Message of 6-17-08
Published: Tue, 06/10/08
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
"We pattern our thoughts and actions after the God or Gods we
worship. They are more a part of us than we realize. Only by
understanding how in our own minds we have defined their nature can
we begin to understand the underlying forces that make us behave
the way we do."
- David Anderson
(What do your thoughts and actions tell you about your image of God?)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
1 Kgs 21:17-29; Ps. 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 11 and 16; Mt 5:43-48
R. (see 3a) Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me.
For I acknowledge my offense,
and my sin is before me always:
"Against you only have I sinned,
and done what is evil in your sight."
Turn away your face from my sins,
and blot out all my guilt.
Free me from blood guilt, O God, my saving God;
then my tongue shall revel in your justice.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
- from http://www.dailyscripture.net/
Was Jesus exaggerating when he said we must be perfect as our
heavenly Father is perfect? The original meaning of "perfect" in
Aramaic is "completeness" or "wholeness - not lacking in what is
essential." God gives us every good gift in Jesus Christ so that
we may not lack anything we need to do his will and to live as his
sons and daughters. He knows our weakness and sinfulness better
than we do. And he assures us of his love, mercy, and grace to
follow in his ways. Do you want to grow in your love for God and
for your neighbor? Ask the Holy Spirit to change and transform you
in the image of the Father that you may walk in the joy and freedom
of the gospel.
"Lord Jesus, your love brings freedom and pardon. Fill me with your
Holy Spirit and set my heart ablaze with your love that nothing may
make me lose my temper, ruffle my peace, take away my joy, nor make
me bitter towards anyone."
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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)
66. In tribulation, immediately draw near to God with trust, and
you will receive strength, enlightenment, and instruction.
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