Reading: Philippians 2: 5-11
from St. Louis du Montfort: The Secret of the Rosary, #65
Reflection and Response:
Whenever I was a freshman in college, I attended an Awakening retreat through St. Mary's in College Station. Commonly called "Aggie Awakening". And there was some group discussion that involved drawing on the table (we're college kids, ya know) on what does it look like to be Christ. Or something like that. ...it was a long time ago...
The image that came up in my head was a mirror. Me looking into the mirror. And in the reflection in the mirror, I do not see myself, but rather Christ. Not saying that I am Christ, but that I should be a reflection of Christ for the Son is the perfect living image of the Father. And so, whenever I need reminding of how my life should be, I should remember the mirror. In order for me to be a reflection of Christ, I must be a practicing disciple of Him...that I shouldn't see myself in the mirror but Christ!
And so, in order to help seeing myself as a reflection of Christ, I surrender myself to the hands of Mary who can help mold me to be a better reflection of her Son.
It has a been a great spiritual journey preparing to make the Act of Total Consecration. It has allowed me to reflect on myself, on Mary, and on Jesus in a deeper way that I couldn't have done so in my typical spiritual life. 33 days of prep and now it is time!
Before I make the Act of Total Consecration to the Blessed Mother, I will say a full Rosary and make the Act on the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
- JD
Showing posts with label Devotions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Devotions. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Total Consecration: Day 32
Reading: 1 Corinthians 11: 23-26
from St. Louis du Montfort: The Love of Eternal Wisdom, #71
Reflection & Response:
The principal reason why I am Catholic is because of the Eucharist. For this is Jesus Christ truly present: body, blood, soul, and divinity! And such a gift and blessing that we unworthily receive in the holy sacrifice of the Mass that Jesus should come to us in the humble form of bread! It is unfathomable and utterly mysterious that my Lord and my God presents Himself in this way so that I may be in communion with Him.
The famous saying goes that
And so, He doesn't appear to us sitting on thrones or hidden under diamonds or out of the blue. Rather, He instituted the Eucharist so that He becomes the very nourishment of body and soul in an effort to reach out to our hearts, our very core being. And there, He rejoices in unifying Himself with us.
Over the recent years, I've spent more time in Adoration and have gained better appreciation of Mass because of the Eucharist. I dunno, I suppose I've had some great consolations regarding the Eucharist since high school (none of which I've talked about here so far) and my love for the Eucharist only grows and grows. So much so that I now only receive the Eucharist on my tongue for I am too much of a worm to receive Him on my hand...and better yet, I kneel to receive as well because I'm so unworthy and cannot think of a better way to lower myself before the Lord (and it's legit to do so).
My busy work schedule has kept me from attending Daily Masses and typical parish Adoration times...but I should make a more concerted effort in restoring my attendance to such things so that I can spend more time with Jesus. In the Eucharist.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
- JD
from St. Louis du Montfort: The Love of Eternal Wisdom, #71
Reflection & Response:
The principal reason why I am Catholic is because of the Eucharist. For this is Jesus Christ truly present: body, blood, soul, and divinity! And such a gift and blessing that we unworthily receive in the holy sacrifice of the Mass that Jesus should come to us in the humble form of bread! It is unfathomable and utterly mysterious that my Lord and my God presents Himself in this way so that I may be in communion with Him.
The famous saying goes that
The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.And maybe God knew this all along. O_o Well...I mean, He did create us...
And so, He doesn't appear to us sitting on thrones or hidden under diamonds or out of the blue. Rather, He instituted the Eucharist so that He becomes the very nourishment of body and soul in an effort to reach out to our hearts, our very core being. And there, He rejoices in unifying Himself with us.
Over the recent years, I've spent more time in Adoration and have gained better appreciation of Mass because of the Eucharist. I dunno, I suppose I've had some great consolations regarding the Eucharist since high school (none of which I've talked about here so far) and my love for the Eucharist only grows and grows. So much so that I now only receive the Eucharist on my tongue for I am too much of a worm to receive Him on my hand...and better yet, I kneel to receive as well because I'm so unworthy and cannot think of a better way to lower myself before the Lord (and it's legit to do so).
My busy work schedule has kept me from attending Daily Masses and typical parish Adoration times...but I should make a more concerted effort in restoring my attendance to such things so that I can spend more time with Jesus. In the Eucharist.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
- JD
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Total Consecration: Day 31
Reading: Isaiah 53: 3-12
from St. Louis du Montfort: Letter to the Friends of the Cross, #57
Reflection & Response:
The account of the suffering servant in Isaiah really points to Jesus. And I see Jesus becoming that suffering servant in His last hours. Maybe I've mentioned this before, but I recall reflecting on the Sorrowful Mysteries through praying the Rosary on the way home from work not too long ago, and I came to realize one of the ongoing themes throughout the Mysteries is the flow of Jesus' blood. He is wounded and broken and bleeding. And to top it all, the Romans, at the urging of the mob, crucified Him.
The Crucified Jesus is a beacon of hope for all who suffer in some way. In His Passion, He shows us what it looks like to endure suffering, and in His Resurrection, He shows us redemption from that suffering.
Every sin I commit is another cause of suffering for Christ. An extra hammer blow, an extra millimeter of thorns, an extra crack of the whip, an extra yard carrying the already heavy wood. And the more I think about that, the more appalling it is for me to choose sin.
In order that I may more perfectly detest my sins and its consequences, I shall go to Confession.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
- JD
from St. Louis du Montfort: Letter to the Friends of the Cross, #57
Reflection & Response:
The account of the suffering servant in Isaiah really points to Jesus. And I see Jesus becoming that suffering servant in His last hours. Maybe I've mentioned this before, but I recall reflecting on the Sorrowful Mysteries through praying the Rosary on the way home from work not too long ago, and I came to realize one of the ongoing themes throughout the Mysteries is the flow of Jesus' blood. He is wounded and broken and bleeding. And to top it all, the Romans, at the urging of the mob, crucified Him.
The Crucified Jesus is a beacon of hope for all who suffer in some way. In His Passion, He shows us what it looks like to endure suffering, and in His Resurrection, He shows us redemption from that suffering.
Every sin I commit is another cause of suffering for Christ. An extra hammer blow, an extra millimeter of thorns, an extra crack of the whip, an extra yard carrying the already heavy wood. And the more I think about that, the more appalling it is for me to choose sin.
