Message of 5-20-08
Published: Sat, 05/17/08
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
I don't think we can have virtue or the fullness of grace if we
don't live in the cell of our heart and soul. Only in this inner
private place do we gain the treasure that is life and health for
us. Here in this secret place we're given the sacred nothingness
that is a holy, intimate knowledge of ourselves and of God.
- Catherine of Siena, "Letters"
("But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door
and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees
what is done in secret will reward you." Mt. 6: 6)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Jas 4:1-10; Ps. 55:7-8, 9-10a, 10b-11a, 23; Mk 9:30-37
R. (23a) Throw your cares on the Lord, and he will support you.
And I say, "Had I but wings like a dove,
I would fly away and be at rest.
Far away I would flee;
I would lodge in the wilderness."
"I would wait for him who saves me
from the violent storm and the tempest."
Engulf them, O Lord; divide their counsels.
In the city I see violence and strife,
day and night they prowl about upon its walls.
Cast your care upon the LORD,
and he will support you;
never will he permit the just man to be disturbed.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
- from http://www.dailyscripture.net/
Jesus, himself, is our model. He came not to be served, but to
serve (Matthew 20:28). Paul the Apostle states that Jesus emptied
himself and took the form of a servant (Philippians 2:7). Jesus
lowered himself (he whose place is at the right hand of God the
Father) and took on our lowly nature that he might raise us up and
clothe us in his divine nature. God opposes the proud, but gives
grace to the humble (James 4:6). If we want to be filled with God's
life and power, then we need to empty ourselves of everything which
stands in the way - pride, self-seeking glory, vanity, etc. God
wants empty vessels so he can fill them with his own glory, power,
and love (2 Corinthians 4:7). Are you ready to humble yourself and
to serve as Jesus did?
"Lord Jesus, by your cross you have redeemed the world and revealed
your glory and triumph over sin and death. May I never fail to see
your glory and victory in the cross. Help me to conform my life to
your will and to follow in your way of holiness."
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PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE (Ignatian Method)
A. Preparation: acts of faith and reverence in the presence of God;
asking grace of a good meditation; petition for specific graces
sought in meditation.
B. Reading the Scriptures slowly, prayerfully.
C. Exercise of the memory, imagination, and intellect:
consideration of the material.. What practical applications are
suggested?
D. Expression of feelings and sentiments awakened in meditation.
Conversation with God.
E. Exercise of will and imagination in making resolutions. Prayer
for grace to fulfill resolutions.
F. Vocal prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, other prayers).
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NOTES FROM A CLASSICAL WORK
"Sayings of Light and Love," by St. John of the Cross (jottings
from his notebooks)
62. Because the virtues you have in mind do not shine in your
neighbor, do not think that your neighbor will not be precious in
God's sight for reasons that you have not in mind.
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