Message of 10-10-08
Published: Fri, 10/03/08
A Daily Spiritual Seed
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
"The mind weighs and measures but it is the spirit that
reaches the heart of life and embraces the secret; and the seed of
the spirit is deathless.
"The wind may blow and then cease, and the sea shall swell and
then weary, but the heart of life is a sphere quiet and serene, and
the star (Christ) that shines therein is fixed for evermore."
- Kahlil Gibran, "Jesus, the Son of Man" -
(Christ's quiet, loving presence within! Learn to rest in his
peace!)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Gal 3:7-14; Ps 111:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6; Lk 11:15-26
R. (5) The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart
in the company and assembly of the just.
Great are the works of the LORD,
exquisite in all their delights.
Majesty and glory are his work,
and his justice endures forever.
He has won renown for his wondrous deeds;
gracious and merciful is the LORD.
He has given food to those who fear him;
he will forever be mindful of his covenant.
He has made known to his people the power of his works,
giving them the inheritance of the nations.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
from "Praying the Daily Gospels," by Philip St. Romain:
- http://www.liguori.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=6614
- Luke 11:15-26 (Jesus and Beelzebul)
To discredit Jesus' ministry, some people begin accusing him of
doing the work of Satan. Jesus not only counters the
contradictions apparent in such accusations but also states that
people who are not with him are working against him. There is
really no middle ground in life upon which a person may claim
neutrality toward God.
- Looking back over the events of the past several days, do you see
yourself moving toward or away from God? Explain.
- What kind of "unclean spirit" has been troubling you lately? How
can you displace it with love? Make a plan and pray for the grace
to carry out your resolve.
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PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE (Benedictine Approach)
1. Relax. Settle in. Be aware that God is here, now, loving you.
2. Read a short passage of Scripture as though God were speaking
directly to you in it.
3. Choose a phrase from the passage that strikes you and repeat it
slowly, prayerfully, non-analytically.
4. When your heart is full, express to God the needs and sentiments
awakened by your meditation. When you're done, read another passage
and repeat steps 3 and 4.
5. If, at any time, you feel moved to simply be present to God in
loving silence, put the Scripture aside and rest in God.
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NOTES FROM A CLASSICAL WORK
- "The Practice of the Presence of God," by Brother Lawrence
Brother Lawrence explained:
When he had finished, he examined himself how he had discharged his
duty; if he found well, he returned thanks to GOD; if otherwise, he
asked pardon; and without being discouraged, he set his mind right
again, and continued his exercise of the presence of GOD, as if he
had never deviated from it. Thus, said he, by rising after my
falls, and by frequently renewed acts of faith and love, I am come
to a state, wherein it would be as difficult for me not to think of
GOD, as it was at first to accustom myself to it.
- Fourth conversation
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