WEEK THIRTEEN: THE PARABLES OF JESUS DAY 5



WEEK THIRTEEN: THE PARABLES OF JESUS DAY 5

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

Prayer on Luke 18: 13-14: The Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector:  "But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, 'O God be merciful to me a sinner.' I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted." [Please read Luke 18: 9-14 for a better appreciation of the passage].

Read the Reflection; then pray using Luke 18: 13-14; ask for an intimate knowledge of our Lord, who has become man for me, that I may love Him more and follow Him more closely (#104)

1. But the tax collector...beat his breast and prayed, 'O God be merciful to me a sinner... The latter went home justified: In this parable Jesus is contrasting two opposing styles of discipleship. The tax collector has the right approach to salvation and discipleship. He understands that he cannot save himself from his sin. Only God can. His prayer is addressed directly to God. It is honest, humble, and trusting. Jesus extols the tax collector's understanding of discipleship. He goes home justified, meaning, that God has restored to the tax collector the right order of things between God and himself, between himself and others.

2. Not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled: In the case of the Pharisee, his salvation is dependent on his own good works and merit. He doesn't need God to be saved. He can do it on his own. In his prayer, therefore, he is addressing himself rather than God: "The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, 'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity – greedy, dishonest, adulterous – or even like this tax collector..." (Luke 18: 11). His prayer is a monologue, rather than a dialogue, because he is self-sufficient. For him, prayer is a sales pitch about himself rather than a trusting conversation

"Be merciful to me, a sinner."  In our journeys into the heart of God we can become filled with good works and feeling good about oneself.  We become the Pharisee, we measure ourselves compared to another, our nature will create this comparison to someone who we perceive to be less than.  If we are not careful we can plateau here, it isn't until we realize that sin is active in our lives, until Jesus has revealed truth to us and we can see again.  We recognize our own sinfulness and realize that without God we are doomed.  Be merciful to me a sinner.  We all need the mercy of God for without it we are going down, not up.

What is God saying to you?  Each day reveals insights to your nature.  Listen to My Son and heed His voice.  

Dear Father, it is a beautiful morning with lots of gifts.  I thank You for the grace of You in my life, I thank You for vision into what brings You joy and what brings You pain.  Thank You for the gift of life and companionship.  Prayers for a restful Sunday, filled with laughter and good memories.  Prayers for friends coming off a silent retreat, Thank You Father for these men who are willing to journey deeper with You.  Bless this day and all it has to offer, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us. 

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

Viva Cristo Rey

https://youtu.be/ezey-F-Ay-w

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

WEEK THIRTEEN: THE PARABLES OF JESUS DAY 4



 WEEK THIRTEEN: THE PARABLES OF JESUS DAY 4

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:

Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Prayer on Luke 18: 1-8: The Parable of the Persistent Widow:  "Then he told them a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary...And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, 'Render a just decision for me against my adversary. For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, 'While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.'" The Lord said, "Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night...But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

Read the Reflection; then pray using Luke 18: 1-8; ask for an intimate knowledge of our Lord, who has become man for me, that I may love Him more and follow Him more closely (#104)

A parable is always making the point that while from the human perspective a solution is impossible, however, from God's perspective all things are possible. In Jesus' time a widow had no rights as she received all her rights from her husband. Hence the prophets demanded that widows and orphans be treated with compassion and justice: "Learn to do good. Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan's plea, defend the widow." (Isaiah 1:17) In the parable, the widow has to deal with a judge "who neither feared God nor respected any human being." However, her persistence overcame his cynicism and indifference toward her. He even became afraid of the widow: "I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me." The purpose of the parable is to emphasize the fact that we are to pray always without becoming weary. Perseverance in prayer highlights our seriousness of purpose as well as our willingness to trust God no matter what!"  Taken from Mold me as Your disciple.  

"But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"   What will Jesus find when He returns?  I turn to our way of thinking, we want the result, the outcome that we desire, that is part of our human nature, that desire for all things to be made whole.  But is not the journey also part of the result, if all we see is the outcome we are going to be disappointed a lot.  The widow was dealt a bad hand but her faith and persistence eventually paid off.  The journey is more important than the result, will we be faithful to God even when the results, that we desire, are not happening.  The fruit isn't always at the end.  

What is God saying to you?  Be faithful even if.  As you have said the journey is part of the process.  

Dear Father, You know my prayer this morning, I will do as You ask and be faithful.  Prayers for a young mother facing stage 3 cancer, prayers for a long life and a joyous eternity for that family.  You know best God, help each of us on our own journeys with the best gifts.  Bless this day and all it has to hold.  Thank You for the grace of faith.  Amen. 

Mary, Our Lady of Victory, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Help of the Sick, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/fK6sYVQCqhs

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

WEEK THIRTEEN: THE PARABLES OF JESUS DAY 3



WEEK THIRTEEN: THE PARABLES OF JESUS DAY 3

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:

Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

 REPETITION OF DAYS ONE AND TWO:

Ask for an intimate knowledge of our Lord, who has become man for me, that I may love Him more and follow Him more closely (#104)

Today, you are doing a repetition of Days One and Two of this week. In a repetition St. Ignatius says that "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.

Day 1 Prayer on Matthew 13: 19-23: The Explanation of the Parable of the Sower:

"The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the kingdom without understanding it, and the evil one comes and steals away what was sown in his heart. The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy. But he has no root and lasts only for a time. When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, he immediately falls away. The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit. But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold." [Please read Matthew 13: 1-8;18-23 for a better appreciation of the passage].

Day 2 Prayer on Matthew 13: 24-30: The Parable of the Weeds among the Wheat

"The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field. While everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off. When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well... Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, "First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn." [Please read Matthew 13: 24-30; 36-43 for a better appreciation of the passage].

