Review your life. Is it not composed of innumerable actions of very little importance? Well, God is
quite satisfied with these. They are the share that the soul must take in the work of its perfection. This is so clearly explained in Holy Scripture that there can be no doubt about it: “Fear God and keep the commandments, this is the whole duty of a person” (Ecclesiastes xii, 13), that is to say—this is all that is required on our part, and it is in this that active fidelity consists. If we but fulfill our part God will do the rest.
- Jean Pierre de Caussade, Abandonment to Divine Providence Lent is only a week away. What will you do during this special time of retreat for the Christian church? Here are a few
options to consider:
The Dominican Genius: Integrity and Balance Five Webinars by Carla Mae Streeter, OP February 16, 23,
24; March 1, 2, 2016 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. CST Free-will donation. For more information and registration options, click here.
Christian Prayer Methods Online Course Specific guidance on the practice of prayer from Christianity's rich tradition on this topic. 10 presentations with handout resources and discussion option. $9.00. Work at your own pace. No expiration after registration. Click here for course page with gift certificate and group options.
SpiritLife
Online Podcasts and handouts for all six SpiritLife courses * Includes access to all 60 presentations, with 16 different presenters * Special Lenten discount of $9 per course, or $40 for the entire program (all six
courses) - For discount, use coupon code: LENT2016 when registering; this code is valid only until March 26. http://heartlandspirituality.teachable.com
Lessons in Loving: Developing Relationship Skills Four podcasts and PDF copy of the book, Lessons in Loving, by Philip St.
Romain Topics include: A. Relationships and Intelligence B. Relating with oneself C. Relating with others D. Relating with God Special $9.00 Lenten rate. Click here for more information and
registration. |
Dt 30:15-20; Ps. 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6; Lk 9:22-25
R. (40:5a) Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked Nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent, But delights in the law of the LORD and meditates on his law day and night.
He is like a
tree planted near running water, That yields its fruit in due season, and whose leaves never
fade. Whatever he does, prospers.
Not so the wicked, not so; they are like chaff which the wind drives away. For the LORD watches over the way of the just, but the way of the wicked
vanishes.
Reflection on the Scriptures |
Today, with the fresh memory of Ash Wednesday in our hearts and minds the scripture readings speak plainly and bluntly of life and death. While the message is consistent through the readings from Deuteronomy, the psalm and the Gospel of Luke the tone for each is distinctive.
The Gospel reading begins with Jesus predicting his rejection by leaders of his own people and his brutal execution. But even in that sharp and stark statement of his death he shows some light in the revelation of his resurrection on the third day. Jesus continues however in challenging his followers that to maintain fidelity as a follower we must
be prepared to face our own path of the cross. In this path will be denial of self and a commitment to losing our life for Jesus’s sake.
This call goes against most of our normal human instincts. Humility and renouncement of self goes against our
tendency to advance ourselves in the eyes of others. This inherent conflict is somewhat put in context by the words of Moses. His council is to obey the commandments of God, love God and walk in His ways with the result being life and prosperity. Moses clearly says to choose life we much choose God—and Jesus expounds on this by saying we must reject our life in the world and choose Jesus.
As we walk the path of Lent and listen to the movement of the Holy Spirit inside of us in these times let us reflect on what choices we must make to achieve life and prosperity and not death and doom. These may be choices of denial and sacrifice or they may be manifested as intentional acts of service and commitment to others. Whatever our Lenten
journey, let us be comforted by the psalmist: “the Lord watches over the way of the just, but the way of the wicked vanishes.” Blessings to all this Lent, may God’s grace and the Holy Spirit bring to us and those we love true life in communion with Jesus.
- by Mark Latta
Revelations of Divine Love - by Julian of Norwich
Third Revelation, Chapter 11
“All thing that is done, it is well done: for our Lord God doeth all.” “Sin is no
deed”
I saw full surely that he changeth never His purpose in no manner of thing, nor never shall, without end. For there was no thing unknown to Him in His rightful ordinance from without beginning. And therefore all-thing was set in order ere anything was made, as it should stand without end; and no manner of thing shall fail of that point. For He made all things in fulness of goodness, and
therefore the blessed Trinity is ever full pleased in all His works.
And all this shewed He full blissfully, signifying thus: See! I am God: see! I am in all thing: see! I do all thing: see! I lift never mine hands off my works, nor ever shall, without end: see! I lead all thing to the end I ordained it to from
without beginning, by the same Might, Wisdom and Love whereby I made it. How should any thing be amiss?
Thus mightily, wisely, and lovingly was the soul examined in this Vision. Then saw I soothly that me behoved, of need, to assent, with great reverence enjoying in God.
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