Happy New Year Eve Week 5 - The Kingdom of Christ, The Word became flesh Day 1



"MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:

Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

REPETITION: THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST CONTEMPLATION: # 91-98

Pray using # 91-98 as in a Repetition; ask our Lord the grace not to be deaf to His call, but prompt and diligent to accomplish His most holy will (# 91).

Today, you are doing a repetition of The Kingdom of Christ contemplation. In other words, as St. Ignatius expresses it, "we should pay attention to and dwell upon those points in which we have experienced greater consolation or desolation or greater spiritual appreciation (# 62). If you wish, you can do a triple colloquy: refer to #63 of the Third Exercise of the First Week."  From Mold Me as Your Disciple, Lord. 

Today my prayer time was spent with the following rule and my Holy Mother, Mary, Jesus and Our Father. 

(098)

Eternal Lord of All Things

Eternal Lord of all things, in the presence of Thy infinite goodness, and of Thy glorious mother, and of all the saints of Thy heavenly court, this is the offering of myself which I make with Thy favor and help. I protest that it is my earnest desire and my deliberate choice, provided only it is for Thy greater service and praise, to imitate Thee in bearing all wrongs and all abuse and all poverty, both actual and spiritual, should Thy most holy majesty deign to choose and admit me to such a state and way of life

   In the stillness of my heart, God painted the picture of Mary loving Jesus and serving her Father.  I watched as she attended to her sons needs and the complete calmness of her spirit, she lived a simple and holy life that we can witness with the help of the Holy Spirit.  I then spent time living with Jesus as He lived as man with us in the flesh.  He as well was at peace not drawing attention to Himself, being intentional to His Fathers will.  The outcome was never His direct concern for all He knew was His actions, the outcome was Gods.  I experienced some of His time in the garden as He was praying.  Once again it was for His Fathers Greater service that was His desire.  I then spent time with my Father as we prayed together.  In knowing that it is all in His hands, He only asks for our willing help and the outcome is His.  The pain and suffering we face in our lives is purification if we are not fighting it, if we are learning from our mistakes and becoming who He created us to be, His sons and daughters.  There are lessons in each of our days, be intentional on following Christ.  Ask for repentance when you sin and receive His grace as often as you can.  

What is God saying to me:  Jesus is a great witness to the life around Him, He did not draw attention to Himself, He was at peace in all circumstances for He knew that I would not abandon Him nor allow Him to endure any pain or suffering that was for the Thy greater service and praise.  He sought only to honor My will and therefore His life on earth was filled with peace even in the pain and suffering.   The pain and suffering He experienced was for your sins, live your holy faith with intention as Jesus did   

Dear Father, I praise You this morning in a world covered by sin, in a world that lives for self and seeks to avoid the pain and suffering   These trials are for Your glory and praise, we are to imitate Jesus, His mother Mary and live the life You give us with love at our core.  I am thankful for this time today and for this past year, may You continue to strengthen me in what ever way is needed so we may spend eternity together.  Prayers of thanksgiving for a young family and their son Finley we go are living examples of the Holy Family   Thank You Father for their strength and in their pain bring them peace, Amen.

Mary, Queen of Saints, Pray for us  

St Joesph, Head of the Holy Family, Pray for us  

Viva Cristo Rey

https://youtu.be/8YC7drPwWf4

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b 

 

Week 5 - The Kingdom of Christ, The Word became flesh Day 1



MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:

Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

The Kingdom of Christ Contemplation: # 91-98.  http://spex.ignatianspirituality.com/SpiritualExercises/Puhl#marker-p101

Read the Reflection; then pray using # 91-98; ask our Lord the grace not to be deaf to His call, but prompt and diligent to accomplish His most holy will (#91).

• In The Kingdom of Christ contemplation (# 91-98), St. Ignatius presents the perfect freedom that comes from embracing the Master's values and living in covenant union with him.

• Christ the leader is very attractive without fanfare. He does not ask for anything that He himself is not prepared to do. This is His address: "It is my will to conquer the whole world and all my enemies, and thus to enter into the glory of my Father. Therefore, whoever wishes to join me in this enterprise must be willing to labor with me, that by following me in suffering, he may follow me in glory."

• Wholehearted service will always require going the extra mile. Essentially, Jesus is asking the disciple to walk the path of passion-death-resurrection. Resurrection is linked inextricably to passion and death, and vice versa. The glory of Resurrection can only be experienced through labor and suffering for God and His people.

• The net result of this personal encounter with Jesus, our Leader and King, is to make a warmhearted and deliberate commitment to follow closely in the Master's footsteps: "Eternal Lord of all things, in the presence of Thy infinite goodness, and of Thy glorious mother, and of all the saints of Thy heavenly court, this is the offering of myself which I make with Thy favor and help. I protest that it is my earnest desire and my deliberate choice, provided only it is for Thy greater service and praise, to imitate Thee in bearing all wrongs and all abuse and all poverty, both actual and spiritual, should Thy most holy majesty deign to choose and admit me to such a state and way of life" (# 98).

• This consecration is the First Principle and Foundation in the form of a prayer. It is made with greater conviction and desire than when it was first considered at the beginning of the retreat. It is therefore, a very significant moment in the retreat.

• St. Ignatius wants the exercitant to make a commitment to God that is witnessed by "thy glorious mother, and all the saints of Thy heavenly court." It is a covenant ritual, where the exercitant is entering into covenant union with God through their consecration.

• The Kingdom of Christ contemplation acts as a road map for the Second, Third, and Fourth Weeks of the Spiritual Exercises."  Taken from the book provided by Michael Fonseca

 What is God saying to you?  I prepared Jesus for His life, even though we share the same Divinity, He died to self and walked the life I give Him.  I have prepared you for your life as well, sin interferes with how you respond but just as Jesus died to self, you as well must die to self and avoid the trappings of this world.  This exercise will bear much fruit and give you insights into your self and how you are doing till this point in your life.  You have responded well and are learning to be quiet and accepting of the things that come up.  Continue to be conscious of self will and continue to die to self, it is not an easy life you desire but an eternity filled with overwhelming joy.  Go in peace today, you have what is needed.  

Dear Father, there is such a wealth of insight and knowledge when we avail ourselves to You and allow Your Divine will to take reign.  I thank You for these graces, keep me conscious today of my actions, help those who have a lot on their shoulders, you know the burden is heavy but like myself they are not unprepared.  Prayers of thanksgiving for answered prayers in an almost impossible task, You are Mighty God and can do all when we place our trust in You.  In Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Glorious Mother, Pray for us.  