What is God saying to you?  It is I along with the evil one that scatters the seeds of thought that populate your mind.  It is I though that will harvest the seeds.  Those who choose a life with Me by their actions will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.  Life will not be a casual stroll, it will be deliberate and intentional, only with My grace.  

Dear Lord God, it is You that operates upon my heart, it is You that populates my thoughts.  I know not the way but You do, it is You that I trust.  May I be deliberate and intentional in choosing You, May I not pluck out the seeds of weeds in another, only You are capable of doing that.  Prayers for a family struggling with the effects of loads of weeds, may You Lord be their purpose and choke out the sin so peace can be brought back to this beautiful family especially the innocent ones.  Bless this day and all it has to hold, Amen. 

Mary, Full of Grace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Terror of Demons. Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/b3wm1ZEXaiM

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

WEEK THIRTEEN: THE PARABLES OF JESUS DAY 1



WEEK THIRTEEN: THE PARABLES OF JESUS DAY 1

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

Prayer on Matthew 13: 19-23: The Explanation of the Parable of the Sower: "The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the kingdom without understanding it, and the evil one comes and steals away what was sown in his heart. The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy. But he has no root and lasts only for a time. When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, he immediately falls away. The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit. But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold." [Please read Matthew 13: 1-8;18-23 for a better appreciation of the passage].

Read the Reflection; then pray using Matthew 13: 19-23; ask for an intimate knowledge of our Lord, who has become man for me, that I may love Him more and follow Him more closely (#104)

Jesus offers his disciples a very clear understanding of the parable of the sower, an explanation that at times requires honesty and humility to accept. The good seed or the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ is offered to all. Our Father wants everyone to share intimately in His divine life through His Son, Jesus. One category of people hears "the word of the kingdom without understanding it." They are not receptive because their attention and passion is directed elsewhere. They are easy prey to the seductions and temptations of the evil one. Another category receives the word of the kingdom with joy, but their union with God is short-lived. They are not willing to commit to a relationship in a serious and committed way. Their foundations are shallow. The trials and tribulations of life leave them unsettled, confused, and in a state of desolation. Another category of seeker is described as the seed sown among thorns. Their unruly passions get the better of them. They never get to the point of trusting Jesus completely in every situation, and adhering steadfastly to his teachings in their moments of doubt, strife, and confusion. The last category is the true disciple. They have prepared themselves well to receive the good news. They have sold everything in order to buy the treasure in the field who is Jesus, their Savior and Lord! As a result, their lives bear great spiritual fruit."  Taken from Mold me as Your Disciple by Michael Fonseca

The words above speak for themselves, if you are being faithful to God's direction each day then there is fruit in what you are doing.  It is falling on rich soil for it is God who is tilling the ground.  Have a blessed day and know you are loved by God.

What is God saying to you? Be faithful to the process nothing goes unnoticed and I hear Your prayer and in time it will be answered but you have things that must be done first.  I will do it, be faithful to the process.  

Dear Father, I thank You for the daily lessons and the opportunity to sit with You each morning.  I ask for Your Grace this day to do Your will and not my own.  Let's continue this journey as we travel deeper into Your heart.  I pray for all those that are reading these words of Yours and I ask that their lives be blessed with Your Peace.  I ask this in Your most Holy Name, Jesus Christ.  

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Terror of Demons, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey. 

https://youtu.be/QsYyuK1w3q0

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

WEEK TWELVE: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT DAY 6



 WEEK TWELVE: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT DAY 6


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

REPETITION OF DAYS FOUR AND FIVE:
Ask for an intimate knowledge of our Lord, who has become man for me, that I may love Him more and follow Him more closely (#104)

Today, you are doing a repetition of Days Four and Five of this week. In a repetition St. Ignatius says that "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.

When you read the verses of the past two days, it is a harsh reality.  Matthew 7:7-8 and Mathew 7:24, 26.  In that quiet conversation with God He will reveal to you your reality and what it is that you need to ask for.  He is the Keeper of your soul.   

What is God saying to you?  You have not because you ask not.  I have answered your prayers in the past, I will answer these as well.  Go in peace with My love in your heart.

Dear Father, it is good that we are here, something special happens when You share of Yourself through Your Word and through Your Holy Family.  I thank You for Your guidance and the quiet assurance that you are the keeper of my soul.  I thank You for answered prayers this morning, I know You are working all things out.  Watch over us this day and keep us safe, guard us from the evil one and may we be prepared for what tomorrow brings.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Light of Patriarchs, Pray for us.

Viva Cristo Rey. 

https://youtu.be/rDeiy9-t2GE

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

WEEK TWELVE: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT DAY 5



WEEK TWELVE: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT DAY 5

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

Prayer on Matthew 7: 24; 26: The Two Foundations:  "Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock... And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand."

Read the Reflection; then pray using Matthew 7: 24; 26; ask for an intimate knowledge of our Lord, who has become man for me, that I may love Him more and follow Him more closely (#104)

These are some of the last verses of the Sermon on the Mount, and act as a challenging re-cap of Jesus' teaching. Implicit in these verses is the all-important question that is staring us in the face: Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior and Lord? If you have, you will take His teachings very seriously. You will not pick and choose according to your whim and fancy. In accepting Jesus as your Savior and Lord, your life has changed. You are abiding in the peace and joy of the Risen Lord! Your house is built on rock. If however, one does not act on the words of Jesus, then he is "like a fool who built his house on sand."