In order that I may more perfectly detest my sins and its consequences, I shall go to Confession.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
- JD
Total Consecration: Day 30
Reading: Mark 8: 31-33
from St. Louis du Montfort: The Love of Eternal Wisdom, #169
Reflection & Response:
I've watched The Passion several times, and the most recent time that I watched it (I think sometime during Lent last year), I remember the line spoken by one of the other thieves on the Via Dolorosa. He said, "why do you embrace your cross?" and like, makes fun of Jesus for embracing his cross!
Jesus, in his Infinite and Incarnate Wisdom, must have known that He would have to carry the burdens of His Passion. He probably knew all along, even as an infant. St. Louis du Montfort reflects that He embraced His cross and held it deep in His heart even as an infant.
And thus He had the rest of His earthly life to prepare for time when His hour would come.
And in that time, He arrived at a point of embracing His Cross.
Do I embrace Jesus' Cross? Am I afraid? Do I shy away from it because I know how much suffering it brings? Yet Jesus shows the way. He embraces the cross even unto death.
I ask for Mary's help in helping me have a genuine love for Jesus' cross.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
- JD
from St. Louis du Montfort: The Love of Eternal Wisdom, #169
Reflection & Response:
I've watched The Passion several times, and the most recent time that I watched it (I think sometime during Lent last year), I remember the line spoken by one of the other thieves on the Via Dolorosa. He said, "why do you embrace your cross?" and like, makes fun of Jesus for embracing his cross!
Jesus, in his Infinite and Incarnate Wisdom, must have known that He would have to carry the burdens of His Passion. He probably knew all along, even as an infant. St. Louis du Montfort reflects that He embraced His cross and held it deep in His heart even as an infant.
And thus He had the rest of His earthly life to prepare for time when His hour would come.
And in that time, He arrived at a point of embracing His Cross.
Do I embrace Jesus' Cross? Am I afraid? Do I shy away from it because I know how much suffering it brings? Yet Jesus shows the way. He embraces the cross even unto death.
I ask for Mary's help in helping me have a genuine love for Jesus' cross.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
- JD
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Total Consecration: Day 29
Reading: Luke 2: 51-52
from St. Louis du Montfort: True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, #139
Reflection and Response:
That whole scene from Luke regarding Jesus talking amongst the elders at the temple, and Mary and Joseph freaked out realizing that He wasn't with them, resolves in a very profound way. After Mary and Joseph meet up with Jesus and they converse about what He was doing there, it ends with them going back to Nazareth with this:
So if Jesus was obedient to Mary, perhaps as a follower and imitator of Christ, I should do the same. Mary is the epitome of surrendering one's will to the will of God because she gave birth to Jesus, His only Son. And if Jesus was totally willing to be obedient to Mary, I should do the same!
I suppose one of the blessings I enjoy is my ability to be obedient to my parents. I've not acted out majorly rebellious ways against them, nor do I desire to. As awkward (but common?) it is for a mid-20's fully-employed guy to be living with his parents, I'm still obedient to them out of love for them.
Can I submit my will to the will of God? That's always a challenge, but I know I can seek Mary's help and guidance, but that would require me being obedient to her as well because she fulfills God's will in a perfectly human way.
I'm reminded of my patron saint's story. No big deal, but Our Lady appeared to him and asked a favor of him which he ultimately fulfilled out of obedience to the Blessed Mother. And because he listened and was obedient, by the grace of God through Mary he was blessed and Mexico thrived in spreading the Good News with a great devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe.
St. Juan Diego, pray for us!
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
- JD
from St. Louis du Montfort: True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, #139
Reflection and Response:
That whole scene from Luke regarding Jesus talking amongst the elders at the temple, and Mary and Joseph freaked out realizing that He wasn't with them, resolves in a very profound way. After Mary and Joseph meet up with Jesus and they converse about what He was doing there, it ends with them going back to Nazareth with this:
And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and he was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in faor with God and man.Sure, like any rebellious pre-teen, Jesus could have stayed in the temple and decided not to go back home with His (earthly) parents. But what great love does Jesus show for His own (earthly) parents, especially His mother, by being obedient to them? ...I think that's a commandment!
So if Jesus was obedient to Mary, perhaps as a follower and imitator of Christ, I should do the same. Mary is the epitome of surrendering one's will to the will of God because she gave birth to Jesus, His only Son. And if Jesus was totally willing to be obedient to Mary, I should do the same!
I suppose one of the blessings I enjoy is my ability to be obedient to my parents. I've not acted out majorly rebellious ways against them, nor do I desire to. As awkward (but common?) it is for a mid-20's fully-employed guy to be living with his parents, I'm still obedient to them out of love for them.
Can I submit my will to the will of God? That's always a challenge, but I know I can seek Mary's help and guidance, but that would require me being obedient to her as well because she fulfills God's will in a perfectly human way.
I'm reminded of my patron saint's story. No big deal, but Our Lady appeared to him and asked a favor of him which he ultimately fulfilled out of obedience to the Blessed Mother. And because he listened and was obedient, by the grace of God through Mary he was blessed and Mexico thrived in spreading the Good News with a great devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe.
St. Juan Diego, pray for us!
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
- JD
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Total Consecration: Day 28
Reading: 1 John 1: 1-4
from St. Louis du Montfort: True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, #248
Reflection:
The Word Made Flesh. This is a huge deal! That the Word given by God was made manifest in flesh and bone upon Mary's great "Yes!" Because of the Incarnation, it became possible to encounter God in a very real way. I can't imagine what it must have been like to see and interact with Jesus in real life. Surely it must have been a great joy to encounter God ... in the flesh. Can I even imagine Mary's joy to have the Word Made Flesh dwell within her womb? Can I even fathom the meaning and importance of this, for its immensity is truly great and significant?
And so God allowed us to begin to have a real, personal encounter with Him in the Incarnation of His Son but now that He has died and is risen, I can still have a very real and personal encounter with Him in the flesh.
I'm grateful that one of the few major things that I was able to be truly convinced about regarding the Catholic faith is that the Eucharist is truly Jesus present in the flesh. What great consolations I've received from devotion and faith to Jesus in the Eucharist! Worthy of separate, proper treatment blog posts, for sure. But one thing is for certain: since the Eucharist is Jesus, every time I go to Mass or adore Christ in the Eucharist, it is a personal encounter with the Incarnated One.
Response:
And as a metaphor for my faith journey, the availability of encountering Jesus in this way is a constant reminder of Jesus' presence in my life. I should keep conscious of this fact throughout these days, everyday.
