Message of 11-28-08
Published: Mon, 11/24/08
A Daily Spiritual Seed
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
To a disciple who was forever complaining about others the Master
said,
"If it is peace you want, seek to change yourself, not other people.
It is easier to protect your feet with slippers than to carpet the
whole of the earth."
- Anthony de Mello, "One Minute Wisdom"
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Rv 20:1-4, 11--21:2; Ps 84:3, 4, 5-6a and 8a; Lk 21:29-33
R. (Rev. 21:3b) Here God lives among his people.
My soul yearns and pines
for the courts of the LORD.
My heart and my flesh
cry out for the living God.
Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest
in which she puts her young-
Your altars, O LORD of hosts,
my king and my God!
Blessed they who dwell in your house!
continually they praise you.
Blessed the men whose strength you are!
They go from strength to strength.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
from "Praying the Daily Gospels," by Philip St. Romain:
- http://www.liguori.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=6614
- Luke 21:29 -33 (Parable of the fig tree)
Just as a fig tree shows signs when it is going to flower and bear
fruit, so do ordinary circumstances give hints at what is to come.
This does not mean that we ought to leave the future to itself,
withdrawing from the world in fatalistic pessimism, however.
Nothing could he farther from the Spirit of Jesus Christ
- "Never put off something that can and should he done today" is a
wise saying. Resolve to make a fresh start in whatever endeavors
you have been avoiding recently.
- Spend some time with the passage, "Heaven and earth will pass
away, but my words will not pass." Invite the Holy Spirit to deepen
your rootedness in God's love.
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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
When I thought of nothing but to end my days in these troubles
(which did not at all diminish the trust I had in GOD, and which
served only to increase my faith), I found myself changed all at
once; and my soul, which till that time was in trouble, felt a
profound inward peace, as if she were in her centre and place of
rest.
Ever since that time I walk before GOD simply, in faith, with
humility and with love; and I apply myself diligently to do nothing
and think nothing which may displease Him. I hope that when I have
done what I can, He will do with me what He pleases.
- Second letter
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