Building upon the Rock, what does that look like?  A daily face to face with God, sitting at His feet and reading His Word, giving God quality time in your life.  Listening to Him and accepting what He gives you.  Building upon the sand, what does that look like?  A man walking in the desert by himself, lost but not knowing he is lost, a cry for help every once in a while but no real substance to him.  Someone who jumps into his day and God is only there when he needs Him.  No daily prayer, no commitment to truth, truth is what he feels at the time.  What is the difference between the wise man and the fool?  The wise man is secure in the arms of Jesus, the fool is all by himself.  Build upon the foundation with God.  

What is God saying to you?  I Am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to Me except through Jesus.  Listen to Him.  

Dear Father, You are working within, I see you laying the foundation, fortifying the walls and building up.  A life with You, with You at my side, with You within is Joy, it is peace.  Thankful for a heart at peace, thankful to be able to celebrate the mystery of the Eucharist this morning, thankful for another day to build upon the Rock with you.  Prayers for a friend, wandering in the desert unsure which way to go and You watching him as he walks.  Teach us Your way, O Lord and I will walk in truth.  Psalms 86:11.  Bless this day and it's outcome, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Saints, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Terror of Demons, Pray for us.  

Viva Cristo Rey. 

https://youtu.be/Sn0myta_kwA

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

WEEK TWELVE: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT DAY 4



 WEEK TWELVE: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT DAY 4

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

Prayer on Matthew 7: 7-8: Answer to Prayer:
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."

Read the Reflection; then pray using Matthew 7: 7-8; ask for an intimate knowledge of our Lord, who has become man for me, that I may love Him more and follow Him more closely (#104)

The Prayer of Petition or Intercession is essential to the disciple as we cannot save ourselves. Jesus is our Savior and Lord. Our intercession with Him puts this essential reality front and center. In order for Jesus to be able to offer us forgiveness of our sins, and everlasting life in Him, we need to depend completely on Him, trusting Him in every circumstance of our lives. The literal translation of these verses from the Greek would read as follows: ask and keep asking till it is given to you; similarly, seek and keep seeking and you will find... There are two reasons why we need to persevere in our prayer: sometimes in the nitty-gritty of life, we get overwhelmed, and doubts about God set in. Through perseverance in prayer we reassert our faith in Jesus as being greater than our circumstances and doubts, and as always being Emmanuel, God-with-us! Secondly, because of sin, we can be superficial and even dishonest with God, not really meaning what we say, and saying what we mean. Perseverance in prayer strengthens our commitment to having an honest and transparent relationship with God.

Do we trust every circumstance to God especially the ones we have control of or believe we do because they are just where we want them.  Part of this journey is our interior life and in looking inward we see things we do not like.  We try to cover them up and pretend they are not there yet God is aware.  In our Perseverance with daily prayer, always coming back you begin to understand the need for God in all areas and more so in the ones you have control of.  Understanding self is also in a small way understanding God, we are made in His image and likeness.   

What is God saying to you?  Are you open with Me?  I see all in Your life even the struggles, you can come to Me with these and we can talk about them.  Not everything needs to have deep spirituality in our conversations.  The mundane everyday tasks are also a big part of life and can be drudgery if done without indifference.  

Dear Father I thank You for always being by my side, for the constant reminder of Your presence and companionship.  I am thankful for the little things, the reminder of Your Love and care.  Thank You for vision and sharing what is important before my eyes. Prayers for those that care lost in various ways, may I be an instrument in Your hands.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us.  

St Joesph, Terror of Demons, Pray for us. 

St Michael, be our protection. 

Viva Cristo Rey

https://youtu.be/VlnE8xNXx88

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

WEEK TWELVE: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT DAY 2



WEEK TWELVE: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT DAY 2

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:

Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Prayer on Matthew 6: 22-23: The Light of the Body:  "The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be."

Read the Reflection; then pray using Matthew 6: 22-23; ask for an intimate knowledge of our Lord, who has become man for me, that I may love Him more and follow Him more closely (#104)

Jesus is the Light of the world. He came into our lives so that in His Presence, the darkness of our sin would be obliterated. There were those who accepted Jesus as their Messiah and Lord. Through Him they became children of the Light, and sons and daughters of God! There were others, who rejected Jesus and God's plan of salvation for them. Those who have accepted Jesus have an eye that is sound. They have the Light of the world in them! Consequently, their lives are radiated by the Presence, joy, and light of the Risen Lord! Those who reject Jesus have an eye that is bad. Their lives are cast in shadow and darkness. And without Jesus in their lives to offer them forgiveness and bring them into the Father's embrace, their darkness will indeed be great!

We are blessed in knowing that Jesus reaches into the darkness and offers us hope.  The miracles He performed were to the lost and those in need, earnestly looking for the answer.  Jesus steps into our world and offers Himself as the sacrifice, our atonement for our sins.  I have this hope that He reaches out even in the darkest of places and offers Himself one last time.  We do not know the journey of another until we walk in their footsteps.  

What is God saying to you?

Dear Father, You offer us another day to figure it out.  I thank You for working all things out and for preparing us for what is to come.  Prayers for a family in mourning for the loss of a loved one, heal their hearts Lord and give them hope.  Thank You Father for the sacrifice of the Holy Mass.  In Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Model of Workers, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey.  

https://youtu.be/cjetZn5lrBc

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

WEEK TWELVE: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT DAY 1



 WEEK TWELVE: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT DAY 1

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

Prayer on Matthew 6: 19-21: Treasure in Heaven:  "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be."

