Message of 12-16-08
Published: Wed, 12/10/08
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
Instead of looking for love, give it; constantly renew it in
yourself and you will always feel its presence within you. It will
always be there smiling at you, gazing on you kindly.
Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Zep 3:1-2, 9-13; Ps 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19 and 23; Mt 21:28-32
R. (7a) The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.
The LORD confronts the evildoers,
to destroy remembrance of them from the earth.
When the just cry out, the LORD hears them,
and from all their distress he rescues them.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
The LORD redeems the lives of his servants;
no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
- from http://www.dailyscripture.net/
(In today's Gospel) Jesus makes his point clear: Good intentions
are not enough. And promises don't count unless they are performed.
God wants to change our hearts so that we will show by our speech
and by our actions that we respect his will and do it. God offers
each of us the greatest treasure possible - unending peace, joy,
happiness, and life with him in his kingdom. We can lose that
treasure if we refuse the grace God offers us to follow in his way
of truth and righteousness. Do you respect the will of your Father
in heaven?
"Lord Jesus, change my heart that I may only desire that which is
pleasing to you. Help me to respect your will and give me the
strength, joy and perseverance to carry it out wholeheartedly."
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PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE (Ignatian Method)
A. Preparation: acts of faith and reverence in the presence of God;
asking grace of a good meditation; petition for specific graces
sought in meditation.
B. Reading the Scriptures slowly, prayerfully.
C. Exercise of the memory, imagination, and intellect:
consideration of the material.. What practical applications are
suggested?
D. Expression of feelings and sentiments awakened in meditation.
Conversation with God.
E. Exercise of will and imagination in making resolutions. Prayer
for grace to fulfill resolutions.
F. Vocal prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, other prayers).
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NOTES FROM A CLASSICAL WORK
"Sayings of Light and Love," by St. John of the Cross (jottings
from his notebooks)
91. Be hostile to admitting into your soul things that of
themselves have no spiritual substance, lest they make you lose
your liking for devotion and recollection.
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