Message of 11-27-13

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, Ways of Imperfection, chapter on "The Cloud of Unknowing"

(Offer your will and your life to God today, with no strings attached.)

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Readings of the Day
 - http://www.usccb.org/calendar/index.cfm?showLit=1&action=month

DN 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28;    DN 3:62-67;    LK 21:12-19

R. (59b) Give glory and eternal praise to him.

“Sun and moon, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.”

“Stars of heaven, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.”

“Every shower and dew, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.”

“All you winds, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.”

“Fire and heat, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.”

“Cold and chill, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.”

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Reflection on the Scriptures
- http://www.dailysripture.net

God may call some of us to be martyrs who shed their blood for bearing witness to Jesus Christ. But for most of us, our call is to be 'dry' martyrs who bear testimony to the joy and power of the gospel in the midst of daily challenges, contradictions, temptations and adversities which come our way as we follow the Lord Jesus. What will attract others to the truth and power of the gospel? When they see Christians loving their enemies, being joyful in suffering, patient in adversity, pardoning injuries, and showing comfort and compassion to the hopeless and the helpless. Jesus tells us that we do not need to fear our adversaries. God will give us sufficient grace, strength, and wisdom to face any trial and to answer any challenge to our faith. Are you ready to lay down your life for Christ and to bear witness to the joy and freedom of the gospel?

"Lord Jesus Christ, by your atoning death on the cross you have redeemed the world. Fill me with joyful hope, courage, and boldness to witness the truth of your love for sinners and your victory over the powers of sin, Satan, and death."

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Spiritual Reading

The Way of Perfection, by St. Teresa of Avila
- http://www.amazon.com/dp/1456569856/?tag=christianspiritu

Describes how vocal prayer may be practiced with perfection and how closely allied it is to mental prayer.

Now, in the first place, you know that His Majesty teaches that this prayer must be made when we are alone, just as He was often alone when He prayed, not because this was necessary for Him, but for our edification. It has already been said that it is impossible to speak to God and to the world at the same time; yet this is just what we are trying to do when we are saying our prayers and at the same time listening to the conversation of others or letting our thoughts wander on any matter that occurs to us, without making an effort to control them. There are occasions when one cannot help doing this: times of ill-health (especially in persons who suffer from melancholia); or times when our heads are tired, and, however hard we try, we cannot concentrate; or times when, for their own good, God allows His servants for days on end to go through great storms. And, although they are distressed and strive to calm themselves, they are unable to do so and incapable of attending to what they are saying, however hard they try, nor can they fix their understanding on anything: they seem to be in a frenzy, so distraught are they.

- Chapter 24

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