Read the Reflection; then pray using Matthew 6: 19-21; ask for an intimate knowledge of our Lord, who has become man for me, that I may love Him more and follow Him more closely (#104)

Jesus is making it clear to us that no earthly treasure can ever satisfy us; because of its very nature it is passing, ephemeral, and therefore, can never satisfy us permanently: "where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal." Sin and our inordinate attachments are always trying to convince us that our ultimate happiness lies in earthly treasures. We have only to look around us and within us to know that such thinking leads to disappointment and turmoil of spirit. Jesus then corrects our biased and sinful world-view by telling us to "store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal." All along in His ministry, Jesus has been presenting Himself as our only true treasure, because He is the Way, Truth, and Life. In Jesus we will be fully satisfied because we will be drinking from the source of Divine Life! We will experience covenant union with the Father through His Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. To paraphrase Jesus, if Jesus is our treasure, then our hearts will always abide in true peace and joy."  Taken from Mold me as your disciple by Michael Fonseca. 

What is God saying to you?  

Dear Father, as we start lent this year, we are reminded how fragile things can become and we virtually have no control over the outcome other than how we respond to it.  Thank You Father for these last days and the realities of the simple things in life.  Thank You Father for working all things out and preparing us for the unexpected.   Prayers for this Lenten season and the gift of life with You.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.  

https://youtu.be/IAZhIw49ULc

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

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

WEEK ELEVEN: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT Day 6



WEEK ELEVEN: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT Day 6

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

REPETITION OF DAYS FOUR AND FIVE:
Ask for an intimate knowledge of our Lord, who has become man for me, that I may love Him more and follow Him more closely (#104)

Today, you are doing a repetition of Days Four and Five of this week. In a repetition St. Ignatius says that "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.

I did a triple colloquy this morning as I watched and listened to the blessings of God.  The things we take for granted that are so freely given and can be so easily taken away.  We believe we have control of "our" world when in fact it is God's infinite goodness that blesses us day in and day out.  Even the cold is a blessing as it offers us change of season and a transformed world overnight.  Take the time to sit with Mary, with Jesus and with God and just listen.  

What did I hear?  Accept His blessings (Mary)  Do not measure yourself (Jesus)  His infinite Goodness (God)

What is God saying to me?

Dear Father, I thank You for the joys of this day and the blessings that are upon us.  May I not take for granted Your infinite goodness, for Your loving kindness and for Your forgiveness.  May I not measure myself against this but accept my fate within Your hands.  It is You that transforms our world and it is also You that allows us to make this choice.  I trust in You in all things and I pray that I am obedient to Your will.  Use me this day as an instrument in Your hands.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us.  

St Joesph, Faithful Guardian of Christ, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey. 

https://youtu.be/f4tq1qN1okw

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

WEEK ELEVEN: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT Day 5



WEEK ELEVEN: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT Day 5



MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:

Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Prayer on Matthew 6: 14-15: Forgiving Others:  "If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions"

Read the Reflection; then pray using Matthew 6: 14-15; ask for an intimate knowledge of our Lord, who has become man for me, that I may love Him more and follow Him more closely (#104)

In God's eyes, we cannot say that we love Him if we don't love others the way He loves them. No matter how grievously we have offended God, in His heart we are and always will be His image and likeness. On His part, God is committed to us forever. This commitment is eminently displayed in Jesus becoming our Lord and Savior! To be in covenant union with God is also to be in covenant union with others who are His image and likeness. The litmus test of love is

when we are prepared to forgive others their transgressions, and not be motivated by our hurt and resentment in our attitude and behavior toward them. Such a disposition can be described as loving unconditionally.

God allows us the ability to make our own decisions, is it Love that rules our hearts?  It was Love that ruled Jesus heart as Son of Man, He did not harbor ill will against those that did not do as He did.  He did not judge others for what they didn't do or for what they did.  He asked for forgiveness for them and then willingly accepted the cross.  Can I do that?

What is God saying to you?  The cross that we each bear is different, your cross is yours.  Will you carry it or will you lay it down and go your own way.  

Dear Father, it is cold outside but here it is warm.  I sense you but can not touch You this morning.  I pray for those who do not know You or even acknowledge Your existence.  Bless this day Father, thaw the hearts that are filled with pain, may we each willingly carry our crosses to bring life into this world.  In Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey. 

https://youtu.be/jWNu7cg-E6o

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

WEEK ELEVEN: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT Day 4



WEEK ELEVEN: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT Day 4



MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:

Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Prayer on Luke 6: 27-30: Love of Enemies: "But to you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back." [Please read Luke 6: 27-36 for a better appreciation of the passage].

Read the Reflection; then pray using Luke 6: 27-30; ask for an intimate knowledge of our Lord, who has become man for me, that I may love Him more and follow Him more closely (#104)

Jesus is asking us to behave as He did, to have our sinful hearts and dispositions replaced by His covenant love and service of us. Even while we were sworn enemies in our sinfulness, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit loved us as 'friends,' determined to offer us a share in God's divine life! Jesus tells us on several occasions that He came not for the just but to answer the needs of sinners. He expresses a special fondness for sinners and seeks their company. While He knows of our human condition better than we do, especially our penchant for sabotaging the good within us, He believes with all His heart, that sinners, such as ourselves, have been called to profound transformation through the Holy Spirit. The purpose of His mission is to bring us salvation and union with God, to think, act, and be like Him. Like Jesus we are called to be forgiving, compassionate, and generous in our service of others: "Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you" (verse 28)... Do to others as you would have them do to you" (verse 31)... Be merciful as [also] your Father is merciful." (verse 36) This transformation will take place through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Come Holy Spirit, it is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that I lean upon for I know my own weaknesses and inabilities when I measure myself to Jesus, I do not even come close.  When I beg for help it is always there, the right kind of help.  "Give to everyone who begs from you" Luke 6:30a  Do I reciprocate in like manner as God does with me?  Sometimes yes, sometimes no for I pass judgement.  This transformation will take place through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, for I am weak and He is strong.  Greater is He that that is in me than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4b

 What is God saying to you?  Time and obedience, you know what I have been saying to you but you have been ignoring it.  Transformation requires your openness to My will, fight it if you will and learn to enjoy this place.  Love will conquer all.  

