Introduction to the Devout Life
Group discussion Part V
Friday December 1, 2006
(Anne, Marcel, Javier, Thien-An)
Group discussion Part V
Friday December 1, 2006
(Anne, Marcel, Javier, Thien-An)
Following are a few ideas from our group discussion on the fifth and final part of the Devout Life:
1. Our group agrees that the genre and the set up of these 18 chapters are more of the renewal, recollection, and retreat. In chapter 2 we are intrigued by one of the six important points of St. Francis teaching about making a Firm Resolution. The images of “gentle attraction of the Holy Spirit” and “the cords of love and charity” which God uses to draw us as little boats toward the safe harbor are very powerful and touching. They demonstrate that God always is concerned for us. God and we have a good relationship and connection that nothing can separate. However, it is God who takes action even with our resolution. We have to put our trust and faith in His Providence.
2. We also notice that in the chapter 18, St. Francis recommends that we dedicate the first day of month to the renewal of Firm Resolutions. Why does it have to be the first day? How many of us today (1 December) have remembered to offer the first day of the month to think about the relationship between God and us? It is something challenging but we think it is necessary to have it.
3. We are also interested in the five reflections for renewal of St. Francis. Firstly, he believes that our souls are beautiful and capable of desiring and enjoying God. Secondly, we should know that only virtue and devotion can make us happy. Without them, good can become ill and pleasure can be filled with anxiety and frustration. Thirdly, we learn from the saints that after they converted, they no longer followed the old path. They persevered and kept walking in God’s love. Fourthly, we have to think how our Lord Jesus Christ has been loving us through His Passion, Cross, and Crucifixion. We can compare Jesus’ love for us with the love of an expectant mother preparing for the birth of her child. It is through His love that God brings salvation to humankind. Finally, God’s love for us is infinite. There is neither beginning nor end to God’ love for us. Realizing this, we must be ready to suffer rather than to turn away from God and His love.
Thien-An
1. Our group agrees that the genre and the set up of these 18 chapters are more of the renewal, recollection, and retreat. In chapter 2 we are intrigued by one of the six important points of St. Francis teaching about making a Firm Resolution. The images of “gentle attraction of the Holy Spirit” and “the cords of love and charity” which God uses to draw us as little boats toward the safe harbor are very powerful and touching. They demonstrate that God always is concerned for us. God and we have a good relationship and connection that nothing can separate. However, it is God who takes action even with our resolution. We have to put our trust and faith in His Providence.
2. We also notice that in the chapter 18, St. Francis recommends that we dedicate the first day of month to the renewal of Firm Resolutions. Why does it have to be the first day? How many of us today (1 December) have remembered to offer the first day of the month to think about the relationship between God and us? It is something challenging but we think it is necessary to have it.
3. We are also interested in the five reflections for renewal of St. Francis. Firstly, he believes that our souls are beautiful and capable of desiring and enjoying God. Secondly, we should know that only virtue and devotion can make us happy. Without them, good can become ill and pleasure can be filled with anxiety and frustration. Thirdly, we learn from the saints that after they converted, they no longer followed the old path. They persevered and kept walking in God’s love. Fourthly, we have to think how our Lord Jesus Christ has been loving us through His Passion, Cross, and Crucifixion. We can compare Jesus’ love for us with the love of an expectant mother preparing for the birth of her child. It is through His love that God brings salvation to humankind. Finally, God’s love for us is infinite. There is neither beginning nor end to God’ love for us. Realizing this, we must be ready to suffer rather than to turn away from God and His love.Thien-An
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