Message of 11-30-07
Published: Sat, 11/24/07
MESSAGE OF THE DAY
"As earth thrown over it extinguishes a fire burning in a stove, so
worldly cares and every kind of attachment to something, however
small and insignificant, destroy the warmth of the heart which was
there at first."
- Simeon the New Theologian -
(What attachments are limiting your relationship with God these
days?)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Rm. 10:9-18; Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11; Mt 4:18-22
R. (10) The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.
They are more precious than gold,
than a heap of purest gold;
Sweeter also than syrup
or honey from the comb.
- - -
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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ABANDONMENT TO DIVINE PROVIDENCE
- by Jean Pierre de Caussade, S.J.
There is, therefore, nothing unlawful in the love and esteem we
have for
contemplation and other pious exercises, if this love and esteem
are
directed entirely to the God of all goodness who willingly makes
use of
these means to unite our souls to Himself.
In entertaining the suite of a prince, one entertains the prince
himself,
and he would consider any discourtesy shown to his officers
under pretence
of wishing for him alone as an insult to himself.
-- Book 1, Chapter 1, Section 6
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PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE (Contemplative Method)
- adapted by Philip St. Romain from a variety of sources -
A. Select a short passage that you will use for prayer.
B. Settle in by sitting straight (on tailbone, spine erect).
Notice sensations in your body, sounds around you, the manner of
your breathing. Call to mind that God is present in and amidst all
of this.
C. Read the passage aloud slowly, prayerfully. Let the words make
their own impact, and voice whatever they awaken in your mind and
heart to God.
- proceed to Step E if you already feel yourself coming to
contemplative silence -
D. Read the passage a second time silently. Again, voice whatever
is awakened to God, or acknowledge before God in your heart. Let
this be a spontaneous conversation which includes your questions,
intellectual reflections, petitions, resolutions, and so forth.
E. Read the passage a third time. If there is a word or phrase
that sums up this passage, or that speaks to you in a special way,
repeat it in your mind prayerfully. Let it express your
willingness to allow God to be God in your life.
F. Allow yourself to simply be present to God in loving silence,
aware of God's unfailing Presence to you in love. When
distractions come which capture your attention, re-introduce the
sacred word from Step E. Continue with this resting until your
prayer time is over.
G. Close your prayer time with a sincere vocal recitation of the
Lord's prayer, putting your whole being into the words.
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