Joesph, Most Strong, Pray for us. 

St Ignatius, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey.  

https://youtu.be/V0aAkOe87mo  Praise God for His infinite goodness. 

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 4 - The Reality of Sin and the Mercy of God Day 7



MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:

Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit 

http://spex.ignatianspirituality.com/SpiritualExercises/Puhl#c07-1234

Penance # 82-90 Read each # from The Spiritual Exercises first, and then the reflection on it: (After pondering each bullet point, express your sentiments in a short prayer)

• #87. Why do Penance? St. Ignatius answers this question in this number. The principal reason for performing exterior penance is to secure three effects: "1. To make satisfaction for past sins; 2. To overcome oneself, that is, to make our sensual nature obey reason, and to bring all of our lower faculties into greater subjection to the higher; 3. To obtain some

grace or gift that one earnestly desires."

Father, I am distracted this morning in many different ways.  Help me focus on the task at hand and help me be attentive to the lesson.  Even in these distractions there is fruit to gain.  

• #82. There is Interior and Exterior Penance. Interior Penance "consists in sorrow for ones sins and a firm purpose not to commit them or any others." Repentance would be another name for Interior Penance. Exterior Penance helps curb the disorders of our flesh, and there are three different ways of doing this.

#83. Our eating habits will reveal much about our spiritual dispositions. To remain in a state of consolation, we need to remain in control of our eating habits, not the other way around. St. Ignatius says that when we do away with what is superfluous, it is not penance, but temperance. We do penance when we deny ourselves something of what is suitable for us. Such penance is good provided "we do no harm to ourselves and do not cause any serious illness."

Father, I have never viewed this as a form of penance but as temperance yet I can see that if offered up it is penance for my past sins if treated as such.  Have mercy upon me a sinner. 

#84. Sleep is another area for exterior penance. It is not penance when we do away with the superfluous in what is pampering and soft. "But it is penance when in our manner of sleeping we take something away from what is suitable." We should make sure to have enough sleep. Cutting back on the amount of sleep is good if we had the habit of sleeping too much.

Help me view the lack of sleep as another way to offer up in repentance of my past sins and for the sufferings of Christ.  

#85 & 86. The third kind of penance is "to inflict sensible pain on it (body)." This kind of penance is foreign to our modern sensibilities. St. Ignatius was a man of his times when bodily penance was deemed appropriate. You can do penance by instilling its spirit in you: causing yourself inconvenience and constant self-control of your sense faculties and judgment in your service of others.

Father, there are many ways this can be practiced especially with what You know what my spirit desires.  The distractions can be a form of exterior penance upon myself as long as I do not respond to them.  

What is God saying to you?

Dear Father help me put these methods of penance into practice.  I know You are the keeper of my soul and the Giver of all good gifts.  I place my trust in You and ask that my will be replaced with Yours.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Our Lady of Victory, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Light of Patriarchs, Pray for us

https://youtu.be/sGQerNjaKW0

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 4 - The reality of sin and mercy of God Day 6



"MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:

Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Fifth Exercise: #65-71: A Meditation on Hell

Read the Reflection; pray #65-71 from The Spiritual Exercises; beg for a deep sense of the pain which the lost suffer, that if because of my faults I forget the love of the eternal Lord, at least the fear of these punishments will keep me from falling into sin.

The Fifth Exercise is a meditation on Hell. For the first time in the Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius is asking the exercitant to use the method of the Application of the Senses, even though he does not say so explicitly, as he will in the Second Week. The Application of the Senses is a repetition of the repetitions. The method is a very simplified form of prayer that can become contemplative or leads one there. The meditation on Hell acts as the climax of the First Week experience. You are asked to have an experience of Hell through your different sense faculties: "you see in imagination the vast fires, and the souls enclosed, as it were, in bodies of fire;" "(you) hear the wailing, the howling, cries, and blasphemies against Christ our Lord and against His saints;" "with the sense of smell to perceive the smoke, the sulphur, the filth, and corruption;" "to taste the bitterness of tears, sadness, and remorse of conscience;" "with the sense of touch to feel the flames which envelop and burn the souls." As you can see, the Application of Senses is a vivid, visceral, and concrete experience. In the Colloquy with Christ, you consider those who were lost before the coming of Christ, those during His lifetime, and those who were lost after His life here on earth."

What is God saying to you? Hell is real and the choices you make can easily take you there.  

Dear Father, I don't like the thought of that place even though it is real.  I don't like the noise or the smell or the constant torment with no peace.  I pray for the souls on a path that is leading them there, I pray I am never on this path, I pray I am always obedient to Your voice.  I entrust my heart and soul into Your care, I know I am capable of this outcome but I know You are not.  Protect family and friends from this place Father, I feel Your pain in knowing some freely chose this way.  Prayers for a friend being operated on this morning, watch over him and heal his wounds.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Terror of Demons, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey. 

https://youtu.be/QqPlKVvjadQ

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 4 - The Reality of Sin and the Mercy of God Day 5



"MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:

Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Fourth Exercise: #64: A Summary of the Third Exercise

Read the Reflection; pray #64 from The Spiritual Exercises; ask for shame and confusion because of the many grievous sins I have committed (#48), and for a growing and intense sorrow and tears for my sins (#55).  The Fourth Exercise is described as "a summary of the third exercise." In other words, it is a repetition of the repetition in the Third Exercise. As St. Ignatius puts it, "the intellect, without any digression, diligently thinks over and recalls the matter contemplated in the previous exercises." When you come to think of it, repetition truly becomes a matter of the heart. The pondering and reflecting has been done in the previous exercises. The time for face to face, heart to heart intimacy has arrived. And to do this, once again St. Ignatius asks the exercitant to make use of the triple colloquy."

What is God saying to you?  Humility and be present in every single moment of your life.  If you are to amend your future, these two must be adhered to.  When you are present in the moment with all your senses, I can be heard.  

Dear Father, I thank You for the gift of Your Son Jesus, I thank You for the gift of those ordained to the priesthood and loving examples of a virtuous life.  I ask for blessings upon friends and family this day.  In Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Holy Mother of Jesus, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Protector of the Family, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey. 

https://youtu.be/luqOU6U8EOs

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Merry Christmas, You are loved by God!!



Merry Christmas- "And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth."

