Message of 10-17-08
Published: Sat, 10/04/08
A Daily Spiritual Seed
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservations.
- Elton Trueblood
("I trust God. I am not afraid. What can mortals do to me?" - Ps.
56: 11)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Eph 1:11-14; Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 12-13; Lk 12:1-7
R. (12) Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
Exult, you just, in the LORD;
praise from the upright is fitting.
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;
with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.
For upright is the word of the LORD,
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.
From heaven the LORD looks down;
he sees all mankind.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
from "Praying the Daily Gospels," by Philip St. Romain:
- http://www.liguori.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=6614
- Luke 12:1-7 (Fear God alone)
People who are afraid are not free, Jesus tells us in today's
reading. 'Perfect love casts out all fear" John wrote in his
epistle. If we could eliminate from our lives the fear of death
and the fear of harsh judgments from others, we would be truly
free. If we really believe that God loves us unconditionally, this
fear will leave us.
- When do you most often experience fear and anxiety? How do you
usually handle these feelings? How can you change your thinking
concerning these occasions to diminish fear? Write out suggestions
for yourself.
- Spend some time with the verse "Do not be afraid. You are worth
more than many sparrows."
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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
As Bro. Lawrence had found such an advantage in walking in the
presence of GOD, it was natural for him to recommend it earnestly
to others; but his example was a stronger inducement than any
arguments he could propose. His very countenance was edifying; such
a sweet and calm devotion appearing in it, as could not but affect
the beholders. And it was observed, that in the greatest hurry of
business in the kitchen, he still preserved his recollection and
heavenly-mindedness. He was never hasty nor loitering, but did each
thing in its season, with an even uninterrupted composure and
tranquillity of spirit. The time of business, said he, does not
with me differ from the time of prayer; and in the noise and
clutter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time
calling for different things, I possess GOD in as great
tranquillity as if I were upon my knees at the Blessed Sacrament.
- Conversation #4
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