that surrender, we discern God's will for us and gain
greater clarity about what we truly need. Let us persevere in
prayer, then, ever inviting the Holy Spirit into our hearts, always
trusting God to protect, guide and bless us.
"For persistence in prayer and confidence in God's provident wisdom
and love, 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
If, likewise, in every happening you are not content simply with
outward appearances, if you do not regard with carnal eyes things
which you see and hear, but whatever be the affair, enter with
Moses
into the tabernacle to ask advice of the Lord, you will
sometimes hear
the divine answer and return instructed in many things present
and to
come. For Moses always had recourse to the tabernacle for the
solution
of doubts and questions, and fled to prayer for support in
dangers and
the evil deeds of men. So you also should take refuge in the
secret
chamber of your heart, begging earnestly for divine aid.
For this reason, as we read, Joshua and the children of Israel
were
deceived by the Gibeonites because they did not first seek
counsel of
the Lord, but trusted too much in fair words and hence were
deceived
by false piety.
-------- Bk. 3, Chapter 38
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