December 5, 2007
Published: Thu, 11/29/07
SHALOM PLACE PREMIUM GROUPS
- Life-long learning and formation in Christian spirituality.
Groups now open include the following:
A. Psychological Types and Spirituality
B. The Way of Christian Spirituality
C. Freedom from Codependency
D. Christian Spirituality Resources
E. Wonderfully Made (Christian Metaphysics)
F. Growing in Christ
G. Spiral Dynamics®
H. Discerning God's Will
I. Dark Night of the Soul
J. Silence, Solitude and Sabbath
K. Alpha Group -- includes all the above and all to come.
- see http://shalomplace.org/groups.html
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
Sometimes it seems as though we spend our lives waiting.
Daydreaming about an upcoming vacation, worrying over a medical
test, preparing for the birth of grandchild-our days are filled
with anticipation and anxiety over what the future holds. As
Christians, we too spend our lives waiting. But we are waiting for
something much bigger than a trip, bigger even than retirement or a
wedding: We are waiting for the return of Jesus in glory. Advent
heightens this sense of waiting, because it marks not only our
anticipation of Jesus' final coming, but also our remembrance of
his arrival into our world more than 2,000 years ago.
- Anonymous
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Is 25:6-10a; Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; Mt 15:29-37
R. (6cd) I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my
life.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me in right paths
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come.
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ADVENT MEDITATION
Wednesday , First Week in Advent
Psalm 23: 1-6
Matthew 15: 29-37 (Jesus feeds the crowd)
In this passage and in others where miracles are discussed, it is
not as important to focus on the extraordinary deed as on what it
means. Bread and fish are symbols of the Eucharist; this passage
emphasizes Jesus' power to nourish us in spirit, mind, and body.
- Jesus turned a small offering into a feast. What are some of
the talents God has given you that you can offer toward the
building of his kingdom? How can you better offer these gifts to God?
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AMAZON.COM GIFT CARD: A great gift for any occasion!
- http://tinyurl.com/2gl6ox
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MYSTICISM
- by Evelyn Underhill -
An admirable example of the mystic's attitude towards the
soul-destroying division of interests, the natural but hopeless
human struggle to make the best of both worlds, which sucks at its
transcendental vitality, occurs in St. Teresa's purgative period.
In her case this war between the real and the superficial self
extended over many years; running side by side with the state of
Illumination, and a fully developed contemplative life. At last it
was brought to an end by a "Second Conversion" which unified her
scattered interests and set her firmly and for ever on the Unitive
Way. The virile strength of Teresa's character, which afterwards
contributed to the greatness of her achievement, opposed the
invading transcendental consciousness; disputed every inch of
territory; resisted every demand made upon it by the growing
spiritual self. Bit by bit it was conquered, the sphere of her
deeper life enlarged; until the moment came in which she
surrendered, once for all, to her true destiny.
------ Part 2, Chapter 3
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MEDITATING ON SCRIPTURE (Method of St. Francis de Sales)
A. Settling in: call to mind God's presence; address oneself to God
in vocal prayer.
B. Reading the Scripture passage slowly, prayerfully.
C. Exercise of the will and intellect in considering the message:
what is this passage saying? what is it calling forth from me?
D. Conclusion: acts of thanksgiving, remorse and intercessions
awakened by the meditation.
E. Application: Immediate follow-through on resolutions made.
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