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.
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.
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