In the words of Simeon,
- JD
from St. Louis du Montfort: True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, #248
Reflection:
The Word Made Flesh. This is a huge deal! That the Word given by God was made manifest in flesh and bone upon Mary's great "Yes!" Because of the Incarnation, it became possible to encounter God in a very real way. I can't imagine what it must have been like to see and interact with Jesus in real life. Surely it must have been a great joy to encounter God ... in the flesh. Can I even imagine Mary's joy to have the Word Made Flesh dwell within her womb? Can I even fathom the meaning and importance of this, for its immensity is truly great and significant?
And so God allowed us to begin to have a real, personal encounter with Him in the Incarnation of His Son but now that He has died and is risen, I can still have a very real and personal encounter with Him in the flesh.
I'm grateful that one of the few major things that I was able to be truly convinced about regarding the Catholic faith is that the Eucharist is truly Jesus present in the flesh. What great consolations I've received from devotion and faith to Jesus in the Eucharist! Worthy of separate, proper treatment blog posts, for sure. But one thing is for certain: since the Eucharist is Jesus, every time I go to Mass or adore Christ in the Eucharist, it is a personal encounter with the Incarnated One.
Response:
And as a metaphor for my faith journey, the availability of encountering Jesus in this way is a constant reminder of Jesus' presence in my life. I should keep conscious of this fact throughout these days, everyday.
In the words of Simeon,
...my own eyes have seen the salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of every people.Ad Jesum per Mariam,
- JD
Total Consecration: Day 27
Reading: John 15: 1-5
from St. Louis du Montfort: True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, #61
Reflection:
One week away from making my Act of Total Consecration. This last week will be focused on the knowledge of Jesus.
Jesus is the ultimate end to any of our devotions in the Catholic faith. It only makes sense to "save the best for last" in this journey through preparing for the Total Consecration. He is the vine, I am one of the branches. If I bear bad fruit, then I will be let go. But if I were to grow good fruit, I will be pruned and trimmed as to be more abundant.
Jesus is everything that I need in this life. It is through Him that I have life.
Response:
Therefore, I must unite myself to Christ. On a daily basis, I often forget to unite all my words, thoughts, and actions to Christ. I've often been distracted or place other things higher priority than Jesus. And I sin too.
And I should't do that anymore. I must be open to and actively pursue to be united to Christ. So that I can bear good fruit.
Ad Jesum per Mariam
- JD
from St. Louis du Montfort: True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, #61
Reflection:
One week away from making my Act of Total Consecration. This last week will be focused on the knowledge of Jesus.
Jesus is the ultimate end to any of our devotions in the Catholic faith. It only makes sense to "save the best for last" in this journey through preparing for the Total Consecration. He is the vine, I am one of the branches. If I bear bad fruit, then I will be let go. But if I were to grow good fruit, I will be pruned and trimmed as to be more abundant.
Jesus is everything that I need in this life. It is through Him that I have life.
Response:
Therefore, I must unite myself to Christ. On a daily basis, I often forget to unite all my words, thoughts, and actions to Christ. I've often been distracted or place other things higher priority than Jesus. And I sin too.
And I should't do that anymore. I must be open to and actively pursue to be united to Christ. So that I can bear good fruit.
Ad Jesum per Mariam
- JD
Monday, July 8, 2013
Total Consecration: Day 26
Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:18
from St. Louis du Montfort: True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, #219-221
Reflection:
In recent years, I've begun to think of Mary as the perfect or most exemplary Christian. I like St. Louis du Montfort's analogy of Mary as a mold. Molds make things easier to image, and I can vouch for this through my engineering background. It is easier to form plastic from a mold that is in the shape desired than it is to start with a chunk of plastic and whittle it down to a LEGO piece. Mary is the mold through which Jesus came from. He took on His human likeness because of her. She had to be the perfect mold to mold perfection.
Response:
So then, in the pursuit of being more Christ-like, I would say that I need to mold myself to be more Mary-mold-ish in order to be transformed in Christ.
Am I willing to? Am I scared? Is this attractive?
I am willing. But I'm not sure how it will play out and that is not reassuring. But, I know that this is way to go because the way to Christ is a difficult path, but it is only this path that will bring joy and peace.
Ad Jesum per Mariam
- JD
from St. Louis du Montfort: True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, #219-221
Reflection:
In recent years, I've begun to think of Mary as the perfect or most exemplary Christian. I like St. Louis du Montfort's analogy of Mary as a mold. Molds make things easier to image, and I can vouch for this through my engineering background. It is easier to form plastic from a mold that is in the shape desired than it is to start with a chunk of plastic and whittle it down to a LEGO piece. Mary is the mold through which Jesus came from. He took on His human likeness because of her. She had to be the perfect mold to mold perfection.
Response:
So then, in the pursuit of being more Christ-like, I would say that I need to mold myself to be more Mary-mold-ish in order to be transformed in Christ.
Am I willing to? Am I scared? Is this attractive?
I am willing. But I'm not sure how it will play out and that is not reassuring. But, I know that this is way to go because the way to Christ is a difficult path, but it is only this path that will bring joy and peace.
Ad Jesum per Mariam
- JD
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Total Consecration: Day 25
Reading: 2 Peter 1: 5-8
from St. Louis du Montfort: The Secret of Mary, #57
Reflection:
St. Louis du Montfort would say that Mary is the epitome of how a soul should serve Jesus Christ. Her pure faith, her humility, her charity, her purity, and her parental care as a mother are the virtues that make Mary's spirit really conducive to be a servant of Christ.
Today's reading outlines a sort of logical progression of a soul's characteristics in order to be a fruitful servant of Christ. Mary has achieved this progression in a perfect way.
How am I most like Mary? Perhaps my faith though it is not as pure as Mary's. I've somehow been able to maintain a steadfast faith without questioning it or finding myself questioning it. I should clarify that this is not the type of questioning that seeks to understand in knowledge, but the type of questioning due to doubts. I know this type of questioning is a struggle for some people, but it seems like I've been given enough grace to overcome that hurdle.
On the other hand, I think my humility is the most opposed to or unlike Mary. Oftentimes I develop a sense of pride of self and praise my personal achievements when Mary, I think, would bring back the focus to magnifying the Lord.
Response:
I should offer up my pride and ask for Mary's intercession and inspiration in what humility should be.
- JD
from St. Louis du Montfort: The Secret of Mary, #57
Reflection:
St. Louis du Montfort would say that Mary is the epitome of how a soul should serve Jesus Christ. Her pure faith, her humility, her charity, her purity, and her parental care as a mother are the virtues that make Mary's spirit really conducive to be a servant of Christ.
Today's reading outlines a sort of logical progression of a soul's characteristics in order to be a fruitful servant of Christ. Mary has achieved this progression in a perfect way.
