The Word Among Us

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Meditation
Romans 4:13,16-18

When he wanted to give the believers in Rome an example of faith, Paul turned, as if by instinct, to Abraham. This revered figure from Israel’s history listened when God spoke and, despite his doubts, did what God asked of him. When God told him to uproot his family and go to a strange land, Abraham did it. He was even willing to sacrifice his long-awaited son at God’s request.

God responded to Abraham’s persevering faith by showering grace on him. Did Abraham earn this reward? Not at all. The truth is that even Abraham’s faith was a work of grace. It was the result of his encounter with the God who called him and revealed himself to him. Abraham’s whole life points to the fact that it is by grace that we receive God’s redemption, and it is by grace that the Holy Spirit enters our hearts and empowers us to live a life pleasing to God. How easy it is to believe that Christianity is a life of giving—of striving to be good enough and selfless enough to merit God’s favor. But just the opposite is true! The grace that God wants to shower on us each day comes as we learn to receive. Only then, with the help of grace, can we give in return by being good or laying down our lives for those around us.

Will you be facing some difficult situation today? A trying incident at work, maybe, or a harried time at home? If you do, try to pause in the midst of it to invite the Lord into that situation. Surrender to him and ask for a fresh outpouring of grace. Then watch as he makes you into an overcomer—loving the unlovable, denying selfish desires, saying “no” to the world’s allurements, and receiving the guidance and strength you need.

God once told St. Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9). The same is true for us. We can draw near to God and pursue a journey of hope and victory through the promise which is ours in Christ Jesus our Lord.

“Father of all grace and favor, I praise and thank you for letting me come into your presence each day. You have given me what prophets and kings longed to know and could only glimpse from afar. How good and generous and merciful you are!”

Psalm 105:6-9,42-43; Luke 12:8-12

One Bread, One Body

<< Saturday, October 20, 2007 >>

St. Paul of the Cross

Romans 4:13, 16-18

Psalm 105:6-9, 42-43

Luke 12:8-12

View Readings

A SPIRITED RESPONSE

"The Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment all that should be said." —Luke 12:12

There are four passages in the Gospels in which Jesus promises us that the Holy Spirit will put words of wisdom in our mouths that cannot be opposed (Mt 10:17-20; Mk 13:9-11; Lk 12:11-12; 21:12-15). In each passage, the context is that a disciple has been involuntarily detained to be put on trial for their witness to Jesus. Jesus promises us: "In that hour, say what you are inspired to say. It will not be yourselves speaking but the Holy Spirit" (Mk 13:11).

We may never be arrested and brought to court for our faith in Jesus, but as disciples of Jesus, we will face persecution (2 Tm 3:12). The world will attempt to intimidate us and prevent us from speaking about Jesus (see Acts 5:28, 40). "Do not let them intimidate you" (Mt 10:26).

If we believe Jesus when He tells us that the Holy Spirit will speak through us, we will be bold and fearless witnesses. We will count our trials as pure joy (Jas 1:2), for we know Jesus will give us words and wisdom which cannot be opposed by our persecutors (Lk 21:15). Persecution will only serve to further exalt Jesus.

Therefore, "resolve not to worry about your defense beforehand" (Lk 21:14). Instead, spend your time growing in faith, for "all depends on faith" (Rm 4:16). "Live in accord with the Spirit" every day (Gal 5:16), so that it will be second nature for you to "follow the Spirit's lead" (Gal 5:25).

Prayer: Jesus, may I spend every day of the rest of my life publicly acknowledging You as Lord and Savior in some way.

Promise: "He remembers forever His covenant." —Ps 105:8

Praise: St. Paul of the Cross so loved the crucified Jesus that he made His cross part of his name.

Compline -- Night Prayer

Compline (Night Prayer)

O God, come to my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen. Alleluia.

This is an excellent moment for an examination of conscience. In a communal celebration of Compline, one of the penitential acts given in the Missal may be recited.

A suitable hymn may be inserted at this point.

Psalm 4
Thanksgiving
Take pity on me, Lord, and listen to my prayer.
When I called out, he heard me, the God of my righteousness. When I was in trouble, you gave me freedom: now, take pity on me and listen to my prayer. Sons of men, how long will your hearts be heavy? Why do you seek for vain things? Why do you run after illusions? Know that the Lord has done marvellous things for those he has chosen. When I call upon the Lord, he will hear me. Be vigorous, but do not sin: speak in the silence of your heart, in your bed, be at rest. Offer righteousness as a sacrifice, and put your trust in the Lord. Many are saying, Who will give us good things? Let your face shine on us, Lord, let the light of your face be a sign. You have given me a greater joy than the others receive from abundance of wheat and of wine. In peace shall I sleep, Lord, in peace shall I rest: firm in the hope you have given me. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Take pity on me, Lord, and listen to my prayer.

Psalm 133 (134)
Evening prayer in the Temple
Bless the Lord through the night.
Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord who stand through the night in the house of the Lord! Lift up your arms to the sanctuary and bless the Lord! May the Lord bless you from Sion – the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Bless the Lord through the night.

