Message of 12-3-07
Published: Thu, 11/29/07
- http://tinyurl.com/2gl6ox
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
Advent is the perfect time to clear and prepare the Way. Advent is
a winter training camp for those who desire peace. By reflection
and prayer, by reading and meditation, we can make our hearts a
place where a blessing of peace would desire to abide and where the
birth of the Prince of Peace might take place.
- Edward Hays, "A Pilgrim's Almanac"
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Is 4:2-6; Ps 122:1-2, 3-4b, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9; Mt 8:5-11
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
I rejoiced because they said to me,
"We will go up to the house of the LORD."
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
May those who love you prosper!
May peace be within your walls,
prosperity in your buildings.
Because of my relatives and friends
I will say, "Peace be within you!"
Because of the house of the LORD, our God,
I will pray for your good.
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ADVENT MEDITATION
Monday, First Week in Advent
Psalm 122: 1-9
Matthew 8: 5-11
Jesus brings health and wholeness to a Gentile. For the early
Church, this incident was a reminder that the Messiah and the
graces he won for us are to he extended to all people and not just
to converts from Judaism. Jesus wants to come to everyone.
- Let your imagination re-create this gospel scene; put yourself
in the place of the centurion. See Jesus walking along the road;
watch as he notes your approach and gives you his full attention;
note his response to your requests for healing in your life and in
the lives of your loved ones.
- Make a list in your journal of the people in your life for whom
you have been called to be an incarnation of God's grace. How can
you be a better channel of grace to each of them?
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THEOLOGICAL GEMS FROM EMIL MERCH'S THEOLOGY OF THE MYSTICAL BODY
from http://www.innerexplorations.com/chtheomortext/theolgems.htm
275. All that man has ravaged in himself, in the depths of his
soul, in his psychology and his body and his universe, he must
rebuild, and he must consecrate and sacrifice all to the task.
God fashioned man because He wished to have beneficiaries of His
goodness.
The redemption is designed to give God back to man.
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LECTIO DIVINA METHOD (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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