Message of 3-10-08
Published: Fri, 03/07/08
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
The grateful person knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by
experience. And that is what makes all the difference.
- Thomas Merton, "Thoughts in Solitude"
(What experiences convince you of God's goodness?)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62; Ps. 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; Jn
8:1-11
R. (4ab) Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for
you are at my side.
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.
He guides me in right paths
for his name's sake.
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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REFLECTION ON THE SCRIPTURES
- from "Daily Bread"
http://www.preacherexchange.com/daily_bread.htm
According to the law of Moses, they infl icted on them the penalty
they had plotted to impose on their neighbor.
The law of Moses was intricate and complex, but still a more
black-and-white world than Jesus asks us to live in. In a world
ruled by law, the guilty are punished as the law demands. In a
world ruled by mercy, accusers examine their own consciences, the
accused is given another chance to change her life, and the judge --
in this case, the savior of the world -- withholds judgment. Jesus
writes in the dirt and in so doing, creates space and time for all
to consider their own actions and allows judgment -- and mercy! -- to
develop in the minds and hearts of all concerned. Jesus is asked to
decide a question of guilt. He suggests a different question: Who
is innocent enough to take the life of another?
Lord Jesus, when we are tempted to condemn another, help us to
remember you kneeling in the dust
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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
339. ... The Spirit is He who is to achieve the work of love and union.
341. -- Christian life is an ascent to the Father through the Son
and the Spirit.
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