Dear Lord, Bless this day and all it has to offer.  You are so good to me and I am blessed beyond measure.  Prayers for the love of my earthly life celebrating a birthday today, may she be blessed with beautiful memories as she does what she loves to do, giving it away with family.  Thank You Father for the sound of children running in the house and parents teaching them what love is.  Keep us warm and protected Father this cold winter day.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us.  

St Joesph, Faithful Guardian of Christ, Pray for us.  

Viva Cristo Rey. 

St Joesph, Novena Day 3

https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/day-three-13482

https://youtu.be/fTTxJHu7shw

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

WEEK ELEVEN: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT Day 1



WEEK ELEVEN: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT Day 1

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

Prayer on Matthew 5: 3-10: The Beatitudes:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven...Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied...Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy...Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." [Please read Matthew 5: 1-12 for a better appreciation of the passage].

Read the Reflection; then pray using Matthew 5: 3-10; ask for an intimate knowledge of our Lord, who has become man for me, that I may love Him more and follow Him more closely (#104)
The Beatitudes sum up all of Jesus' teachings. Jesus is asking us to be like Him, offering our lives to God and His people in sacrificial devotion and service. One experiences the joy and peace of the Kingdom of God when such an offering is made to the other, without reserve. The Beatitudes reach into the depths of our being and challenge every settled assumption we hold. In covenant fashion, they encourage living for the other: giving up comfort and security for the other (poor in spirit); longing and working for the right order of things (hunger and thirst for righteousness); showing mercy as God does, without counting the cost (blessed are the merciful); being persecuted in working towards establishing righteousness (persecuted for the sake of righteousness). The world does not think the way Jesus does. Through the Beatitudes, Jesus is offering us a different kind of existence. This new life of true happiness and union with God is considered to be foolishness by worldly standards. Disciples, who are guided by the norms set within the Beatitudes, harbor no enmity in their hearts. They seek peace and union of hearts. They are often misunderstood because they seek truth, and challenge others to do likewise. They experience joy even in the midst of suffering. Throughout the Beatitudes, Jesus extols the disciple who is willing to go to any lengths to seek and receive union with God. As you pray on the Beatitudes, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you their inner meaning and beauty."

I spent time this morning listening to the Sermon on the Mount.  There are many vantage points to view the scene.  The one that grabbed a hold of me was from Jesus's vantage point.  He seen the mass of people, He lived in their world and He heard their cry as God the Son.  In our own lives God hears our every request at responds in some form or fashion, nothing goes amiss.  In these quiet moments you will realize how God has sent you Jesus in your needs.  He does this to strengthen you, to give you right Spirit.  Likewise He praises those who seek God and respond to His voice.  Walk the walk, it is a great journey experienced in Peace.  

What is God saying to you?  I have heard You and I have responded, You are walking, do not run.  Walking is fine.  

Dear Father, I thank You for these quiet moments, You have the best vantage point and are the provider of the best gifts.  Prayers for a good walk today that leads to glorifying You.  Thank You Father for all the answered prayers even in unexpected ways.  Bless this day and may praise be always on my lips.  In Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Strong, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey. 

https://youtu.be/DwFq1HrNiuU

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

WEEK TEN: TWO STANDARDS, THREE CLASSES OF MEN, THREE KINDS OF HUMILITY - Day 7



WEEK TEN: TWO STANDARDS, THREE CLASSES OF MEN, THREE KINDS OF HUMILITY - Day 7

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:

Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

RE-CAP OF THE THREE KEY MEDITATIONS:

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

• The Two Standards contrasts the spirit of the world with the spirit of Christ. The world tells us that freedom lies in amassing wealth, surrounding ourselves with material comforts and security.

"Freedom comes from following Christ."

• When wealth and creature comforts have become an obsession, there emerges a strong desire for honor and reputation that becomes exaggerated and unbalanced. This leads to an obsession to wield undue influence and power.

"Power in the form of strength comes from following Christ"

• Our attraction for riches, honor, and pride are deeply ingrained tendencies. They are the result of good innate tendencies gone awry through sin. If handled in moderation they serve us well. When exaggerated they lead to confusion and turmoil.

"Stability comes from following Christ"

• Through prayer and reflection on the life of Christ, the disciple slowly realizes that there is a special joy and peace in living a life of simplicity and satisfaction with what one has. Invariably a lifestyle of detachment and simplicity makes one realize how illusory and

evanescent the goods and values of the world are.

Lord, help me practice this over and over again until it is who I am, in my everyday chores.  

• However, when you make God the purpose and center of your life in all your endeavors

and decisions, such a lifestyle will lead to "insults or contempt as opposed to the honor of this world." Many experience criticism and even ridicule from family and friends because of their commitment to Christian values that run contrary to the prevalent mores. St. Ignatius did not think it was possible to become truly humble if one did not experience insults and humiliations.

Embrace the cross with joy in my heart, Peace is the treasure of happiness.  

 • In The Three Classes of Men Meditation, St. Ignatius is challenging your commitment to God in the way you make everyday decisions. There is the category of people who have good intentions and desire to make the choice that God would desire. However they put off making the decision that would lead to greater truth and freedom. Are you one of them?

Help me be decisive in my thoughts and actions, may I not put off what needs done now.  Lead me to You, Father.  

• Another group takes the bull by the horns. They go ahead and make their decision, except that they decide how God wants them to make the decision. They are well intentioned but God is the satellite circling around them. Are you one of them?

You are the center of my universe may that come true in all that I do and say.  

