Message of 5-19-08
Published: Sat, 05/17/08
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
Someone asked Abba Anthony, "What must one do in order to please
God?"
The old man replied, "Pay attention to what I tell you: whoever you
may be, always have God before your eyes; whatever you do, do it
according to the testimony of the holy Scriptures; in whatever
place you live, do not easily leave it. Keep these three precepts
and you will be saved."
- Anthony the Great
(What do you think of these three precepts? How does your life
stand in relation to them?)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Jas 3:13-18; Ps. 19:8, 9, 10, 15; Mk 9:14-29
R. (9a) The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart
find favor before you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
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REFLECTION ON THE SCRIPTURES
- from "Daily Bread"
http://www.preacherexchange.com/daily_bread.htm
"And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who
cultivate peace. "
As we seek peace -- both for ourselves (personal, inner peace) and
for our world -- we will do well to follow the teaching of Pope Paul
VI: "If you want peace, work for justice." Let us notice the many
opportunities we have each day to work for justice: through our
respect for the life and dignity of each person; as we include
outsiders, foster community, and strengthen families; whenever we
stand up for what is right or act responsibly; in the work that we
do, in our care for our planet, and most especially in our
compassionate service to the poor and vulnerable.
"For the peace that comes from doing justice, we pray."
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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
379. He is the Word, the Image.
380. -- Christ is revelation - the abolishment of every screen and
every veil between the human mind and the splendor of the Trinity.
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