How am I most like Mary? Perhaps my faith though it is not as pure as Mary's. I've somehow been able to maintain a steadfast faith without questioning it or finding myself questioning it. I should clarify that this is not the type of questioning that seeks to understand in knowledge, but the type of questioning due to doubts. I know this type of questioning is a struggle for some people, but it seems like I've been given enough grace to overcome that hurdle.
On the other hand, I think my humility is the most opposed to or unlike Mary. Oftentimes I develop a sense of pride of self and praise my personal achievements when Mary, I think, would bring back the focus to magnifying the Lord.
Response:
I should offer up my pride and ask for Mary's intercession and inspiration in what humility should be.
- JD
Total Consecration: Day 24
Reading: Matthew 6: 19-21
from St. Louis du Montfort: True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, #178
Reflection:
Everything in this worldly life has a finite end. That's why treasures shouldn't be kept here on earth, but rather in heaven. Because...heaven is eternal. Not only that, but things treasured in heaven are free from decay and wrongdoing. Nothing rusts, nothing can be stolen...according to Matthew's Gospel.
Mary is the gate of heaven. Through her, God's perfection dwelled and through Him, heaven opened up. As St. Louis du Montfort put it, Mary is a "spiritual vessel" to where we can submit our treasures.
What are some "treasures" that I have? I'm blessed with a good family, good friends, the gift of being easy-going with joyful optimism even in stressful times, the graces to be able to grow deeper in my faith when it is so easy for me not to, and many other things. The thing I treasure the most is my life. It is truly a gift and even though I haven't lived it out the way I originally planned...(well, that's the problem...my plans)...my life seems to be working the way it should.
Response:
And so I entrust all these treasures to Mary, who is the gate of heaven and a resident herself. She can help store my treasures in heaven where they will be free from decay and wrongdoing for all eternity.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
- JD
from St. Louis du Montfort: True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, #178
Reflection:
Everything in this worldly life has a finite end. That's why treasures shouldn't be kept here on earth, but rather in heaven. Because...heaven is eternal. Not only that, but things treasured in heaven are free from decay and wrongdoing. Nothing rusts, nothing can be stolen...according to Matthew's Gospel.
Mary is the gate of heaven. Through her, God's perfection dwelled and through Him, heaven opened up. As St. Louis du Montfort put it, Mary is a "spiritual vessel" to where we can submit our treasures.
What are some "treasures" that I have? I'm blessed with a good family, good friends, the gift of being easy-going with joyful optimism even in stressful times, the graces to be able to grow deeper in my faith when it is so easy for me not to, and many other things. The thing I treasure the most is my life. It is truly a gift and even though I haven't lived it out the way I originally planned...(well, that's the problem...my plans)...my life seems to be working the way it should.
Response:
And so I entrust all these treasures to Mary, who is the gate of heaven and a resident herself. She can help store my treasures in heaven where they will be free from decay and wrongdoing for all eternity.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
- JD
Friday, July 5, 2013
Total Consecration: Day 23
Reading: Luke 2: 6-7
from St. Louis du Montfort: True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, #178
Reflection:
Mary, indeed, is truly special. God Himself willed that He shall come into the world through Mary. No other human has this great honor. She is the way that Jesus came into the world. God did not will His son to be born from His forehead. Jesus did not magically appear out of nowhere. The almighty and ever living God was made flesh, incarnate of the Virgin Mary. She's kind of a big deal!
I've mentioned before how Mary needs to be perfect and special because one does not simply allow God to dwell within one's own self in a very literal way. She provided the perfect means at which to bring Jesus into the world. She had to be immaculate and free from sin because a dirty vessel is not fitting for the Perfect One. She has perfect union with Christ in a way that is comprehensible because we know what a mother and child relationship is.
Response:
Because of her perfect union with Christ, I must strive to have perfected union with Mary. Therefore, I ask for Jesus' help in having great confidence and submission to His Mother.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
- JD
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Total Consecration: Day 22
Reading: Romans 8: 28-30
from St. Louis du Montfort: The Secret of Mary, #11-12
Reflection:
St. Louis du Montfort brings up a good point that I hadn't reflected too much on...
Since this week is focused on the knowledge of Mary...what does it mean for her to be my mother? I think she helps bridges the gap between me and Jesus in terms of how intimate of a relationship she shares with Him. With Mary as our Mother...Jesus and I share this intimate relationship with her and through that relationship, unity.
She's also the perfect mother. She has to be the perfect mother because she is the Mother of God! Maybe the Beetles weren't joking when they let it be that
Thank you Jesus for giving us your mother!
Response:
Whenever I get discouraged and dejected (and it happens a lot), I will seek the help of Our Blessed Mother.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
- JD
from St. Louis du Montfort: The Secret of Mary, #11-12
Reflection:
St. Louis du Montfort brings up a good point that I hadn't reflected too much on...
As in the natural life a child must have a father and a mother, so in the supernatural life of grace a true child of the Church must have God for his Father and Mary for his mother.I mean, it makes sense! Being Catholic, we're always making visible, natural signs of supernatural realities. If I have a mom and dad in the natural life, that must be mean I should have a mom and dad in the supernatural life. With God as my Father and Mary as my mother, and mom and dad...I really get that filial feeling. And that sense of belonging to a family.
Since this week is focused on the knowledge of Mary...what does it mean for her to be my mother? I think she helps bridges the gap between me and Jesus in terms of how intimate of a relationship she shares with Him. With Mary as our Mother...Jesus and I share this intimate relationship with her and through that relationship, unity.
She's also the perfect mother. She has to be the perfect mother because she is the Mother of God! Maybe the Beetles weren't joking when they let it be that
When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to mebecause she really has been there for me in recent history during troubled times. She has the most comforting embrace as a mother, the most caring kiss on the forehead as a mother, and the most understanding gaze as a mother.
Thank you Jesus for giving us your mother!
Response:
Whenever I get discouraged and dejected (and it happens a lot), I will seek the help of Our Blessed Mother.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
- JD
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Total Consecration: Day 21
Reading: Genesis 3: 14-15
from St. Louis du Montfort: True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, #52
Reflection:
I suppose one could say that God is God and the opposite of God is Satan. As in, God's equal and opposite.
WHICH IS TOTALLY HERETICAL AND THEOLOGICALLY INACCURATE.
No, Satan is one of God's creation since Lucifer was an angel. But in his rebellion against God, he is a fallen angel. And that doesn't make him God's equal opposite. Actually, I'm sure he would love more than anything to be God's equal, but the truth is...he is not! Out of his rebellion, Satan will do anything to lead others to turn away from God through his seductive lies.