• The third category has the same weighty decision to make. Like the others, they too have their own individual preferences. However, they are pointed in God's direction. They want to know what God desires of them regardless of their own leanings. And they choose what is in God's best interests.

May my ears and heart be attentive to Your will Father and may I be obedient to Your voice for Your glory.  

• The consideration on Three Kinds of Humility reiterates the fact that it is not enough to serve God to the extent that one would not commit serious sin. Nor is it enough to serve and love God to the point where one would not offend God deliberately in small matters.

I beg for the grace to strive for the third kind of humility, in my weaknesses You are strong.  

• Even more, St. Ignatius is inviting the disciple to reach for intimacy and union with God by identifying with the crucified Jesus, by coming to understand that there is a special joy and freedom in desiring "to choose poverty with Christ poor; insults with Christ loaded with them, rather than honors; to be accounted as worthless and a fool for Christ, rather than to be esteemed as wise and prudent in this world."

In my daily walk, may I rise above the fray of the challenges of this world and walk with Thee.   

• The Teacher invites the disciple into his own self-emptying. In covenant living, one lives completely for the other. Jesus did this for us, and is inviting us to do the same. The way of covenant life is the way of the cross, constantly making the effort to lay down one's life for the other!

I beg for this grace to self-empty, to be accepting of myself and willingly pick myself up to try again.  You are the Divine Master, I am the student.  

What is God saying to you?

Dear Lord, You see all of me, You see my day and yet You love unconditionally.  In this journey with You, I seek Your help, the world is not changing for the better.  You are changing us within, may my life represent that each day I awake.  Prayers for a faithful servant of God in need of prayers, heal Him Father.  Prayers for One Holy Catholic Apostolic Church that rises above the turmoil of the day to serve You and You alone.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Strong, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey

https://youtu.be/QQx22xwWvoU

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

WEEK TEN: TWO STANDARDS, THREE CLASSES OF MEN, THREE KINDS OF HUMILITY - Day 6



 WEEK TEN: TWO STANDARDS, THREE CLASSES OF MEN, THREE KINDS OF HUMILITY - Day 6

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

Repetition of THREE KINDS OF HUMILITY, #165-168. Beg our Lord to choose me for the third kind of humility so that I may the more imitate and serve God, provided equal or greater praise and service be given to the Divine Majesty (# 168).

Today, you are doing a repetition of The Three Kinds of Humility. In a repetition St. Ignatius says that "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.

Not by power, not by might but by my spirit says the Lord.  Suppose, do we really know if we have attained the third kind of humility?  Interesting question for if we have attained it then are we living in humility.  Suppose is what caught my eye, it is in living to the best of your abilities and trusting in God Almighty to do His work.  This part of the journey requires your willingness to cooperate with God and lay down ones life for Him.  Accept what comes and trust that all is well whether it is or isn't.  Beg our Lord that He chooses, not what I choose but what He chooses.  

What is God saying to you?  My will be done in cooperation with yours.  

Dear Father, You reveal the past to paint the future.  I thank You for this morning and it's images, it moments of peace and desire along with its struggles.  In this You are refining our spirit to cooperate completely with You.  I trust in the outcome, I trust in the corrections when I get out over my skis.   You have prepared the day, may I live in it in Union with You.  Prayers for the upcoming Mens conference especially for the men called there.  Prayers for a friend in need of help.  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/ZVcBye7-WFQ

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

WEEK TEN: TWO STANDARDS, THREE CLASSES OF MEN, THREE KINDS OF HUMILITY - Day 5



WEEK TEN: TWO STANDARDS, THREE CLASSES OF MEN, THREE KINDS OF HUMILITY - Day 5

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:

Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit 

THREE KINDS OF HUMILITY, # 165-168

Read the Reflection; then pray using # 165-168; beg our Lord to choose me for the third kind of humility so that I may the more imitate and serve God, provided equal or greater praise and service be given to the Divine Majesty (# 168).

The consideration on Three Kinds of Humility reiterates what has gone before in the Two Standards and Three Classes of Men. It is not enough to serve God to the extent that one would not commit serious sin. Nor is it enough to serve and love God to the point where one would not offend God deliberately in small matters. Even more, St. Ignatius is inviting the disciple to reach for intimacy and union with God by identifying with the crucified Jesus, by coming to understand that there is a special joy and freedom in desiring "to choose poverty with Christ poor; insults with Christ loaded with them, rather than honors; to be accounted as worthless and a fool for Christ, rather than to be esteemed as wise and prudent in this world." The teacher invites the disciple into his own kenosis. In covenant living, one lives completely for the other. Jesus did this for us, and is inviting us to do the same. The way of covenant life is the way of the cross, constantly making the effort to lay one's life down for the other!

168)

Note

If one desires to attain this third kind of humility, it will help very much to use the three colloquies at the close of the meditation on the three Classes of Men mentioned above. He should beg our Lord to deign to choose him for this third kind of humility, which is higher and better, that he may the more imitate and serve Him, provided equal or greater praise and service be given to the Divine Majesty.

There is nothing I can do on my own without the grace of God.  Jesus as Son of Man, God's perfect creation required God's grace to go into the world and stand against it, not for his own vein glory but for the glory of the Kingdom.  This is the choice that God gives each of us, our own vein glory or the glory of the Kingdom.  

What is God saying to you?  Jesus sat in the silence and pondered the day, He sought My help and followed My direction.  There was nothing that ruffled His feathers, He was at complete peace.  This is what you hope to attain, neither for or against, neither with or without.  

Dear Heavenly Father, You give us what we desire or allow it to be with our free will.  I see a world choosing self and turning away from You.  I see a world choosing new over old proven values.  I pray for our culture, I pray for our children, I pray for Tradition.  Watch over us this day Lord, see us coming and going, help us recognize You in the other and be the peace that we desire.  I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Pillar of Families, Pray for us.  

