|
Some people experience a measure of consolation (spiritual sweetness) almost always while others only rarely. But God in his great wisdom determines what is best for each one.
- Anonymous, The Cloud of Unknowing
(How much spiritual consolation is there in your life these days? Rest in the awareness that God is with you no matter how you feel.)
|
|
|
Webinars
July 9, 2020: Covid-19 Conspiracies and the "Mark of the Beast," by
Philip St. Romain and Jerry Truex.
August 13, 2020: Can a Christian Believe in Evolution? by Philip
St. Romain
September 10, 2020: What does it Mean to be Pro-Life? by Philip
St. Romain
Book Studies
Fully Awake and Truly Alive: Spiritual Practices to Nurture Your Soul, by Rev. Jane E Vennard
Led By: Marcia Berchek and Ann Axman on Zoom
Dates: Wednesday August 5, 12,19 and 26, September 2
|
|
|
HOS 8:4-7, 11-13; Ps 115:3-4, 5-6, 7AB-8, 9-10
MT 9:32-38
A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus,
and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke.
The crowds were amazed and said,
“Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”
But the Pharisees said,
“He drives out demons by the prince of demons.”
Jesus went around to all the towns and villages,
teaching in their synagogues,
proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom,
and curing every disease and illness.
At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them
because they were troubled and abandoned,
like sheep without a shepherd.
Then he said to his disciples,
“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest.”
USCCB Lectionary
|
|
|
|
Praying the Daily Gospels: A Guide to Meditation, by Philip St. Romain,
2018 (3rd ed.)
____________
Matthew 9:32-38 (The harvest is rich)
Matthew shows Jesus healing a mute who then begins to speak. In this same reading Jesus encourages us to share his desire that people become more willing to minister to one another. Let us begin anew today.
• Do you believe there is a crisis in the Church in the area of ministry? Why? Why not?
• Do you consider yourself to be a minister?
Paperback, Kindle and eBook
|
|
|
|
|
Treatise on the Love of God, by St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
____________
BOOK I: CONTAINING A PREPARATION FOR THE WHOLE TREATISE
Chapter 16: That we have a natural affinity to love God above all things
If there could be found any men who were in the integrity of original justice in which Adam was created, though otherwise not helped by another assistance from God than that which he affords to each creature, in order that it may be able to do the actions befitting its nature, such men would not only have an inclination to love God above all things but
even naturally would be able to put into execution so just an inclination. For as this heavenly author and master of nature co-operates with and lends his strong hand to fire to spring on high, to water to flow towards the sea, to earth to sink down to its centre and stay there--so having himself planted in man's heart a special natural inclination not only to love good in general but to love in particular and above all things his divine goodness which is better and sweeter than all things--the
sweetness of his sovereign providence required that he should contribute to these blessed men of whom we speak as much help as should be necessary to practise and effectuate that inclination. This help would be on the one hand natural, as being suitable to nature, and tending to the love of God as author and sovereign master of nature, and on the other hand it would be supernatural, because it would correspond not with the simple nature of man, but with nature adorned, enriched and honoured by
original justice, which is a supernatural quality proceeding from a most special favour of God. But as to the love above all things which such help would enable these men to practise, it would be called natural, because virtuous actions take their names from their objects and motives, and this love of which we speak would only tend to God as acknowledged to be author, lord and sovereign of every creature by natural light only, and consequent
|
|
|
|
|
