Message of 2-21-08
Published: Wed, 02/13/08
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
"Until that secret holy energy we call grace has touched and
stirred us, we do not know what grace is: it is a pious word, not
the name of an actual power, a free gift from the sources of
Eternal Life. And unless grace continues to play upon and support
us, we cannot go on knowing what it is. Therefore, attention to
God, adoration of God . . . this must be the first and governing
term of the supernatural life, the unique source of all its
possibilities."
- Evelyn Underhill -
(When in doubt about where to go or what to do, simply bring your
gaze to God, and be aware of God's loving gaze toward you. Allow
this attentiveness to God to restore balance and perspective in
your life.)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Jer 17:5-10; Ps. 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6; Lk 16:19-31
R. (40:5a) Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
Blessed the one who follows not
the counsel of the wicked
Nor walks in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the company of the insolent,
But delights in the law of the LORD
and meditates on his law day and night.
He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers.
Not so, the wicked, not so;
they are like chaff which the wind drives away.
For the LORD watches over the way of the just,
but the way of the wicked vanishes.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
- from http://www.dailyscripture.net/
The name Lazarus means God is my help. Despite a life of misfortune
and suffering, Lazarus did not lose hope in God. His eyes were set
on a treasure stored up for him in heaven. The rich man, however,
could not see beyond his material wealth and possessions. He not
only had every thing he needed, he selfishly spent all he had on
himself. He was too absorbed in what he possessed to notice the
needs of those around him. He lost sight of God and the treasure
of heaven because he was preoccupied with seeking happiness in
material things. He served wealth rather than God. In the end the
rich man became a beggar! Do you know the joy and freedom of
possessing God as your true and lasting treasure? Those who put
their hope and security in heaven will not be disappointed (see
Hebrews 6:19)?
"Lord Jesus, you are my joy and my treasure. Make me rich in the
things of heaven and give me a generous heart that I may freely
share with others the spiritual and material treasures you have
given to me."
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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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NOTES FROM A CLASSICAL WORK
- "Imitation of Christ," by Thomas A. Kempis
The Voice of Christ
What I have given, I can take away and restore when it pleases Me.
What I give remains Mine, and thus when I take it away I take
nothing
that is yours, for every good gift and every perfect gift is Mine.
If I send you trouble and adversity, do not fret or let your
heart be
downcast. I can raise you quickly up again and turn all your
sorrow
into joy. I am no less just and worthy of great praise when I deal
with you in this way.
-------- Bk. 3, Chapter 30
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