Using Scripture for Deep Mental Prayer – Oct 05 – Homily – Fr Simon

 

Fr. Simon Felix Michalski, OP gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Oct 05, 2024, on how to use Scripture for mental prayer to deepen our relationship with God and fulfill our mission.

Father teaches about mental prayer and how to use the Scriptures for a deeper connection with God. He outlines four key ways to engage with the Bible: reading it for familiarity, studying it for deeper understanding, praying with it (using the Psalms or other passages), and memorizing key verses. He explains how memorization can help during times of need, suggesting practical ways like using index cards to commit verses to memory.

Father introduces a meditation technique using the acronym RIM, which stands for Relationship, Identity, and Mission. Using Luke 10 as an example, he shows how the 72 disciples sent by Jesus represent us today, emphasizing our relationship with God, our identity as His children, and our mission to stand against evil, as highlighted by the disciples’ authority over demons. Through this Scripture, Father encourages reflection on how God protects us and empowers us for spiritual combat. He also mentions how Jesus rejoices in the Holy Spirit, encouraging us to meditate on our role in God's plan.

Further Reading:
Luke 10 - Jesus sends the 72 disciples - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/10?1
Mark 6 - Summary of the Christian mission - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/6?1
1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual gifts and unity - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/12?1
CCC 2708 - Meditation and mental prayer - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2708.htm
CCC 2705 - Reflection on God’s Word - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2705.htm
CCC 2015 - Spiritual combat and holiness - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2015.htm

Ave Maria!

00:00 – Introduction to Mental Prayer
00:37 – Understanding Mental Prayer with Scriptures
01:04 – Four Ways to Engage with the Bible
02:02 – Studying the Scriptures
02:23 – Praying with the Bible
02:58 – Memorizing Verses for Daily Life
03:51 – RIM: Relationship, Identity, Mission

Mass: Saturday in the 26th Week in Ordinary Time - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/100524.cfm
1st: job 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-16
Resp: psa 119:66, 71, 75, 91, 125, 130
Gsp: luk 10:17-24

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=960

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