WEEK TWENTY THREE: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 3

WEEK TWENTY THREE: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 3

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

CONTEMPLATION TO ATTAIN THE LOVE OF GOD, #235Read #235; 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)

• # 235. This is to reflect how God dwells in creatures: "in the elements giving them existence, in the plants giving them life, in the animals conferring upon them sensation:" If we take the trouble to gaze and inspect every creature that exists around us, we will be amazed, and at times overwhelmed, by the beauty, complexity, and grandeur of God's creation. God holds them in existence every second. In a very real sense they reflect God's loving providence for us, and express the divine beauty and goodness, as well as the glory of God.

• "(How God dwells) in man bestowing understanding. So He dwells in me and gives me being, life, sensation, intelligence; and makes a temple of me, since I am created in the likeness and image of the Divine Majesty." When we look at human beings, we are gazing at an altogether different kind of creature, made in the image and likeness of the Creator. Humans have a capacity no other earthly creatures have, namely, the ability to share covenant life with God. Just examining the various faculties, sensible and spiritual, that belong to a human being, will cause wonder, awe, and amazement.

• "Then I will reflect upon myself again in the manner stated in the first point, or in some other way that may seem better." When considering in great detail the many gifts and special blessings God has bestowed upon us, our hearts are deeply stirred and we arrive at an even deeper appreciation of God and commitment to Him!

• #234. "I will make this offering of myself: Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all that I have and possess. Thou hast given all to me. To Thee, O Lord, I return it. All is Thine, dispose of it wholly according to Thy will. Give me Thy love and Thy grace, for this is sufficient for me." (Refer to Day Two for a more detailed appreciation of the implications of the Take and Receive prayer).

• Conclude with an Our Father.

What is God saying to you?

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