Viva Cristo Rey

https://youtu.be/wXY-ZaeoiVY

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

WEEK TEN: TWO STANDARDS, THREE CLASSES OF MEN, THREE KINDS OF HUMILITY - Day 3 & 4



"WEEK TEN: TWO STANDARDS, THREE CLASSES OF MEN, THREE KINDS OF HUMILITY - Day 3 & 4

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit THREE CLASSES OF MEN, # 149-157

Read the Reflection; then pray using # 149-157; beg for the grace to choose what is more for the glory of His Divine Majesty and the salvation of my soul (# 152).

In The Three Classes of Men Meditation, St. Ignatius is challenging your commitment to God in the way you make everyday decisions. He offers three possible scenarios. There is the category of people who have good intentions and desire to make the choice that God would desire. However they put off making the decision that would lead to greater truth and freedom. Another group takes the bull by the horns. They go ahead and make their decision, except that they decide how God wants them to make the decision. They are well intentioned but God is the satellite circling around them. The third category has the same weighty decision to make. Like the others, they too have their own individual preferences. However, they are pointed in God's direction. They want to know what God desires of them regardless of their own leanings. And they choose what is in God's best interests."

Day 4 is a repetition of day 3, beg for the grace to choose what is more for the glory of His Divine Majesty and the salvation of my soul (# 152).

In our moments of silence, can we recognize the attachments we have and move away from them.  Will we cooperate with God and give Him control.  I must say, it isn't an easy part of the journey as I contemplate it.   

What is God saying to you?  Neither for nor against, listen with eyes of faith and respond to My call.  Your will only gets in the way and creates chaos for My Divine will.  Be patient with yourself and understand it is part of the journey, it is a journey where you are not alone, we are together.  

Dear Father, the attachments in my life are there for growth, to recognize my internal weakness and address what needs to be addressed.  Help my develop the spirit of detachment neither for nor against but only what You desire.  My time on this earth is to develop our relationship, to learn the virtues that leads to sanctification.  Knowing this is also knowing that not within my power but only through Your Son Jesus who lives within.  Bless this day Lord, prayers for friends with serious medical issues, heal their bodies both physically and spiritually.  May Your will be done today Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Light of Patriarchs, Pray for us. 

https://youtu.be/pOnTfCH4Qgc

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

WEEK TEN: TWO STANDARDS, THREE CLASSES OF MEN, THREE KINDS OF HUMILITY - Day 2



 WEEK TEN: TWO STANDARDS, THREE CLASSES OF MEN, THREE KINDS OF HUMILITY - Day 2

 MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:

Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Repetition of THE TWO STANDARDS, #136-147.  Ask for knowledge of the deceits of the rebel chief and help to guard myself against them; and also ask for an intimate knowledge of the true life exemplified in the sovereign and true Commander, and the grace to imitate Him. (#139).

Today, you are doing a repetition of The Two Standards. St. Ignatius says that "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.

We each must make this journey sitting at His feet.  Looking at the world and recognizing your own joys and victories as well as your own pains and sufferings that I have brought upon myself.  For some this journey will not be easy as their I'll fated desires wants to draw them back in, the evil one sitting and offering the world.  You must recognize the trap being laid and like Jesus, be meek and humble and go the other way.  The true strength is walking away and not falling victim to the trap.  You are in my prayers.  

What is God saying to you?  I am with in this journey, My Son did not travel alone.  

"(136)The Fourth Day

A Meditation on Two Standards

The one of Christ, our supreme leader and lord, the other of Lucifer, the deadly enemy of our human nature

Prayer

The usual preparatory prayer.

(137)

First Prelude

This is the history. Here it will be that Christ calls and wants all beneath His standard, and Lucifer, on the other hand, wants all under his.

(138)

Second Prelude

This is a mental representation of the place. It will be here to see a great plain, comprising the whole region about Jerusalem, where the sovereign Commander-in-Chief of all the good is Christ our Lord; and another plain about the region of Babylon, where the chief of the enemy is Lucifer.

(139)

Third Prelude

This is to ask for what I desire. Here it will be to ask for a knowledge of the deceits of the rebel chief and help to guard myself against them; and also to ask for a knowledge of the true life exemplified in the sovereign and true Commander, and the grace to imitate Him.

First Part: The Standard of Satan

(140)

First Point

Imagine you see the chief of all the enemy in the vast plain about Babylon, seated on a great throne of fire and smoke, his appearance inspiring horror and terror.

(141)

Second Point

Consider how he summons innumerable demons, and scatters them, some to one city and some to another, throughout the whole world, so that no province, no place, no state of life, no individual is overlooked.

(142)

Third Point

Consider the address he makes to them, how he goads them on to lay snares for men and bind them with chains. First they are to tempt them to covet riches (as Satan himself is accustomed to do in most cases) that they may the more easily attain the empty honors of this world, and then come to overweening pride.

The first step, then, will be riches, the second honor, the third pride. From these three steps the evil one leads to all other vices.

Second Part: The Standard of Christ

(143)

In a similar way, we are to picture to ourselves the sovereign and true Commander, Christ our Lord.

(144)

First Point

Consider Christ our Lord, standing in a lowly place in a great plain about the region of Jerusalem, His appearance beautiful and attractive.

(145)

Second Point

Consider how the Lord of all the world chooses so many persons, apostles, disciples, etc., and sends them throughout the whole world to spread His sacred doctrine among all men, no matter what their state or condition.