‭‭John‬ ‭1:14‬

Dear Father, come into the hearts of Your holy family and satisfy the desires that are within.  You are the reason for the season, You are the joy that we seek, You are the greatest gift we can receive this Christmas morning.  Thank You Father for the gift of Your Son, He is my all, He is my purpose and My cause.  Prayers for friends that have not yet found the pearl of great price, lead them Lord to truth.  In Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Full of Grace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Head of the Holy Family, Protect us and watch over us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/Opp4f1MGVSQ

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Merry Christmas, You are loved by God!!

Merry Christmas- "And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth."

‭‭John‬ ‭1:14‬

Dear Father, come into the hearts of Your holy family and satisfy the desires that are within.  You are the reason for the season, You are the joy that we seek, You are the greatest gift we can receive this Christmas morning.  Thank You Father for the gift of Your Son, He is my all, He is my purpose and My cause.  Prayers for friends that have not yet found the pearl of great price, lead them Lord to truth.  In Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Full of Grace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Head of the Holy Family, Protect us and watch over us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/Opp4f1MGVSQ

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 3 - The Reality of Sin and the Mercy of God, Day 2



"MORNING PRAYER: Act of Faith; Act of Hope; Act of Charity; Daily Offering

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:

Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit 

First Exercise: #45-54. Link to the rules http://spex.ignatianspirituality.com/SpiritualExercises/Puhl#c04-1234   Read the Reflection; pray #45-54 from The Spiritual Exercises; ask for shame and confusion because of the many grievous sins I have committed (#48), and for a growing and intense sorrow and tears for my sins (#55).

In this first exercise of the First Week, St. Ignatius asks us to use the method of Meditation on the first, second, and third sin. In Week Three, you became familiar with the Method of Meditation. You will continue to use this method during this week. The first sin, or the fall of the angels, can be surmised from several texts in the Old and New Testaments. The reality of sin is confounding and utterly destructive, and St. Ignatius wants us to know that: "they were created in the state of grace, that they did not want to make use of the freedom God gave them to reverence and obey their Creator and Lord, and so falling into pride, were changed from grace to hatred of God, and cast out of heaven into hell." In the Second Point, we will meditate on the sin of our first parents. "By their sin they lost original justice, and for the rest of their lives, lived without it in many labors and great penance." In the Third Point, St. Ignatius offers the scenario of someone who went to hell because of one sin. In the Colloquy, you express your sentiments that have been aroused through your exercise of the three powers of the soul: memory, understanding, and will. From the questions you ask yourself before Christ nailed to the cross, it becomes clear that you are stirred deeply with shame and confusion because of your many sins: "What have I done for Christ?" "What am I doing for Christ?" "What ought I to do for Christ?""

In sitting still and reflecting upon the first sin, the prideful fall of the Angels, the second sin of Adam and Eve choosing their own path and being exiled for it and the third sin of hiding from God, like that is going to work.  I can't help but think of our Fathers love for us.  Maybe it is the time of year knowing that we will be celebrating Christmas tomorrow or is it the understanding of how much love He has for us that He sent us Jesus to suffer all of our iniquities?  This Christmas has been different in that we are all being given time to contemplate what is important to us.  What do we place value upon?  Is God your utmost priority as we are to Him?  It is Christmas Eve, the world is spinning faster and faster, are you slowing down to see the love the Father has for you, His child.  Prepare Him room in your life, live the life He gives, Merry Christmas.  

What is God saying to me?

Dear Father, I see the love that you so freely give and I feel the pain when we reject it and go our own way.  I see the tremendous gift of Your Son Jesus and the joy that He brings and yet people chose to ignore our Triune God.  Father, may I be obedient to Your voice and will, may I detest my sins because of how they hurt You deeply.  May I help others find the joy that I have found even if it hurts.  Prayers for a friend with Covid, may the symptoms be mild and his family protected from this evil.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen. 

Merry Christmas from the McCourts, Jesus is the reason we celebrate, give to Him what He gives to us, Love!

Mary, Mother of Jesus, Pray for us

St Joesph, Terror of Demons, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey. 

https://youtu.be/pVEJFATwkao

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 4 - The Reality of Sin and Mercy of God, Day 1

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:

Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit Additional Directions #73-81

Read each # from The Spiritual Exercises first, and then the reflection:

(After pondering each bullet point, express your sentiments in a short prayer)

• #73. In the nine Additional Directions, St. Ignatius offers us helpful tips for the retreat and after. In #73, he is asking us, for the space of a Hail Mary, and just before we fall asleep, to develop the habit of thinking when we will rise, why we will rise, and briefly sum up the exercise that we will go through. Through this practice we are using our memory to help our mind and Unconscious focus on our relationship with God during our sleep.

There is purpose in preparing for rising the next morning with God, as you fall asleep with God helping you get ready.  In this conscious effort, it is renewing the mind and giving back to the creator what is a gift from him - free will.  

• #74. In this spiritual discipline, St. Ignatius is asking us to express our commitment to our covenant relationship with God in deeds. On our part, therefore, from the first moment upon awakening we will prepare ourselves for our Morning Face to Face with God. We will use our memory, mind, and imagination to place ourselves in the context of our

morning prayer while we get ready for the day.

The day begins as it should, with God.  The first words or thoughts become of God.  Our first action become with the intent of God and over time all your actions are with the intent of God.  You become aware of your sinful nature in the smallest of ways. 

 

• #75. Here, St. Ignatius is suggesting how we are to engage in our Preparatory Prayer. We enter into prayer knowing that it is a relationship and both parties are personally invested in it: "... with my mind raised on high, consider that God our Lord beholds me, etc." Make the effort to mean what you say and say what you mean when you ask the Holy Spirit to dispose you for prayer.

Will we stand before our creator in the space of an Our Father and just be before God as He gazes upon us and we gaze upon him.  In these moments God speaks and you listen. 

• #76. For St. Ignatius, our different postures in prayer are to be used for the sole purpose of "seeking what I desire." Hence, if in a particular posture, like kneeling, we find what we desire, then we will not seek to change our posture. Conversely, we will change our posture if we are not finding what we desire. Secondly, and this is very important advice, if we have found what we desire, then, we will proceed "without any eagerness to go on till I have been satisfied." In other words, you don't have to cover all the material each day.

Can you subdue your restless nature by finding the proper posture that it no longer distracts the mind but creates the space where you and God are together.  