And so...if Satan were to have an equal opposite (if at all)...it would probably be this woman that is spoken of in Genesis 3 whom God will place enmity between her and the serpent. This woman ends up being Mary. She's the thorn in Satan's side because how could a human creature be so endowed with God's grace? And the Evil One is a jealous type.
I learned in high school that a cool way to think about the Rosary is that every time someone prays it, Mary sticks a dagger into Satan's face. Whoa.
I learned a year ago from St. Louis du Montfort that every Hail Mary prayed on the Rosary is like offering Mary a rose. So maybe these roses are the swords and daggers which Mary uses to oppose Satan.
From Genesis 3: 15, this woman will crush the head of the serpent. When I visited the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land back in January, someone pointed out to me that one of the Marian altars had a unique feature. I didn't talk about it in my blog...but...the marble/stone used for the floor surrounding a particular Marian altar at the Monastery were brought in from somewhere. And when they were placing these stones, it was later noticed that in one of the stones, a very distinct imprint of a snake is visible. Beneath. A. Statue. Of. Mary. (not literally, but the imprint is definitely "at the foot" of where Mary stands)
So basically, Our Blessed Mother can oppose Satan in a very powerful and profound way. God basically said Himself that there would exist a hatred between the two, and obviously Satan doesn't win in the end. That doesn't mean that Satan won't give up without a fight.
Response:
And so, knowing that I've fallen for Satan's lies many, many times...I must ask for Our Lady's help and offer her my temptations so that she can help me in my fight against sin. Really, against the devil. She cannot redeem me, but she can certainly help my fight against the devil for she is full of grace and desires nothing but to point me towards her Son, who does redeem me.
I offer Our Lady my inclination to sin.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
- JD
from St. Louis du Montfort: True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, #52
Reflection:
I suppose one could say that God is God and the opposite of God is Satan. As in, God's equal and opposite.
WHICH IS TOTALLY HERETICAL AND THEOLOGICALLY INACCURATE.
No, Satan is one of God's creation since Lucifer was an angel. But in his rebellion against God, he is a fallen angel. And that doesn't make him God's equal opposite. Actually, I'm sure he would love more than anything to be God's equal, but the truth is...he is not! Out of his rebellion, Satan will do anything to lead others to turn away from God through his seductive lies.
And so...if Satan were to have an equal opposite (if at all)...it would probably be this woman that is spoken of in Genesis 3 whom God will place enmity between her and the serpent. This woman ends up being Mary. She's the thorn in Satan's side because how could a human creature be so endowed with God's grace? And the Evil One is a jealous type.
I learned in high school that a cool way to think about the Rosary is that every time someone prays it, Mary sticks a dagger into Satan's face. Whoa.
I learned a year ago from St. Louis du Montfort that every Hail Mary prayed on the Rosary is like offering Mary a rose. So maybe these roses are the swords and daggers which Mary uses to oppose Satan.
From Genesis 3: 15, this woman will crush the head of the serpent. When I visited the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land back in January, someone pointed out to me that one of the Marian altars had a unique feature. I didn't talk about it in my blog...but...the marble/stone used for the floor surrounding a particular Marian altar at the Monastery were brought in from somewhere. And when they were placing these stones, it was later noticed that in one of the stones, a very distinct imprint of a snake is visible. Beneath. A. Statue. Of. Mary. (not literally, but the imprint is definitely "at the foot" of where Mary stands)
So basically, Our Blessed Mother can oppose Satan in a very powerful and profound way. God basically said Himself that there would exist a hatred between the two, and obviously Satan doesn't win in the end. That doesn't mean that Satan won't give up without a fight.
Response:
And so, knowing that I've fallen for Satan's lies many, many times...I must ask for Our Lady's help and offer her my temptations so that she can help me in my fight against sin. Really, against the devil. She cannot redeem me, but she can certainly help my fight against the devil for she is full of grace and desires nothing but to point me towards her Son, who does redeem me.
I offer Our Lady my inclination to sin.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
- JD
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Total Consecration: Day 20
Reading: 1 Corinthians 1: 4-8
from St. Louis du Montfort: True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, #44
Reflection:
God gives me sufficient grace to turn to Him. No more, no less. It just becomes a matter of whether I respond to His grace and how I respond to His grace.
The most exemplary person who has ever lived and who responded to God's grace in a very profound way is none other than Mary. The angel Gabriel acknowledged her as being "full of grace." She was so full of grace that the stain of original sin and concupiscence were unknown to her. What a statement God makes to fill a human being with so much grace! But it makes sense though, because Mary is the God-bearer when the Word Made Flesh is conceived in her womb.
Someone so full of grace and so loving would probably desire to share it. So these next few days in the preparation are meant to grow closer to Mary in order to share in the graces that she has received and for her to direct me closer to her Son, like she always does.
Thinking about all the aspects of my life that need the grace of God, I realize that I have quite a few. But, I think I need the most in being able to trust Him. Trust in a surrendering sort of way. I'm sure there's a proper Catholic word for that...
Response:
I'll ask Mary to help me obtain the grace needed to be more trusting in God. This is a constant struggle, and from today I realized that I need her help, now and at the hour of my death.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
- JD
from St. Louis du Montfort: True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, #44
Reflection:
God gives me sufficient grace to turn to Him. No more, no less. It just becomes a matter of whether I respond to His grace and how I respond to His grace.
The most exemplary person who has ever lived and who responded to God's grace in a very profound way is none other than Mary. The angel Gabriel acknowledged her as being "full of grace." She was so full of grace that the stain of original sin and concupiscence were unknown to her. What a statement God makes to fill a human being with so much grace! But it makes sense though, because Mary is the God-bearer when the Word Made Flesh is conceived in her womb.
Someone so full of grace and so loving would probably desire to share it. So these next few days in the preparation are meant to grow closer to Mary in order to share in the graces that she has received and for her to direct me closer to her Son, like she always does.
Thinking about all the aspects of my life that need the grace of God, I realize that I have quite a few. But, I think I need the most in being able to trust Him. Trust in a surrendering sort of way. I'm sure there's a proper Catholic word for that...