(146)

Third Point

Consider the address which Christ our Lord makes to all His servants and friends whom He sends on this enterprise, recommending to them to seek to help all, first by attracting them to the highest spiritual poverty, and should it please the Divine Majesty, and should He deign to choose them for it, even to actual poverty. Secondly, they should lead them to a desire for insults and contempt, for from these springs humility.

Hence, there will be three steps: the first, poverty as opposed to riches; the second, insults or contempt as opposed to the honor of this world; the third, humility as opposed to pride. From these three steps, let them lead men to all other virtues.

(147)

Colloquy

A colloquy should be addressed to our Lady, asking her to obtain for me from her Son and Lord the grace to be received under His standard, first in the highest spiritual poverty, and should the Divine Majesty be pleased thereby, and deign to choose and accept me, even in actual poverty; secondly, in bearing insults and wrongs, thereby to imitate Him better, provided only I can suffer these without sin on the part of another, and without offense of the Divine Majesty. Then I will say the Hail Mary.

Second Colloquy

This will be to ask her Son to obtain the same favors for me from the Father. Then I will say, Soul of Christ.

Third Colloquy

This will be to beg the Father to grant me the same graces. Then I will say the Our Father."  Taken from 

Dear Triune God, I thank You for Your companionship and Your comfort in these trying moments.  I thank You for the grace that You avail to us as we sit and ponder.  In my daily travels may I become more like Jesus, May I recognize my weaknesses and overtime replace them with Your strength that saves.  Thank You for this morning and this day, may Your will be done in my life Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Hope of the Sick, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey. 

https://youtu.be/rfpCiZDYt8U

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

WEEK TEN: TWO STANDARDS, THREE CLASSES OF MEN, THREE KINDS OF HUMILITY - Day 1



WEEK TEN: TWO STANDARDS, THREE CLASSES OF MEN, THREE KINDS OF HUMILITY - Day 1

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

A MEDITATION ON TWO STANDARDS, #136 147: http://spex.ignatianspirituality.com/SpiritualExercises/Puhl 

Read the Reflection; then pray using # 136-147; ask for knowledge of the deceits of the rebel chief and help to guard myself against them; and also ask for an intimate knowledge of the true life exemplified in the sovereign and true Commander, and the grace to imitate Him. (#139).

The Two Standards contrasts the spirit of the world with the spirit of Christ. The world tells us that freedom lies in amassing wealth, surrounding ourselves with material comforts and security. When wealth and creature comforts have become an obsession, there emerges a strong desire for honor and reputation that becomes exaggerated and unbalanced. This could lead to an obsession to wield undue influence and power. From then on one has moved onto the slippery slope leading to pride.

Our attraction for riches, honor, and pride are deeply ingrained tendencies. They are the result of good innate tendencies gone awry through sin. If handled in moderation they serve us well. When exaggerated they lead to confusion and turmoil. Some of us are blatant about pursuing this spirit of the world. Most of us do it on the sly. As a result even our noblest endeavors are tainted with self-interest.

St. Ignatius asks us to shun the spirit of the world by actively cultivating the opposite virtues. Through prayer and reflection on the life of Christ, the disciple slowly realizes that there is a special joy and peace in living a life of simplicity and satisfaction with what one has. Invariably a lifestyle of detachment and simplicity makes one realize how illusory and evanescent the goods and values of the world are. However, when you make God the purpose and center of your life in all your endeavors and decisions, such a lifestyle will lead to "insults or contempt as opposed to the honor of this world." Many experience criticism and even ridicule from family and friends because of their commitment to Christian values that run contrary to the prevalent mores. Many disciples are labeled as hypocrites and oddballs because their Christ-centered lifestyle is at odds with society around them. St. Ignatius did not think it was possible to become truly humble if one did not experience insults and humiliations.

What is God saying to you? Follow and do not concern yourself with the outcome.  My will is always best, the bumps are part of the journey, be generous with others, recognize your own faults and be willing to help another along the journey.  Listen intently as you experience this past week.  

Dear Father, I love how You are always out front, leading the way.  I pray that I apply this weeks lessons to my life and be the person You meant for me to be.  Prayers for a world spinning, not aware of You, bring light into the darkness, share Your Holy Spirit with us. In Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us. 

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

Viva Cristo Rey

https://youtu.be/awzNHuGqoMc

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

WEEK NINE: MIRACLES, SIGNS OF THE KINGDOM DAY 7



 WEEK NINE: MIRACLES, SIGNS OF THE KINGDOM DAY 7

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

REPETITION OF DAYS FOUR, FIVE AND SIX:
Ask for an intimate knowledge of our Lord, who has become man for me, that I may love Him more and follow Him more closely (#104)

Today, you are doing a repetition of Days Four, Five, and Six of this week. In a repetition St. Ignatius says that "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."

Jesus reveals His divinity in the three miracles of this week but He also reveals our own participation in them.  The desire to be healed, the seeking of God and our own faith being put into action.  We play an active role in our salvation and it is an ongoing process as long as we have breath in our lungs.  "Stand up and go, your Faith has saved you", "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:1‬  Your faith, in action, continually saves us.  Salvation is a mutual relationship between God and you, yes it is God who provides the evidence in our lives but it also requires our own conviction to live a life of Faith.  

What is God saying to you? Simple daily actions leads to an eternity of love, your faith will save you.  

Dear Lord God, it is the simple gestures of being drawn to You, responding to Your call and being attentive to Your will that brings about conviction, an undeniable love of Your truth.  I am blessed this morning to have this desire and to act upon it to be in Your presence.  May my day be a revealing of who You are to me, may my faith be demonstrated in actions.  Prayers for a friend going in for a scan this morning, she demonstrates her faith, may the miracle of Jesus be upon her.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Hope of the Sick, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey. 

https://youtu.be/jasoo3UDSwY

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