• #77. St. Ignatius asks that we do a review of our prayer each day. Reviewing our prayer on a daily basis is one way of expressing the seriousness of our commitment to our relationship with God. Each day you are doing a review by answering the three questions, 'What is God saying to me;' 'For what am I grateful;' 'For what am I contrite.'

Creating space for God is the most important task one has in life.  Over time you will be able to create this space in the midst of all kinds of distractions for you have learned to be attentive to God as He is always attentive to you.  

• #78. Stay on task and don't allow yourself to be distracted. Staying on task means giving your undivided attention to what is asked of you each day. In the First Week the theme is "pain, sorrow, and tears for my sins. It is not appropriate to engage in any consideration promoting joy and happiness."

In the first week of the retreat the task has been to focus upon my sinful nature.  "Hence it would be better to call to mend death and judgement."  I have repetition this week to focus upon the pain and sorrow which goes against a enthusiastic outlook.

• #79. Darkness is appropriate for the First and Third Week of the Exercises because of their themes; light, for the Fourth Week which focuses on the Resurrection. It is important to experiment with creating an appropriate atmosphere for your prayer.

• #80 & 81: These two numbers highlight the need for creating an atmosphere conducive

for your prayer. 

The desire this week is to see myself before God in judgement, even though I am loved what price will I pay for my grievous sins?  Will I continue living as though they do not matter or will I make amends for them with my life, giving to the One that gave all for me.  

What is God saying to you?

Dear Father, You have revealed things this morning as I prepared for the day.  In these practices, guide my thoughts and memories to produce the fruit that You desire.  I thank You for the gift of St Ignatius and his writings as well as the writings of God's Embrace.  Prayers for a friend just diagnosed with cancer, prayers for another getting his knee operated on this morning, be with both of them and their medical staff.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Queen of Heaven, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey

https://youtu.be/X-ThP8qEio4

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 3 - The Reality of Sin, Day 7



"MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:

Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Repetition of Days Five and Six:

Ask for shame and confusion because of the many grievous sins I have committed (#48), and for a growing and intense sorrow and tears for my sins (#55).

Today, you will do a Repetition of Days Five and Six with a triple colloquy, similar to what you did on Day Four. As you saw in Introductory Observation #2, St. Ignatius is very insistent that we taste and relish the truth. One way of doing that is through repetition. Once again in this second repetition of the week, "we should pay attention to and dwell upon those points in which we have experienced greater consolation or desolation or greater spiritual appreciation (# 62)." The triple colloquy is a significant tool, and is used in the Exercises whenever we are seeking an important grace. The triple colloquy is made first to Mary, Mother of God, which you end with a Hail Mary; then to Jesus, which you end with the Soul of Christ, and finally to the Father, at the end of which you say the Our Father. There are three special favors for which the exercitant is asking:

1. A deep knowledge of my sins and a feeling of abhorrence for them.

2. An understanding of the disorder of my actions, that filled with horror of them, I may amend my life and put it in order.

3. A knowledge of the world, that filled with horror, I may put away from me all that is worldly and vain."

As you can see, your prayer is serious business as you are dealing with your covenant relationship with our Blessed Trinity."

Today I see the goodness of God, I see Him always reaching out and making crooked paths straight.  In my morning stillness, I was reminded of the conversation God has with Adam as they strolled in the garden.  I can say I haven't quite gotten the triple colloquy until this insight.  We can place the Triune God way off from us and they are at a distance but in our lives God is never at a distance unless we place Him there.  Sit still and converse with Mary, converse with Jesus and converse with God.  See the things they wish to show you, today it was clearly consolations as it was about the goodness of God even in my sinfulness, He is always faithful.

What is God saying to me: In the conversations with the three of us, you begin to realize that the relationship is authentic.  We each have different viewpoints and our ways are not your ways.  

Dear Father, there is such a blessing to grasp this concept of triple colloquy, it is no different when having coffee with a friend and there is an understanding of each other.  I thank You for this morning and this day, I thank You for sharing insights into my humanness and helping me address the error of my ways, my viewpoint needs Your Godly insight.  Prayers for all the tasks that need to be tackled this week as we close the year out, may I be a productive part of that and not be over bearing.  Thank You for all the wonderful gifts that You are providing, You bring all things together for the glory of Your Kingdom.  I ask this in the name of Your Son, Jesus.  Amen.  

Mary, Queen Mother, Pray for us.
Joesph, Spouse of the Mother of God, Pray for us.
Viva Cristo Rey

Bishop Cahill promo video released for Men's Gathering! Watch it here (1 minute): https://youtu.be/7SDj1XwIUHE, and please share!

https://youtu.be/n5LWB_T09hs

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 3 - The Reality of Sin, Day 6



MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:

Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Prayer on Galatians 5: 17-23: Fruit of the Flesh and the Spirit

"For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want...Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like...those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."

Read the Reflection; ask for shame and confusion because of the many grievous sins I have committed (#48), and for a growing and intense sorrow and tears for my sins (#55). Use the Method of Meditation.

St. Paul is contrasting two diametrically opposed world-views: the world-view of the flesh, also known as the world or Satan, is focused on self at the expense of everyone. This world-view avers that covenant living with God and one another, is counter-productive, and will inevitably lead to being taken advantage of and manipulated. Rather, it is in your self-interest to take advantage of others and make yourself the center of your universe! If you examine closely the traits of the flesh, like immorality, licentiousness, orgies, etc., this world-view places its advocate at the center of their universe. Pleasure and self-gratification are their sole purpose in life. Such a world-view leads to destruction, even to eternal destruction, if repentance is not sought. Such adherents live in the enslavement of self-absorption, lies, excuses, and addiction. They are children of the dark, in whom there is no light. On the other hand, the world-view of the Holy Spirit, who is inculcating in us the teachings and Person of Jesus, brings about the full flowering of the fruits of covenant- living. Disciples who have the fruits of the Holy Spirit are sharing in the fullness of God's divine love and life. The Peace of Christ is deeply ingrained in them, and they are being progressively configured to Christ through the transforming action of the Holy Spirit, resulting in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

I see a Man hanging on a cross that died to self so we could live forever.  Yet I allow myself to get in the way and lash out when I feel an ache or pain.  I also see the joy of giving, of seeing the fruits of the Spirit when others are the focus.  May I decrease and You increase within me so the fruits of the Spirit may be my normal way of life.  

What is God saying to you?  Know the ways the evil one attacks especially when he knows where you are vulnerable.  Work on this area and fortify it, follow My guidance and trust the process.  It is a walk, be conscious of your movements of spirit and know the difference between the flesh and the fruits that manifest themselves.