Response:
I'll ask Mary to help me obtain the grace needed to be more trusting in God. This is a constant struggle, and from today I realized that I need her help, now and at the hour of my death.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
- JD
Monday, July 1, 2013
Total Consecration: Day 19
Reading: Mark 8: 34-37
from St. Louis du Montfort: True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, #81
Reflection:
Many times does Jesus ask His disciples to follow Him. But not just follow Him...but to give up everything to follow Him. I mean, everything! Worldliness in the material things, and worldliness in the interior things of the heart. Jesus invites us to love as He loves...which is totally and completely and we can't do that unless we devote ourselves totally and completely.
The whole idea the past few days has been the knowledge of self and ridding myself of being inward-looking. That my focus and direction should be on heaven to share in God's love perfectly, even if it costs me my comfort, luxuries, and yes...even my life.
Yesterday on Facebook, I posted this grateful post:
Grateful Status Day 259: for the blood of the martyrs, especially in our modern era and for joyful hope despite it allFr. Francois' beheading prompted me to think about others in recent history who have given up their lives at the hands of the world yet remained steadfast in their faith towards God. It's truly fascinating because they provide real witness to what it means to be a disciple of Christ.
St. Teresa Benedicta (aka Edith Stein, Catholic woman feminine genius) and St. Maximilian Kolbe (priest who offered to take Jewish man's place) were executed by the Nazis by gas chamber. Blessed Miguel Pro (execution by firing squad photographed and popular image) and Blessed Jose Luiz (child tortured then stabbed) were executed by the Mexican government. Fr. Francois Murad beheaded by Syrian rebels.
And countless others. Fascinating.
Do I cling to my wants and desires without keeping God's will in mind? Do I daily take up my cross?
Response:
And a daily temptation is to make it easier on myself regarding carrying my cross(es). I need to just man up and die to self and embrace my cross(es).
For every time I think/feel stressed at work, I must remember gratitude.
For every time that I despair in my future, I must be patient and open to God's will.
For every time that I really don't feel like doing something I ought to do, I must do it anyway.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
- JD
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Total Consecration: Day 18
Reading: Luke 18: 9-14
from St. Louis du Montfort: The Secret of Mary, #36
Reflection:
One of my constant temptations is to compare myself to others (but really, what human doesn't do this?) and thinking I'm better than they are. Perhaps it's my interior competitive spirit that drives me to think this way. Whatever the case, placing myself above others is an expression of pride. Pride is one of the seven deadly sins because it lacks the recognition of God's gift and grace.
So ... it tends to work out (as I have a good handful of substantial examples) where God purposely humbles me. And while I deal with these situations kicking and screaming with anger and frustration and despair, I usually forget that I must approach this with humility by recognizing that God has a hand on anything I do or think.
It's like in today's reading regarding one of Jesus' parables. The Pharisee compares himself to other men, and he's grateful that he is not the others and that he deserves God's gratitude because he follows the law. On the other hand, the tax collector recognizes that he's a sinner and is imperfect and cries out to God for His help.
St. Louis du Montfort reflects that we're not worthy to approach God directly because of our imperfection. Thus, we must approach with humility. He also explains that our approach to Jesus requires going through Mary as a way of humility. To me, it's kind of like really wanting to hang out with my best friend, but I have to ask my friend's mom for permission or for her to show me the way to my friend. A certain level of humility is required to have the guts and courage to ask my friend's mom. Haha.
Humility. I think it's the only way to approach the Lord. Simply because nothing about me matters were it not for God who has allowed me to have the gift of life and all the blessings and graces He wills to bestow upon me. To have a sense of pride in myself for these blessings and graces is not the way to approach the Lord because I would only be approaching...myself.
In a real world example. just today, I went out to visit nursing homes as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion so that I can offer the Eucharist to elderly residents who cannot make it to Mass. Before leaving, I obtained enough Eucharist for the number of residents I planned on visiting.
I'm driving in my car with the radio off and ...I thought to myself how incredibly unworthy I am to be carrying the God of the Universe in my pocket (in a freshly blessed pyx, mind you). And not only that...driving Him around town in my Honda Civic. Part of me wished I had something better to offer in terms of transportation accommodation. I felt truly humbled by His very close proximate presence to me and what a blessing it is for me to be able to bring Him literally out in the world to elderly people who need Him.
Response:
I don't ask for Mary's intercession as much as I should. And perhaps out of that recognition, I should humbly go before our Blessed Mother and ask her to lead me to her Son.
"Do whatever he tells you."
Ad Jesum per Mariam.
- JD
from St. Louis du Montfort: The Secret of Mary, #36
Reflection:
One of my constant temptations is to compare myself to others (but really, what human doesn't do this?) and thinking I'm better than they are. Perhaps it's my interior competitive spirit that drives me to think this way. Whatever the case, placing myself above others is an expression of pride. Pride is one of the seven deadly sins because it lacks the recognition of God's gift and grace.
So ... it tends to work out (as I have a good handful of substantial examples) where God purposely humbles me. And while I deal with these situations kicking and screaming with anger and frustration and despair, I usually forget that I must approach this with humility by recognizing that God has a hand on anything I do or think.
It's like in today's reading regarding one of Jesus' parables. The Pharisee compares himself to other men, and he's grateful that he is not the others and that he deserves God's gratitude because he follows the law. On the other hand, the tax collector recognizes that he's a sinner and is imperfect and cries out to God for His help.
St. Louis du Montfort reflects that we're not worthy to approach God directly because of our imperfection. Thus, we must approach with humility. He also explains that our approach to Jesus requires going through Mary as a way of humility. To me, it's kind of like really wanting to hang out with my best friend, but I have to ask my friend's mom for permission or for her to show me the way to my friend. A certain level of humility is required to have the guts and courage to ask my friend's mom. Haha.
Humility. I think it's the only way to approach the Lord. Simply because nothing about me matters were it not for God who has allowed me to have the gift of life and all the blessings and graces He wills to bestow upon me. To have a sense of pride in myself for these blessings and graces is not the way to approach the Lord because I would only be approaching...myself.
In a real world example. just today, I went out to visit nursing homes as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion so that I can offer the Eucharist to elderly residents who cannot make it to Mass. Before leaving, I obtained enough Eucharist for the number of residents I planned on visiting.
I'm driving in my car with the radio off and ...I thought to myself how incredibly unworthy I am to be carrying the God of the Universe in my pocket (in a freshly blessed pyx, mind you). And not only that...driving Him around town in my Honda Civic. Part of me wished I had something better to offer in terms of transportation accommodation. I felt truly humbled by His very close proximate presence to me and what a blessing it is for me to be able to bring Him literally out in the world to elderly people who need Him.
Response:
I don't ask for Mary's intercession as much as I should. And perhaps out of that recognition, I should humbly go before our Blessed Mother and ask her to lead me to her Son.
