WEEK TWENTY THREE: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 1
MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit
CONTEMPLATION TO ATTAIN THE LOVE OF GOD, #230-233. Read #230-233; then the Reflection; ask for an intimate knowledge of the many blessings received, that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty (#233). (After pondering each bullet point, express your sentiments in a short prayer)
• #230. St. Ignatius offers two notes to consider before you begin the Contemplation to attain the Love of God. You will spend the whole week on this Contemplation, tasting and
savoring it in all its dimensions.
• The first note that St. Ignatius wants you to reflect on is that "love ought to manifest
itself in deeds rather than in words." Words are of no account if they are not followed up with action. Jesus makes this point very strongly in Matthew 7: 21-23: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven." St. James makes the same point: "So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead." (James 2: 17)
• #231. "The second is that love consists in a mutual sharing of goods, for example, the lover gives and shares with the beloved what he possesses, or something of that which he has or is able to give; and vice versa, the beloved shares with the lover... Thus one always gives to the other."
• All through the Spiritual Exercises, you have been contemplating Jesus as He offered Himself to us wholeheartedly and unreservedly. And you have been asking and receiving the grace to do likewise.
• Covenant union takes place when there is a total offering of one to the other and vice versa. God is in covenant with us, offering Himself to us through Jesus and asking us to give ourselves to Him.
• #232. St. Ignatius reminds us that we are standing in the presence of God our Lord and of His angels and saints, who intercede for us. The context of our lives is our covenant relationship with God. God is Emmanuel, always dwelling among us, and both Jesus and the saints and angels surround us and intercede for us continually.
• #233. This is the grace we are asking: "An intimate knowledge of the many blessings received, that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty." Gratitude is the fruit of our covenant relationship with God. We are grateful because we are overwhelmed by God's largesse and generosity toward us. God has indeed given Himself to us without holding anything back!
• This awareness and experience of God's love for us prompts us to give ourselves to God without counting the cost. Constant gratitude also reminds us that all of life is pure gift! Such a realization creates true humility and trust in God.
Dear Father, there is a profound awareness of the majesty of Your being and the depth of Your love. I feel many things in my heart, You have painted many pictures these past months. I see You writing the story before my eyes and I am in awe. I want what You want Lord, I am Yours, heart, mind and soul. Thank You for these blessings and the band of brothers, sisters and angels who we walk along side. I lift friends up dealing with pain and anguish in this valley of tears, You know best Lord and Your ways are not our ways, continue to Lead the way Lord, Amen.
What is God saying to you? My Love is unending, there is no beginning nor ending. Your life is yours, your will is yours, the choice is yours. I give My love unconditionally, knowing that love conquers all. Your heart has been filled with gratitude for it belongs to Jesus. Treasure the gifts of My Holy Spirit, give it away in actions and words. Our words have impact.
Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Most Faithful, 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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