Dear Lord, You take everyday events and show me the joys and weaknesses of self.  Help me walk the way that leads to true happiness and fulfills Your plan for me and our family.  I thank You Father for answered prayers from many years ago, there is joy in knowing that You always give the best gifts when we faithfully turn it over to You.  You know my weaknesses and You also know how to defend against them.  To You be the glory, in Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of the Holy Rosary, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Protector of the Holy Family, Pray for us.  
Viva Cristo Rey. 

https://youtu.be/TA9MvXhZZMw


Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 3 - The Reality of Sin, Day 5

"MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:

Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Prayer on 2 Samuel 11: 4-5; 15; 17: David's Sin of Adultery and Murder

"Then David sent messengers and took her. When she (Bathsheba) came to him, he took her to bed... But the woman had become pregnant; she sent a message to inform David, "I am pregnant."..."Place Uriah up front, where the fighting is fierce. Then pull back and leave him to be struck down dead." ...When the men of the city made a sortie against Joab, some officers of David's army fell, and Uriah the Hittite also died." [Please read 2 Samuel 11: 1-27 for a better appreciation of the passage].

Read the Reflection; ask for shame and confusion because of the many grievous sins I have committed (#48), and for a growing and intense sorrow and tears for my sins (#55). Use the Method of Meditation.

King David, who loved God and sought to live his life in the shadow of His wings, falls prey to grievous and heart-rending sin. He commits adultery with Bathsheba who then becomes pregnant. David tries unsuccessfully to cover up his sin by getting Uriah, Bathsheba's husband, to return from the battle lines and go home to sleep with his wife. Uriah was faith-filled and did what the Lord asked of him. As a soldier engaged in war, the rules of conduct required that he refrain from sexual intercourse with his wife: "As the LORD lives and as you live, I will do no such thing" (verse 11). The next morning David plots to have him murdered. The chapter ends with an indictment of David: "She became his wife and bore him a son. But in the sight of the LORD what David had done was evil" (verse 27). The silver lining to this sordid saga of heinous crimes is David's repentance and God's forgiveness of him (refer to Psalm 51)."

Sin until it is dealt with will haunt you, you can cover it up, ignore it but it must be removed at the root.  David loved God but he loved self over God, on the other hand Uriah loved God over self.  This will rule your soul until you get to where Uriah is.  Sin divides us from God and seeks to keep us there with shame.  God seeks the opposite, He seeks to unite, make God your purpose and home, watch your world be made right again, David experienced this and so can you.  

What is God saying to me: Where I reside there can be no deliberate sin, it is only when you ask me to leave does it cause havoc in your life and then haunt you.  I am never far away ready to receive you.  

Dear Lord, I admire the strength of Uriah and his dedication to You, I see You building that in my life.  We are given so many gifts in our Catholic Faith and we do not know the pain it causes when we chose self over You.  Prayers for purpose in our lives that keeps us dedicated to serving You beyond our own wants, hurts and desires.  Prayers for a beautiful faithful woman who has run the race, may she be at the table of plenty, enjoying the wedding feast.   I ask this through Jesus Christ, My Lord and Savior Amen. 

Mary, Our Lady of Victory, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Chaste Spouse, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey

https://youtu.be/QMFt-qHTj3I

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 3 - The Reality of Sin, Day 4



MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:

Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit Repetition of Days Two and Three:

Ask for shame and confusion because of the many grievous sins I have committed (#48), and for a growing and intense sorrow and tears for my sins (#55).

Today, you will do a Repetition of Days Two and Three. As you saw in Introductory Observation #2, St. Ignatius is very insistent that we taste and relish the truth. One way of doing that is through repetition. In repetition "we should pay attention to and dwell upon those points in which we have experienced greater consolation or desolation or greater spiritual appreciation (# 62)." Here, he asks that we do this repetition through the use of a triple colloquy. The triple colloquy is a significant tool, and is used in the Exercises whenever we are seeking an important grace. In the first week, we are asking for a growing and intense sorrow and tears for our sins (#55). The triple colloquy is made first to Mary, Mother of God, which you end with a Hail Mary; then to Jesus, which you end with the Soul of Christ; and finally to the Father, at the end of which you say the Our Father. 

And there are three special favors for which the exercitant is asking:

1. A deep knowledge of my sins and a feeling of abhorrence for them.

2. An understanding of the disorder of my actions, that filled with horror of them, I may amend my life and put it in order.

3. A knowledge of the world, that filled with horror, I may put away from me all that is worldly and vain."

 As you can see, your prayer is serious business, as you are dealing with your covenant relationship with the Blessed Trinity."

What is God saying to you?  I am loving and patient, in our daily conversations we are growing in union.  We have shown you areas to work in and to avoid.  Sin has ways of creeping into your life and you are unaware.  Ask for our help to show you areas that need addressed and ask for our help.  This practice takes time but has to be deliberate even in the distractions I am there always.  

Dear Father, it has been a blessed morning and week.  Our journey together is revealing areas of weakness and with Your help I am becoming more aware of my actions.  Keep me steady and committed to the process and may I ever be aware of You and Your holy family by my side.  Prayers for those who do not know the depth of Your Holy Church, may we all be guided to truth in a world full of lies.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Virgin Most Pure, Pray for us.  

St Joesph, protector of the Holy Family, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey

https://youtu.be/7sccILTaRD0

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 3 - The Reality of Sin, Day 3



"MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:

Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Prayer on Exodus 32: 4-6: The Golden Calf

"So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. He received their offering, and fashioning it with a tool, made a molten calf. Then they cried out, "These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt." On seeing this, Aaron built an altar in front of the calf and proclaimed, "Tomorrow is a feast of the LORD. Early the next day the people sacrificed burnt offerings and brought communion sacrifices. Then they sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to revel." [Please read Exodus 32: 1-35 for a better appreciation of the passage].

Read the Reflection; ask for shame and confusion because of the many grievous sins I have committed (#48), and for a growing and intense sorrow and tears for my sins (#55). Use the Method of Meditation.

