Message of 4-4-08

Published: Thu, 03/27/08

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A Daily Spiritual Seed
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth

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MESSAGE OF THE DAY

"An elder replied, 'I tell you, many have ruined their bodies with
no discernment and gone away without finding anything. We may have
evil-smelling breath because of our fasting, we may know the
Scriptures by heart, we may recite all the psalms. . . and still
lack what God is looking for--love and humility."
- Anonymous Sayings of the Desert Fathers -

(Whatever helps us become more loving and humble is good for us;
whatever hinders us is not. What does this mean in your life?)

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

Acts 5:34-42; Ps. 27:1, 4, 13-14; Jn 6:1-15

R. (see 4abc) One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord.

The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom should I fear?
The LORD is my life's refuge;
of whom should I be afraid?

One thing I ask of the LORD
this I seek:
To dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
That I may gaze on the loveliness of the LORD
and contemplate his temple.

I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD with courage;
be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.

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

- John 6: 1-15 (Miracle of the loaves)

This account of the feeding of the multitude is common to all four
gospels and represents one of the most enduring and significant
traditions. Most theologians see in this miracle a connection with
the belief in Jesus as the Bread of Life who satisfies all our
hungers.

- Jesus blessed the little that was offered in a spirit of sharing.
Do you believe that your gifts of time, talent, and money offered
in love are blessed by God? How do you experience this blessing?

- What can you offer to share with others today in a spirit of
love? Ask God to bless your offering.

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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 all bodily mortifications and other exercises are useless, but
as they serve to arrive at the union with GOD by love; that he had
well considered this, and found it the shortest way to go straight
to Him by a continual exercise of love, and doing all things for
His sake.

That we ought to make a great difference between the acts of the
understanding and those of the will; that the first were
comparatively of little value, and the others all.

- Second Conversation
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