"Do whatever he tells you."
Ad Jesum per Mariam.
- JD
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Total Consecration: Day 17
Reading: Romans 7: 21-25
from St. Louis du Montfort: True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, #87
Reflection:
Sometimes it seems like the closer that I get to God, Satan follows me even closer. Satan badly wants me to stay away from God as much as he possibly can. Perhaps that's why whenever I'm feeling particularly successful in doing as I ought to in order to pursue holiness, the more dramatic or greater magnitude temptations are to me. The higher I am, the harder I fall.
Acknowledging my human weakness, I realize how frail I am in treasuring God's graces for me. How EASY it is to succumb to sin due to my corruptible body. I am weak, but I must be strong and defend God's grace within me. I've had many moments of weakness throughout my life despite the graceful blessings that God has given me.
Response:
I've reflected on the volume of liquid found in a cup before, and now I imagine it as my cup filled with God's grace. Because if it's not filled with God's grace, it's filled with something that is not of God. I have to let go of those things in order to make room for God's grace, so that I may be able to pour that out and share with others.
I went to Confession to today, and I was reminded of how refreshing it is to empty myself of the ugliness of sin. And through Confession, my cup is filled once more with God's grace and Satan flees, if only momentarily (for he's a persistent little worm).
Frequenting the sacraments. That's how I can strengthen myself and fill myself up with God's grace through the visible signs of inward realities of the flow of grace.
I should go to Adoration this upcoming week because it's been a while.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
- JD
from St. Louis du Montfort: True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, #87
Reflection:
Sometimes it seems like the closer that I get to God, Satan follows me even closer. Satan badly wants me to stay away from God as much as he possibly can. Perhaps that's why whenever I'm feeling particularly successful in doing as I ought to in order to pursue holiness, the more dramatic or greater magnitude temptations are to me. The higher I am, the harder I fall.
Acknowledging my human weakness, I realize how frail I am in treasuring God's graces for me. How EASY it is to succumb to sin due to my corruptible body. I am weak, but I must be strong and defend God's grace within me. I've had many moments of weakness throughout my life despite the graceful blessings that God has given me.
Response:
I've reflected on the volume of liquid found in a cup before, and now I imagine it as my cup filled with God's grace. Because if it's not filled with God's grace, it's filled with something that is not of God. I have to let go of those things in order to make room for God's grace, so that I may be able to pour that out and share with others.
I went to Confession to today, and I was reminded of how refreshing it is to empty myself of the ugliness of sin. And through Confession, my cup is filled once more with God's grace and Satan flees, if only momentarily (for he's a persistent little worm).
Frequenting the sacraments. That's how I can strengthen myself and fill myself up with God's grace through the visible signs of inward realities of the flow of grace.
I should go to Adoration this upcoming week because it's been a while.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
- JD
Total Consecration: Day 16
Reading: Luke 6: 43-45
from St. Louis du Montfort: True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, #58
Reflection:
I've been playing a new game for the Nintendo 3DS called Animal Crossing: New Leaf. It's a simplified life simulator where you play as the mayor of the town. Oh, and different things happen in-game depending on real time. Each town has fruit trees that you start off with, and you can pick that fruit in order to start new fruit trees, trade or sell the fruit in the game. As you progress, other fruits become available.
The thing is, no matter what type of fruit...the tree looks the same! The only way for me to distinguish fruit trees is by what fruit it bears! Well okay, I have an orchard system so that my fruits are grouped together...but any visitors to my town wouldn't be able to tell the difference unless the tree has fruit. I suppose, for game mechanics sake, good fruit always grow! And they never go bad! Sometimes even perfect fruits grow!
God has created me to be good, for any of His creations are inherently good. I am to be a tree that bears good fruit (not literally! =P). But because I still have concupiscence, my sins taint the goodness of what fruit I'll bear. I'm not an Animal Crossing fruit tree.
Do my good deeds and upright behavior mean much if I harbor any evil within my heart? I think back to the difficult times I had in dealing with a particular classmate of mine. He epitomized most of things (on the inside) that I didn't want to be...and it frustrated me to the point of anger and condemnation, nearly. Yet, though I felt this way...I was still nice and friendly with him. But looking back, because I wasn't charitable on the inside towards him, I didn't make a sincere effort to be Christ-like for him. So, our friendship just ended up being rather superficial out of convenience and necessity.
Tainted fruit, in that case.
Response:
In times of frustration and anger and despair and the list goes on... I must rid my self of these feelings and emotions that hold me back from being who God calls me to be. The seed has been planted. The growing is happening. The fruits...must be good fruits. Not tainted.
I need to focus on redeeming the negativity found in my heart so that I can bear good fruit.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
- JD
from St. Louis du Montfort: True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, #58
Reflection:
I've been playing a new game for the Nintendo 3DS called Animal Crossing: New Leaf. It's a simplified life simulator where you play as the mayor of the town. Oh, and different things happen in-game depending on real time. Each town has fruit trees that you start off with, and you can pick that fruit in order to start new fruit trees, trade or sell the fruit in the game. As you progress, other fruits become available.
The thing is, no matter what type of fruit...the tree looks the same! The only way for me to distinguish fruit trees is by what fruit it bears! Well okay, I have an orchard system so that my fruits are grouped together...but any visitors to my town wouldn't be able to tell the difference unless the tree has fruit. I suppose, for game mechanics sake, good fruit always grow! And they never go bad! Sometimes even perfect fruits grow!
God has created me to be good, for any of His creations are inherently good. I am to be a tree that bears good fruit (not literally! =P). But because I still have concupiscence, my sins taint the goodness of what fruit I'll bear. I'm not an Animal Crossing fruit tree.
Do my good deeds and upright behavior mean much if I harbor any evil within my heart? I think back to the difficult times I had in dealing with a particular classmate of mine. He epitomized most of things (on the inside) that I didn't want to be...and it frustrated me to the point of anger and condemnation, nearly. Yet, though I felt this way...I was still nice and friendly with him. But looking back, because I wasn't charitable on the inside towards him, I didn't make a sincere effort to be Christ-like for him. So, our friendship just ended up being rather superficial out of convenience and necessity.
Tainted fruit, in that case.
Response:
In times of frustration and anger and despair and the list goes on... I must rid my self of these feelings and emotions that hold me back from being who God calls me to be. The seed has been planted. The growing is happening. The fruits...must be good fruits. Not tainted.