This incident of Israel's apostasy is shocking in its total disregard of God, given that they have experienced all the benefits and blessings of being in covenant with their LORD through the Exodus event! It displays the deplorable evil of sin, where one's self-interests are chosen at the expense of God. What is equally disturbing is that Aaron aids and abets this rebellion against God. The silver lining to this very, very dark cloud is Moses' intercession for God's people: "Turn from your burning wrath; change your mind about punishing your people. Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and how you swore to them by your own self, saying, 'I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky; and all this land that I promised, I will give your descendants as their perpetual heritage.'" So the LORD changed his mind about the punishment he had threatened to inflict on his people" (verses 12-14). An important aspect of covenant relationship is that God takes our opinion very seriously and is willing to "change" His mind, as He did with Moses."

I see my own self interests that gets in the way of God's truth and covenant living.  I see Moses covenant relationship not only with God but with God's people in accepting their punishment upon himself, done in an effort to save them. Exodus 32:31-32  Are we willing to sacrifice ourselves for others?

What is God saying to you?  Covenant relationship will require sacrifice on your part, it will also be required to give of yourself.  You see how your own self interests can erode a covenant relationship.  You allow these things to happen and permit them.  

Dear Father, life is such a great teacher if we do not listen to you intently and put Your words into Godly action.  You hear our prayers and answer them in ways that we can not comprehend.  I thank You for leading us to truth and the way for there is only one that brings about eternal salvation.  Prayers for this day and this morning.  Prayers for a friend dealing with cancer, bring about healing in her life and a long life so others can come to know what You are teaching.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Seat of Wisdom, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Head of the Holy Family, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey

https://youtu.be/wKM3DwHlQl0

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 3 The Reality of Sin, Day 2



Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit 

Prayer on Genesis 3: 6-7: The Fall of Man

"So she took some of its fruit and ate it; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked, so they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves." [Please read Genesis 3: 1-24 for a better appreciation of the passage].

Read the Reflection; ask for shame and confusion because of the many grievous sins I have committed (#48), and for a growing and intense sorrow and tears for my sins (#55). Use the Method of Meditation.

Genesis 3 offers us the most original understanding of sin and its devious nature. The woman and the man may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; however, they are not to eat or touch the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden. This prohibition was offered to Adam and Eve within the context of their covenant relationship with God. God was looking out for their well-being, the way a covenant-partner would! God was warning them about the pitfalls out there, because there were indeed sellers of false covenants! If the prohibition were broken, death or the break-up of their covenant relationship would ensue. It is then that Satan, the master purveyor of deceit and trickery, enters the scene. He offers them a false understanding of covenant where the relationship is focused on self-aggrandisement. Satan argues that God is afraid that the creature He created will become equal to Him, and like other gods. Through this web of deception, Sin Incarnate creates a gravitational allure away from God toward self. Satan's argument seems convincing, and it is difficult for the man and woman to detect any flaws because they have already begun thinking along those lines. There is a tendency in humans to thwart the proper use of creatures, misusing them for self-aggrandizement rather than for God's glory. The woman convinced herself that eating the fruit would further her own ambitions, even when they violated God's purposes. The woman and the man both ate of the fruit, and then faced a painful reality – the consequences of sin." 

What is God saying to you?  I have taken you into the garden of Eden and you have seen the peace of covenant living and the pain of sin.  In your day, listen to My voice and be obedient to My will, I know the pitfalls.  The false promises of the devil are the path to destruction and more pain.  I love you and I choose you always, will you love me in return and choose My love?

Dear Father, I don't always understand why but I do choose You.  I do want to know, I do want to seek, I do want knowledge but not at the cost of our relationship.  I am Your creation and I was created for good, help me be the person I am meant to be.  Thank You for this day and its opportunities.  Guide my thoughts today as I share with the others the goodness of You and keep me out of the trap.  In Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Mother of Love, Pray for us.  

St Joesph, Diligent protector of Christ, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey

https://youtu.be/MD-jBLZSZNU

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 3, Day 1 - The Reality of sin



THE METHOD OF MEDITATION: #45-54

Please read #45-54 from The Spiritual Exercises first, then read the Reflection;
(After pondering each bullet point, express your sentiments in prayer)

http://spex.ignatianspirituality.com/SpiritualExercises/Puhl#c03-1234

"There are seven steps in the way St. Ignatius envisages the method of Meditation: preparatory prayer, two preludes, three points, and a colloquy at the end."

Teach me Your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in Your Truth.  Psalms 86:11

"The Preparatory prayer is a significant first step. The Preparatory Prayer acknowledges God as the Sovereign Ruler of our life. In his words, "I will beg God our Lord for grace that all my intentions, actions, and operations may be directed purely to the praise and service of His Divine Majesty" (# 46). The context of our relationship with God is set at the very beginning: we are there on God's terms, and it is important immediately to declare our earnest commitment to the Lord. You can choose to use the Prayer to the Holy Spirit in the manual as your Preparatory Prayer."

Thank You Father, for gently teaching me my entire life.  Thank You for engaging my senses, my intellect, and my feelings In my prayer time together.  Thank You for always preparing the way, nothing is lost on You.

"The Two Preludes are preparatory steps as well.  

1) The First Prelude is also known as the Composition of place. St. Ignatius was of the opinion that our whole being needed to be involved in our prayer. If utilized well, imagination can be an effective help to our prayer. On the other hand, it can be a source of distraction if it is not harnessed properly. In the First Prelude, St. Ignatius suggests that we create an image of the Scriptural scene or theme on which we will be praying. By situating our prayer within an image or context, our imagination becomes an active player in our prayer, and our chances of being focused and attentive to the Lord increase. Where the subject matter is not visible, as a meditation on sin, we can create our own image to make the reflection more graphic and concrete.

2)  The Second Prelude is the step we take to ask God for the grace that we seek. St. Ignatius never hesitated to ask God for what he believed he needed so that he could be the best possible instrument in God's hands. His only desire was to attain "the greater praise and service of God, Our Lord."

3). The Three Points move us into our prayer session proper. St. Ignatius divides up the subject matter into three points, as a way of breaking it down into manageable morsels. We could do it in a way that suits us. In each point we ponder God's truth as it is being presented for us. We spend time comparing and contrasting, and deriving lessons for our own life. This kind of reflection, if done purposefully, will stir our hearts deeply, and we will be moved to offer God a response. St. Ignatius was adamant about tasting and relishing the truth in prayer.

4). The Colloquy is the time when we express the stirrings of our hearts directly to God in conversation. Through our sentiments, the Holy Spirit is beckoning us toward repentance, commitment, and action. Through this step St. Ignatius wants to make sure that we spend time in a face-to-face dialogue with God. As we become familiar with this method, we will speak directly to God as we reflect on His word for us, and listen to Him as well. The ideal would be to reflect and converse simultaneously. However, if we haven't spent much time conversing directly with God, St. Ignatius suggests that at least we end our prayer with a colloquy."

