Message of 2-22-08

Published: Wed, 02/13/08

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A Daily Spiritual Seed
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth

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MESSAGE OF THE DAY

"In regard to all persons, have the same love, have the same
indifference, whether relations or strangers. Detach your heart as
much from the one as from the other; in a sense, even more
particularly from relations, for fear lest flesh and blood be
stirred with the normal love which must be forever mortified if one
is to achieve spiritual perfection."
- St. John of the Cross -

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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/

1 Pt 5:1-4; Ps. 23:1-3a, 4, 5, 6; Mt 16:13-19

R. (1) The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.

Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.

You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come.

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GOSPEL MEDITATION
from "Praying the Daily Gospels," by Philip St. Romain:
- http://www.liguori.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=6614

- Matthew 21: 33-46: Parable of the wicked tenants

Jesus did not hide behind polite facades when love required that
the truth be spoken. In today's parable, he reveals his knowledge
of the intentions of certain Jewish authorities to dispose of him,
yet continues to invite them to recognize God working through him.

- God has entrusted us with the cultivation of a vineyard, his
kingdom. Who are the faithful tenants today? Who are the
unfaithful? How can you tell one from the other?

- If the Master of the vineyard were to come today, what do you
think he would say to you? Spend some time listening.

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PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE (Benedictine Approach)

1. Relax. Settle in. Be aware that God is here, now, loving you.
2. Read a short passage of Scripture as though God were speaking
directly to you in it.
3. Choose a phrase from the passage that strikes you and repeat it
slowly, prayerfully, non-analytically.
4. When your heart is full, express to God the needs and sentiments
awakened by your meditation. When you're done, read another passage
and repeat steps 3 and 4.
5. If, at any time, you feel moved to simply be present to God in
loving silence, put the Scripture aside and rest in God.

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NOTES FROM A CLASSICAL WORK
- "The Practice of the Presence of God," by Brother Lawrence

Brother Lawrence noted:

That when he had failed in his duty, he only confessed his fault,
saying to GOD, I shall never do otherwise, if You leave me to
myself; tis You must hinder my falling, and mend what is amiss.
That after this, he gave himself no further uneasiness about it.

That we ought to act with GOD in the greatest simplicity, speaking
to Him frankly and plainly, and imploring His assistance in our
affairs, just as they happen. That GOD never failed to grant it, as
he had often experienced.

- Second Conversation

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