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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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."





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."





The Way of Perfection, by Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)

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

I am not surprised that those who have never made this test should want to be sure that they will receive some interest on their outlay. But you already know that even in this life we shall receive a hundredfold, and that the Lord says: "Ask and it shall be given you."  If you do not believe His Majesty in those passages of His Gospel where He gives us this assurance, it will be of little help to you, sisters, for me to weary my brains by telling you of it. Still, I will say to anyone who is in doubt that she will lose little by putting the matter to the test; for this journey has the advantage of giving us very much more than we ask or shall even get so far as to desire. This is a never-failing truth: I know it; though, if you do not find it so, do not believe any of the things I tell you. I can call as witnesses those of you who, by God's goodness, know it from experience.

- Chapter 24

(Keep in mind that she is writing to sisters in a cloistered contemplative order.)