Father, I am the clay within Your hands, You know my hearts desires and what it seeks.  I lay myself at Your service to be used and placed as needed.  You are the Great Teacher when we let go and just listen and be.  Thank You for this journey called life that by Your grace it brings us together forever along with those we love.  

What is God saying to you?  I see Your heart and you know the challenge it is to pull away from the world and develop a relationship with Me.  Life passes quickly and before we know it, it is over.  Cherish the moments that I give, make memories with loved ones, let go of the sin in Your life.  Banish it from within, sin and I can not be together but it will require You to be engaged, it isn't a passive activity as some would have you believe.  I gave everyone free Will to chose.  

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Prudent, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey

https://youtu.be/tId6ePj7Zpo

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 2, Day 7 of Mold Me.



"MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

RE-CAP OF THE FIRST PRINCIPLE AND FOUNDATION AND EXAMINATIONS OF CONSCIENCE:
(After pondering each bullet point, express your sentiments in a short prayer)

• The Spiritual Exercises can be summed up in one sentence: Perfect freedom through selfless service to God and His people. Such freedom is the fruit of covenant living with
God.

Dear Father, I see Your selfless service to us in all that You did and do.  I also see my self not being selfless and bound by my desires.  I trust in Your teachings to break these bonds and produce the grace of freedom.  

• The First Principle and Foundation is the roadmap that St. Ignatius offers at the very
beginning of the Spiritual Exercises. He makes God-centeredness the first and most
important premise in a life of ardent discipleship.

Give me the grace to accept the things I can not change.  

• St. Ignatius wanted at all times to desire only what was more conducive for the end for which he was created. In the pursuit of this goal he was willing to embrace sickness, poverty, dishonor, and short life in his discipleship, or their opposites, if this was God's will for him.

I desire only to do Your will, purify me of my will and make it Yours.  

• To become God-centered, St. Ignatius strove rigorously to imbue himself with the spirit of Christ that was the antithesis of the spirit of the world. He actively sought detachment and simplicity, and was willing to suffer misunderstanding and even contempt in the service of His Master and Lord.

I know I am loved by You and created in Your image and likeness.  Help me be the person I was created to be with all my flaws and misunderstandings.  

• The Particular Examination of Conscience was St. Ignatius' brain-child. He realized that he strayed from God through the same particular weakness or sin, which by habit or human condition, had become deeply ingrained in him. It was important, therefore, to weaken this vulnerability, by replacing it with a virtuous habit.

You are the keeper of my soul and my teacher.  Root out my particular weakness and replace it with dedicated service to You.  Make me super sensitive to my weakness so as to avoid it or even the thought of it.  

• For what are you contrite? As you journal daily on the question, you will notice your patterns of failure and vulnerability that could be matter for the Particular Examination of Conscience.

I thank You for this particular practice at the end of my day, hold me accountable to this and keep me from resting until it is accomplished.  

• St. Ignatius is looking at the examination of our thoughts, words, and deeds as a disciple who is seriously committed to praising, reverencing, and serving God in the daily circumstances of life.

May i treasure the moments of the day, even the difficult ones and view them as opportunities to change.  

• You will benefit greatly from his clear understanding of mortal and venial sin. When you examine his use of words, it becomes clear that he took the teachings of Jesus very seriously in regards to love and respect of neighbor."

Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk in Your truth as St Ignatius did. Amen.  

What is God saying to me? Relish the moments.  

Prayer to the Holy Spirit:

Come, Holy Spirit, and overshadow me with your gentle wisdom and power as I endeavor to sit at the feet of Jesus during this period of prayer. Purify my mind and heart as I seek to make the teachings of Jesus my priority in life, thinking, speaking, and doing as He desires. You are the Keeper of my soul, leading me into God's heart. May I be docile and submissive to your wisdom and guidance, and may my life be a pleasing offering in your sight, through Christ our Lord. Amen. Triune God, be my all! Triune God, be my all! Triune God, be my all!

Mary, Our Lady of Victory, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Head of the Holy Family, Teach us.  

Viva Cristo Rey. 

https://youtu.be/f8pZ6EFlstc

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 2, Day 6 of Mold me



"Method of Making the General Examination of Conscience: #43

Please read #43 from The Spiritual Exercises first, http://spex.ignatianspirituality.com/SpiritualExercises/Puhl#c03-1234 then read the Reflection; thank God for the wisdom of St. Ignatius and ask that you follow his advice:

From this point in the retreat, you can start doing the General Examination of Conscience on a daily basis, including the Particular Examination with it, and incorporating it in your answer to the two questions every evening: For what are you grateful? For what are you contrite?

There are five points in this method:
1. Give thanks to God our Lord for the favors received.

2. Ask for grace to know my sins and to rid myself of them. You can also include the grace to know the failures of your particular examination of conscience.

3. Demand an account of my sins by going over the whole day, one hour at a time, examining my thoughts, then words, and finally, my deeds to see how I fared. I will also do my particular examination of conscience.

4. Ask pardon of God our Lord for my faults.

5. Resolve to amend with the grace of God. Close with an Our Father. Note: 4 and 5 can be done through the Act of Contrition."  Copied from Mold me as your Disciple, Lord by Michael Fonseca. 

Being deliberate as we end our day, holding ourselves accountable to God and asking for the grace to recall our sins of the day.  Then going hour by hour and demanding an account of my soul on my thoughts, words and deeds.  This is a practice that will take some time to master and at first it seems awkward especially if it is something you haven't been doing.  But as with all the spiritual exercises there is plenty of help if we are asking for it.  The hand upon your chest will help with your memory as you recall your day. 

What is God saying to me: 

Dear Father, it is good we begin our day in prayer, I ask for the grace to end my day in prayer.  It is You that gave this insight to St Ignatius to be written down so we may benefit from years later.  There is a constant barrage of distractions that seeks to pull us away from You, these times dedicated to You brings everything together and reminds us that You are the keeper of our soul if, through free will, we seek Your help.  Prayers for a friend with a difficult decision, bring peace upon the outcome as You work all things out.  In Jesus name, amen. 

Mary, Queen of Heaven, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Terror of Demons, Pray for us. 