I need to focus on redeeming the negativity found in my heart so that I can bear good fruit.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
- JD
Friday, June 28, 2013
Total Consecration: Day 15
Reading: 1 John 1: 8-10
from St. Louis du Montfort: True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, #99-100
Reflection:
After reading today's reading, I can't help but remember that one time when I was talking to one of my classmates about going to Mass and Confession. Yeah, he considers himself "Catholic" insofar as he attends Mass on Sundays. Sometimes. And that's about it. What's really sticking out to me from my memory is our conversation about Confession. I remember him saying, "(psh) I don't need to go to Confession. I'm perfect!", to which I didn't really know how to properly respond in a convincing matter. But, I knew that he could probably work on some certain things which would probably merit Confession if he were to ever arrive at the point of a repentant heart. It took quality time spent with him to know that ... he wasn't perfect at all. I don't mean that in a condemning, judgmental way. But, he basically said he didn't sin even though I'm for certain that he engaged in actions and behaviors that are undoubtedly sinful, from my own observations.
So...
Gosh! I just thought of how relevant that is to this past week. Abortion? That's not a sin. (it's a woman's right to choose!!! if you're against abortion, you're sexist!!!) ... So-called "same sex marriage"? That's not sinful at all. (it's about marriage equality! and everyone who is against gay marriage is bigot!!!).
Underneath the smoke and mirrors of the political agenda and emotionally charged opinions regarding these matters are objective truths and realities about the dignity of the human person that are violated by these intrinsically immoral things. By saying these things are not sinful, we are deceiving ourselves. If we deceive ourselves, we aren't going to be communicating truth. And if we're not communicating truth, then we're making Jesus to be nothing but a liar. That's why it gets confusing for the rest of the world when Christians support these things (but it's not sinful, right?).
For me, I might not openly say that my sinful ways aren't sinful. But in the way that I handle temptations and choosing to sin, I communicate that sinning isn't sinful. And that's how I easily trap myself in a sinful cycle of ...sin-that-is-actually-sinful.
So, I like St. Louis du Montfort's advice in pursuing holiness through devotion to Our Lady. It is necessary ...
Resolution:
I do have some bad habits...but I won't focus on those here on my blog. I will make the firm decision to overcome one of my bad habits.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
- JD
from St. Louis du Montfort: True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, #99-100
Reflection:
After reading today's reading, I can't help but remember that one time when I was talking to one of my classmates about going to Mass and Confession. Yeah, he considers himself "Catholic" insofar as he attends Mass on Sundays. Sometimes. And that's about it. What's really sticking out to me from my memory is our conversation about Confession. I remember him saying, "(psh) I don't need to go to Confession. I'm perfect!", to which I didn't really know how to properly respond in a convincing matter. But, I knew that he could probably work on some certain things which would probably merit Confession if he were to ever arrive at the point of a repentant heart. It took quality time spent with him to know that ... he wasn't perfect at all. I don't mean that in a condemning, judgmental way. But, he basically said he didn't sin even though I'm for certain that he engaged in actions and behaviors that are undoubtedly sinful, from my own observations.
So...
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us...says St. Paul to the Romans. What does that look like for my interior life? It's like...I wouldn't be acknowledging my imperfections which is a reality because of our fallen human nature. Thus, I would be deceiving myself by dismissing that reality.
Gosh! I just thought of how relevant that is to this past week. Abortion? That's not a sin. (it's a woman's right to choose!!! if you're against abortion, you're sexist!!!) ... So-called "same sex marriage"? That's not sinful at all. (it's about marriage equality! and everyone who is against gay marriage is bigot!!!).
Underneath the smoke and mirrors of the political agenda and emotionally charged opinions regarding these matters are objective truths and realities about the dignity of the human person that are violated by these intrinsically immoral things. By saying these things are not sinful, we are deceiving ourselves. If we deceive ourselves, we aren't going to be communicating truth. And if we're not communicating truth, then we're making Jesus to be nothing but a liar. That's why it gets confusing for the rest of the world when Christians support these things (but it's not sinful, right?).
For me, I might not openly say that my sinful ways aren't sinful. But in the way that I handle temptations and choosing to sin, I communicate that sinning isn't sinful. And that's how I easily trap myself in a sinful cycle of ...sin-that-is-actually-sinful.
So, I like St. Louis du Montfort's advice in pursuing holiness through devotion to Our Lady. It is necessary ...
...to be genuinely determined to avoid at least all mortal sin, which outrages the Mother as well as the son (wow I have never thought of it that way...)
...to practice great self-restraint in order to avoid sin (sometimes that is difficult, but I know this is true)
...to join her confraternities, say the rosary or other prayers, fast on Saturdays and so on. (mebbe I'm kind of a Carmelite, and a Rosary is often a part of my commute home)It'll take a lot of work. A lot of grace. A lot of intercession from Our Lady. But...these are necessary steps.
Resolution:
I do have some bad habits...but I won't focus on those here on my blog. I will make the firm decision to overcome one of my bad habits.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
- JD
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Total Consecration: Day 14
Reading: Romans 7: 4-6
from St. Louis du Montfort: True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, #68
Reflection:
I suppose today's reading is timely because it reminds me that Christ's fulfillment of the old law, we are now united in Him through His Body. And then most of all, this sticks out to me:
Sure, the world will always provide temptations for me to compromise my union with Christ. And it may come in seductive forms that ultimately cloud the path towards Christ. But I must stay on the narrow path in not becoming a slave for the world, but a slave for Christ.
Response:
I need to take a careful examination of my sins. I've already been doing so...and I even realized how I am attached to a particular one that I didn't realize before. But that shouldn't detract me from the other sins I struggle with. These, too, must be set aside.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
- JD
from St. Louis du Montfort: True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, #68
Reflection:
I suppose today's reading is timely because it reminds me that Christ's fulfillment of the old law, we are now united in Him through His Body. And then most of all, this sticks out to me:
While we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death.It's timely because of the current events, both local and national. Does the law, which in my case the state and federal, arouse a sense of "living in the flesh" that St. Paul warns against multiple times in his letters? These sinful passions...they don't ultimately unite me to Christ and hence cannot bear the fruit of eternal life. I desire freedom from these things that keep me away from Christ so that I can be united to Him more perfectly.
Sure, the world will always provide temptations for me to compromise my union with Christ. And it may come in seductive forms that ultimately cloud the path towards Christ. But I must stay on the narrow path in not becoming a slave for the world, but a slave for Christ.
Response:
I need to take a careful examination of my sins. I've already been doing so...and I even realized how I am attached to a particular one that I didn't realize before. But that shouldn't detract me from the other sins I struggle with. These, too, must be set aside.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
- JD
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)