Message of 2-11-08
Published: Thu, 02/07/08
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
"Prayer, mercy and fasting: These three are one, and they give life
to each other. Fasting is the soul of prayer; mercy is the
lifeblood of fasting. Let no one try to separate them; they cannot
be separated. If you have only one of them or not all together, you
have nothing. So if you pray, fast; if fast, show mercy; if you
want your petition to be heard, hear the petition of others. When
you fast, see the fasting of others. If you hope for mercy, show
mercy. If you look for kindness, show kindness. If you want to
receive, give."
- Peter Chrysologus
(A good summary of the traditional Lenten disciplines.)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Lv 19:1-2, 11-18; Ps. 19:8, 9, 10, 15; Mt 25:31-46
R. (John 6:63b) Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
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.
Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart
find favor before you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
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REFLECTION ON THE SCRIPTURES
- from "Daily Bread"
http://www.preacherexchange.com/daily_bread.htm
Matt 25:31-46: "What you have done for the least, you have done for
me."
I once had the opportunity to hear John Carr speak. He directs the
U.S. Bishops' Department of Social Development and World Peace.
(That's some department!) As part of his talk he read today's
Gospel and then pointed out that it is the only place where Jesus
tells us exactly what we need to do to get into heaven. Many of us
tend to hear "that sheep and goats thing" and turn our minds to
other matters -- like what we're going to do fix for supper.
Preachers, encourage your congregations to listen to this Gospel as
if their lives depended on it. Then read it slowly and carefully.
The life you save may be your own.
Lord Jesus, may we recognize you in each person we meet today.
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LECTIO DIVINA PROCESS
- http://heartlandspirituality.org/vocations/prayer.html
First, you choose a passage of Scripture that you will pray with.
It might be the Gospel reading used in the liturgy of the day, or
anything else you want. The process then follows these steps:
* Reading (lectio) After settling in and quieting yourself,
read the passage slowly, prayerfully. Just let it sink in for a
minute or two, then read it a second time, paying closer attention
to the words or phrases that speak to you.
* Reflecting (meditatio) What do you hear God saying to you in
this passage? What words or phrases caught your attention?
* Responding (oratio) What do you want to say to God in
response to what you've heard? Here you can also voice your prayers
of petition, remorse, thanksgiving, praise, and so forth. If you
sense God speaking to you in your thoughts, feelings or
imagination, you respond as you would in any conversation.
* Resting (contemplatio) If, at any time, you feel drawn to
simply rest in the awareness of God's loving presence, you let
yourself do so. Remain in loving silence as long as you feel
comfortable, perhaps using a simple word or phrase from the
Scripture passage to help deepen your openness to rest in God.
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THEOLOGICAL GEMS FROM EMIL MERCH'S "THEOLOGY OF THE MYSTICAL BODY"
from http://www.innerexplorations.com/chtheomortext/theolgems.htm
317. Christ took to Himself miseries, sufferings and human death;
and behold, they are divinized in Him.
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