Reading	Deuteronomy 6:4-7 ©
Listen, Israel: the Lord our God is the one Lord. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength. Let these words I urge on you today be written on your heart. You shall repeat them to your children and say them over to them whether at rest in your house or walking abroad, at your lying down or at your rising.

Short Responsory	?
Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. - Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. You have redeemed us, Lord, God of faithfulness. - Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. - Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

Canticle	Nunc Dimittis
Keep us safe, Lord, while we are awake, and guard us as we sleep, so that we can keep watch with Christ and rest in peace.
Now, Master, you let your servant go in peace. You have fulfilled your promise. My own eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all peoples. A light to bring the Gentiles from darkness; the glory of your people Israel. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Keep us safe, Lord, while we are awake, and guard us as we sleep, so that we can keep watch with Christ and rest in peace.

Prayer
Let us pray. Come to us, Lord, this night, and give us the strength to rise at dawn rejoicing in the resurrection of your Anointed, who lives and reigns for ever and ever, Amen.

May the almighty Lord grant us a quiet night and a perfect end.

A M E N

An antiphon to Our Lady should be recited here.

Book One -- Thoughts Helpful in the Life of the Soul

Imitation of Christ -- Foreword [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ, 1,1 - Imitating Jesus Christ and Despising All Vanities on Earth [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1,2, Having A Humble Opinion of Self [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 3, The Doctrine of Truth [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 4, Prudence in Action [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ, 1, 5, Reading the Holy Scripture [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 6, Unbridled Affections [Devotional]

Imitation of Christ: 1, 7, Avoiding False Hope and Pride [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 8, Shunning Over- Familiarity [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 9, Obedience and Subjection [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 10, Avoiding Idle Talk [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 11, Acquiring Peace and Zeal for Perfection [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 12, The Value of Adversity [Devotional]

Imitation of Christ: 1, 13, Resisting Temptation [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1. 14, Avoiding Rash Judgment [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 15, Works Done in Charity [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 16, Bearing With the Faults of Others [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1. 17, Monastic Life [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 18, The Example Set Us by the Holy Fathers [Devotional]

Imitation of Christ: 1, 19, The Practices of a Good Religious [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 20, The Love of Solitude and Silence [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 21, Sorrow of Heart [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 22, Thoughts on the Misery of Man [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 23, Thoughts on Death [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 24, Judgment and the Punishment of Sin [Devotional]

Imitation of Christ: 1, 25, Zeal in Amending Our Lives [Devotional]

Book Two -- The Interior Life

Imitation of Christ: 2, 1, (26), Meditation [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 2, 2, (27) Humility [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 2, 3, (28) Goodness and Peace in Man [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 2, 4, (29) Purity of Mind and Unity of Purpose [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 2, 5, (30) Ourselves [Devotional]

Imitation of Christ: 2, 6, (31) The Joy of a Good Conscience [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 2, 7. (32) Loving Jesus Above All Things [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 2, 8, (33) The Intimate Friendship of Jesus [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 2, 9, (34) Wanting No Share in Comfort [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 2, 10, (35) Appreciating God's Grace [Devcotional]
Imitation of Christ: 2, 11, (36) Few Love the Cross of Jesus [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 2, 12, (37) The Royal Road of the Holy Cross [Devotional]

Book Three -- Internal Consolation - Conversations with Christ

Imitation of Christ: 3,1, (38) The Inward Conversation of Christ with the Faithful Soul [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 3, 2, (39) Truth Speaks Inwardly without the Sound of Words [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 3, 3, (40) Listen Humbly to the Words of God. Many Do Not Heed Them[Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 3, 4, (41) We Must Walk Before God in Humility and Truth [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 3, 5, (42) The Wonderful Effect of Divine Love [Devotional]

Glad to hear of the success of your Oktoberfest. Now the next step: craft shows! I can't wait, myself. I love hitting the church Christmas craft shows.

Here's wishing a blessed weekend to all.

From: Romans 4:13, 16-18

The Example of Abraham (Continuation)

[13] The promise to Abraham and his descendants, that they should inherit
the world, did not come through the law but through the righteousness of
faith.

[16] That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on
grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants—not only to the adherents
of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham, for he is the
father of us all, [17] as it is written, “I have made you the father of many
nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to
the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. [18] In hope
he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations;
as he had been told, “So shall your descendants be.”

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Commentary:

13-14. God made this promise to Abraham about his having countless
descendants (cf. Genesis 15:5-6) centuries before the Mosaic Law was given
to the people of Israel through Moses. Therefore, the promise made to Abraham
was not linked to the Law but rather to the Patriarch’s faith. That is why the heirs
of the promise are those who follow the faith of Abraham.

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Source: “The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries”. Biblical text from the
Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries by members of
the Faculty of Theology, University of Navarre, Spain.

Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, and
by Scepter Publishers in the United States.