Viva Christi Rey.   

https://youtu.be/4a1NmwRvIEM



Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 2, Day 5 of Mold Me



Please read #32-42 from The Spiritual Exercises first, then read the Reflection; thank God for the wisdom of St. Ignatius and ask that you follow his advice:

Link to the Spiritual Exercises

http://spex.ignatianspirituality.com/SpiritualExercises/Puhl#c03-1234

"In # 32-42, St. Ignatius is offering us the purpose and importance of making the Examination of Conscience. He suggests we make it twice daily, at midday and in the evening before we retire. On a daily basis, he asks us to examine ourselves in three areas: our thoughts, words, and deeds. As you read these paragraphs, you will see that St. Ignatius is looking at the examination of our thoughts, words, and deeds as a disciple who is committed to praising, reverencing, and serving God in the daily circumstances of life. You will benefit greatly from his clear understanding of mortal and venial sin. When you examine his use of words, it becomes clear that he took the teachings of Jesus very seriously in regards to love and respect of neighbor. This quote from # 41 expresses it well: "Nothing should be said to lessen the good name of another, or to complain about him. For if I reveal a hidden mortal sin of another, I sin mortally; if I reveal a hidden venial sin, I sin venially; if his defect, I manifest my own." You will have to go over this material several times to appreciate the importance of developing a delicate conscience."  Copied from Mold me as your disciple, Lord - Michael Fonseca. 

Developing a delicate conscience is recognizing that God sees all.  In our daily lives Can we guard against our thoughts, words and deeds from offending our Creator.  Do we recognize contemplation in action, before that words slips out, you catch yourself or before you start speaking of another, you catch yourself.   This is developing a delicate conscience and recognizing that God sees all and we will have to give an account for it. 

What is God saying to you? Your day is a prayer back to me, be aware of all that you do.  

Dear Father, it has been a good morning, beginning with mass and receiving the flesh and blood of Your Son Jesus.  In knowing that I carry Him everywhere I go, it makes me aware of my thoughts, words and deeds.  It requires that I am conscious to my actions seeking not to bring pain and suffering to you.   I thank You for this day and all we have to offer it.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Foster Father to the Son of God, Pray for us. 

Viva Christo Rey

https://youtu.be/NOxJFN-9_vs

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 2, Day 4 of Mold me.



Please read #27-31 from The Spiritual Exercises; ask the Holy Spirit for the grace to persevere in the practice of the Particular Examination:

"(027)Four Additional Directions

These are to serve as a help to more ready removal of the particular sin or fault

1. Every time one falls into the particular sin or fault, let him place his hand upon his breast, and be sorry for having fallen. He can do this even in the presence of many others without their perceiving what he is doing.

2. (028)

   Since the first line of the figure to which G is prefixed represents the first examination of conscience, and the second one, the second examination, he should observe at night whether there is an improvement from the first line to the second, that is, from the first examination to the second.

3. (029)

   The second day should be compared with the first, that is, the two examinations of the present day with the two of the preceding day. Let him observe if there is an improvement from one day to another.

4. (030)

   Let him compare one week with another and observe whether he has improved during the present week as compared with the preceding.

(031)

Note

It should be noted that in the figure below the first G is larger, and signifies Sunday. The second is smaller, and stands for Monday, the third for Tuesday, the fourth for Wednesday, and so forth.

   _____________________________________________
G_____________________________________________

   _____________________________________________
G_____________________________________________

   _____________________________________________
G_____________________________________________

   _____________________________________________
G_____________________________________________

   _____________________________________________
G_____________________________________________

   _____________________________________________
G_____________________________________________

   _____________________________________________
G_____________________________________________

Taken from The Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius by Louis J. Puhl, S.J.

In our examination of conscience, we quiet ourselves and sit still listening to the quiet movements of God.  We reflect upon particular situations or nothingness and just be.  In this stillness God speaks to us in living examples of words heard, feelings felt, our sins and misgivings remebered, in laughter and joyous moments.  It is the stillness that quiets ourselves and allows us to listen with intent.  

What is God saying to me:  I move slowly and with purpose.  My ways are not dramatic and loud but small simple quiet steps that reveals My heart and My intent.  Sitting still reveals these truths to you.  Address the areas I Am revealing to You and move with purpose with this exercise.  Remember to place your hand across your chest when the fault is revealed to you when emotions have gotten the better of you.  

Dear Father, I see the purpose in being still, I see the desire You have for a pure heart within us and I see a world that seeks to drown You out.  I thank You for this way of purpose, I thank You for my faults and Your direction to address them.  I ask for the grace to be self-aware of my particular fault that we are addressing.  Help me be dedicated to making small simple steps to eradicate this from me, with You it is possible especially when I am listening.   I ask this in Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Virgin Most Pure, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Light of Patriarchs, Pray for us. 

Viva Christo Rey.

https://youtu.be/cJUtAw21qAM

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 2, Day 3 of Mold me.





Please read #24-26 from The Spiritual Exercises first, ask for the grace to commit seriously to this spiritual practice:

(24)

Daily Particular Examination of Conscience

There are three different times of the day and two examinations involved in this practice

First, in the morning, immediately on rising, one should resolve to guard carefully against the particular sin or defect with regard to which he seeks to correct or improve himself.

(025)

Secondly, after dinner, he should ask God our Lord for the grace he desires, that is, to recall how often he has fallen into the particular sin or defect, and to avoid it for the future.

Then follows the first examination. He should demand an account of himself with regard to the particular point which he has resolved to watch in order to correct himself and improve. Let him go over the single hours or periods from the time he arose to the hour and moment of the present examination, and in the first line of the figure given below, make a mark for each time that he has fallen into the particular sin or defect. Then he is to renew his resolution, and strive to amend during the time till the second examination is to be made.

(026)

Thirdly, after supper, he should make a second examination, going over as before each single hour, commencing with the first examination, and going up to the present one. In the second line of the figure given below, let him make a mark for each time he has fallen into the particular fault or sin.

Beginning your day by asking God for the grace to help with a particular area of your life that He is  seeking to address, whether it be gossip, foul language, judgement of others, character attacks, and then spending time examining yourself at specific times after daily meals will bring about a change and also clarity of self.  In these moments of playing back the tape, you will see the areas that need addressed.  Work on them one at a time with God's grace.  

What is God saying to me: Ask for the Grace.

Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. 

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death.

Glory Be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit 

Mary, Queen of Heaven, Pray for us.  

St Joesph, Mirror of Patience, Pray for us. 

Viva Christo Rey

https://youtu.be/8wN-fspKg1Q

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b