Message of 12-13-07
Published: Sat, 12/08/07
During this Advent season as we celebrate the new relationship
between God and his people, may that be mirrored in our renewed
relationships with spouses, children, family and those near and
dear to us. May we speak tenderly to each other amidst all the rush
of the season and transform the shopping days till Christmas into
the true Advent of Christ.
- Casely Essamuah
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Is 41:13-20; Ps 145:1 and 9, 10-11, 12-13ab; Mt 11:11-15
R. (8) The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger, and of
great kindness.
I will extol you, O my God and King,
and I will bless your name forever and ever.
The LORD is good to all
and compassionate toward all his works.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom
and speak of your might.
Let them make known to men your might
and the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Your Kingdom is a Kingdom for all ages,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
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ADVENT REFLECTIONS
Psalm 145:1,943
Matthew 11:11-15 (Jesus praises John the Baptist)
The figure of John the Baptist is one revered by the Church. John
was apparently one of the greatest of Jewish prophets, one believed
by many to be the messiah. The Church has long considered John the
forerunner of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. In today's reading Jesus
himself identifies John as the spirit of Elijah who had been
prophesied to usher in the new age.
- The spirit of John the Baptist was a spirit of boldness and
courage which Winston Churchill maintained made all other virtues
possible. Are you courageous in standing up for the gospel?
- Pray for the grace to let go of fear in your life.
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THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
- by Thomas a Kempis -
The place matters little if the spirit of fervor is not there; nor
will peace be lasting if it is sought from the outside; if your
heart
has no true foundation, that is, if you are not founded in Me,
you may
change, but you will not better yourself. For when occasion
arises and
is accepted, you will find that from which you fled and worse.
-------- Bk. 3, Chapter 27
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PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE (Carmelite Method)
A. Introduction: settling in, relaxing in awareness of God's
presence.
B. Reading the text slowly, prayerfully.
C. Meditation: imaginative representation of the material; reflection
on the meaning of the material and its application to one's life.
D. Affective prayer: conversation with God, attentive to sharing
feelings awakened in meditation. Prayer of petition, thanksgiving,
remorse.
E. Resting in God in silent loving awareness, if moved to do so.
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