Message of 7-4-08
Published: Tue, 06/24/08
A Daily Spiritual Seed
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
"If we are really concerned simply with God, then we shall not
object to having our senses pampered from time to time, but equally
we shall not mind being left without consolations. The substance
of all perfection is precisely a good will, consisting essentially
in a 'meek stirring of love.'"
- Simon Tugwell, OP, "Ways of Imperfection," chapt. on The Cloud
of Unknowing
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Am 8:4-6, 9-12; Ps 119:2, 10, 20, 30, 40, 131; Mt 9:9-13
R. (Matthew 4:4) One does not live by bread alone, but by every
word that comes from the mouth of God.
Blessed are they who observe his decrees,
who seek him with all their heart.
With all my heart I seek you;
let me not stray from your commands.
My soul is consumed with longing
for your ordinances at all times.
The way of truth I have chosen;
I have set your ordinances before me.
Behold, I long for your precepts;
in your justice give me life.
I gasp with open mouth
in my yearning for your commands.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
from "Praying the Daily Gospels," by Philip St. Romain:
- http://www.liguori.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=6614
- Matthew 9:9-13 (The call of Matthew)
Matthew never forgot that Jesus had called him out of his position
of disrepute and oppression. Whenever he mentions himself, Matthew
quickly adds that he was once a tax collector. So, too, do we need
to recall how the Lord has lifted us up and helped us grow.
- When we remember, we are remembered" is a pious saying. Do you
take enough time to recall your roots? Resolve to call a friend or
family member today as a way to help you appreciate your past.
Browse through an old photo album during the week.
- Are you a self-righteous person? How is this manifested in your
life?
- Pray for the grace to recognize grace in your life.
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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 GOD always gave us light in our doubts, when we had no other
design but to please Him.
That our sanctification did not depend upon changing our works, but
in doing that for GODs sake, which we commonly do for our own. That
it was lamentable to see how many people mistook the means for the
end, addicting themselves to certain works, which they performed
very imperfectly, by reason of their human or selfish regards.
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