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MESSAGE OF THE DAY

"Some people experience a measure of consolation (spiritual sweetness) almost always while others only rarely. But God in his great wisdom determines what is best for each one."
- Anonymous, "The Cloud of Unknowing"

(How much spiritual consolation is there in your life these days? Rest in the awareness that God is with you no matter how you feel.)


SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
- see below for Benedictine method of praying with Scripture (Lectio Divina) -

Heb 1:1-6; Ps 97:1 and 2b, 6 and 7c, 9; Mk 1:14-20

R (see 7c) Let all his angels worship him.

The Lord is king; let the earth rejoice;
let the many isles be glad.
Justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne.

The heavens proclaim his justice,
and all peoples see his glory.
Let all his angels worship him.

Because you, O Lord, are the Most High over all the earth,
exalted far above all gods.

- - -

Gospel Meditation
- from Praying the Daily Gospels ©
http://store.liguori.org/itemdetails.asp?id=464

Mark’s account of Jesus’ early proclamation gives us a preview of all that is to follow. Jesus sees himself and his ministry as essential for the coming of God’s reign. He invites us to reform our lives if we, too, are to be citizens of this kingdom.

• What is so good about the Good News? How is it different from other news?

• What kind of man must Jesus have been to attract four fishermen away from their tasks? Picture the call of these apostles in your imagination. Hear Jesus calling you, too, to follow him.

On Cleaving to God
- St. Albert the Great -

It is a matter of justice in fact that all your thoughts and thinking should be raised to God alone, and the highest point of your mind should only be directed to him as if nothing existed but him, and holding to him may enjoy the perfect beginning of the life to come.
- Chapter 10 -


Lectio Divina Method: 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.