WEEK TEN: TWO STANDARDS, THREE CLASSES OF MEN, THREE KINDS OF HUMILITY - Day 1
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.
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4b
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
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
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4b
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