Message of 2-19-08
Published: Wed, 02/13/08
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
- - -
MESSAGE OF THE DAY
"I shrink every time I look at the cross because I feel I could die
thinking of the pain of it, yet, in spite of this deep repugnance
of mine, my heart welcomes all the sufferings it entails and in
these I find all my delight."
- Gemma Galgani -
(If we can find joy amidst our sufferings, we have nothing to fear.
How does the cross help you to realize this possibility?)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Is 1:10, 16-20; 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23; Mt 23:1-12
R. (23b) To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
"Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you,
for your burnt offerings are before me always.
I take from your house no bullock,
no goats out of your fold."
"Why do you recite my statutes,
and profess my covenant with your mouth,
Though you hate discipline
and cast my words behind you?"
"When you do these things,
shall I be deaf to it?
Or do you think that I am like yourself?
I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes.
He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me;
and to him that goes the right way
I will show the salvation of God."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
GOSPEL MEDITATION
- from http://www.dailyscripture.net/
Humility frees us to love and serve others selflessly, for their
sake, rather than our own. Paul the Apostle gives us the greatest
example and model of humility in the person of Jesus Christ, who
emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, and ...who humbled
himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross
(Phil. 2:7-8). Do you want to be a servant as Jesus served and
loved others? The Lord gives grace to those who humbly seek him.
"Lord Jesus, you became a servant for my sake to set me free from
the tyranny of self-concern, conceit, and sinful pride. Help me to
be humble as you are humble and to be generous in loving and
serving others."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE (Ignatian Method)
A. Preparation: acts of faith and reverence in the presence of God;
asking grace of a good meditation; petition for specific graces
sought in meditation.
B. Reading the Scriptures slowly, prayerfully.
C. Exercise of the memory, imagination, and intellect:
consideration of the material.. What practical applications are
suggested?
D. Expression of feelings and sentiments awakened in meditation.
Conversation with God.
E. Exercise of will and imagination in making resolutions. Prayer
for grace to fulfill resolutions.
F. Vocal prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, other prayers).
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
NOTES FROM A CLASSICAL WORK
"Sayings of Light and Love," by St. John of the Cross (jottings
from his notebooks)
48. O mighty Lord, if a spark from the empire of your justice
effects so much in the mortal ruler who governs the nations, what
will your all-powerful justice do with the righteous and the sinner?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
DAILY SPIRITUAL SEED DISCUSSION LIST
Now you can discuss Daily Spiritual Seed and share experiences with
others who have an interest in Christian spirituality. Simply send
an email to:
shalomplace-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
and confirm the response request they send.
The introductory email you will receive will explain more about the
group's many features, including how to subscribe in digest mode so
you can receive all the day's messages as one email.
_________________________________________
* Web Archive: http://www.aweber.com/z/article/?dailyseed
* RSS: http://www.aweber.com/z/rss/?dailyseed