WEEK TWENTY THREE: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 5
MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit
CONTEMPLATION TO ATTAIN THE LOVE OF GOD, #237 Read #237; 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)
• #237. FOURTH POINT. This is to consider all blessings and gifts as descending from above. Thus, my limited power comes from the supreme and infinite power above, and so, too, justice, goodness, mercy, etc., descend from above as the rays of light descend from the sun, and as the waters flow from their fountains, etc. Then I will reflect on myself, as has been said: While St. Ignatius makes the same point over and over, in this particular number he is stating categorically that God is the source of every blessing that we receive in life. In creating us in His divine image and likeness, God manifested His love for us in wanting to share all that He is and has, with us. Once again in gratitude we will offer ourselves.
Dear Father God, You are all good, giving us the best gifts and insuring we come to understand the depths of love You have for us. I thank You for our Covenant relationship and for the hour You provide so I can sit and listen.
• #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).
Dear Lord, Thank You for all the wonderful examples of others living a life in giving back to You, some don't realize the power of this prayer as they give of them self in service of You on the Villa DeLaRosa. May my offering fulfill Your wishes for my life. Amen.
• Conclude with an Our Father.
What is God saying to you? I sit and gaze upon My creation as he sits in quiet contemplation, fulfilling his calling in life by My side. The choices You make each day brings about fulfillment of My Kingdom on earth. Be at peace during the rocky times, I will still be gazing upon You as You chart these waters, still by Your side.
Dear Father, there is a richness is sitting with You and contemplating Your words giving to us by others. There are days where I could sit for hours in this place but that does not serve You, only I. Thank You for my intellect and ability to give back to You in small and insignificant ways that by Your grace will bear much fruit. Prayers for those afraid to live because of loss or past mistakes, may they come to know how much they are loved and are willing to trust in Your Divine Providence for their lives. I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.
Mary, Queen of Heaven, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Most Prudent, 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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