Responsiblity with courage

Introduction to the Devout Life

Part two (chapter 11-21)

 English-speaking Group

Sr. Grea Mendoza, Bro Justyn Narzary and Fr. Sebhat Hadgu Kahsay

In chapter eleven of part SFS deals with the necessity of examination of conscience. For SFS examination is to put one self totally in presence of God. According SFS one can put him/her self through consideration of the life of the savior. For SFS examination of conscience consists four levels or degrees

1. To thank God for gift day because he kept us alive which is the highest gift to give. 
2. To examine our day especially reflect on where, with whom and what we did during the day 
3. Evaluate our day and for good things we did let us thank God and for our failure let us ask pardon 
4. At the end let us put ourselves on the hands of God ourselves, the church and our family and friends.
   

In chapter 12 SFS speaks about retreat . For SFS retreat is one of the most certain means to spiritual growth. One of important thing of retreat for SFS is to consider “what God and what you are doing” this helps us to discern the will of God and follow it. Retreat is for SFS is to retire for refreshment and restore oneself in Christ everyday of retreat must be meditated one of the mysteries of Christ. It is also time of solitude of heart even when externally engaged in something. The heart remains alone in the presence of God. Here SFS gives us the example of St. Catherine who could build small room/chapel in her heart for God because she did have any opportunity of prayer and meditation our Lord. Here SFS teaches the principal where can find God is our heart.

In chapter 13 where SFS speaks about aspiration, ejaculatory prayers and good thoughts:- the ejaculatory prayers are easy because we pray amid our daily duties without any inconvenience since in this spiritual retirement we can relax quickly and promptly. Another important point in this chapter is that life is “dualistic” because every aspect of life has both negative and positive points “…nothing here is pure, grief follows joy, widowhood marriage sickness and health” in other words there is no resurrection without cross of Christ.

Chapter 14 is one the most important chapters if not the most important for SFS because here he speaks about mass that is the climax of all journey hence we God in it in his son. Mass is is the center of Christian religion and heart of devotion and soul of piety that means all our prayers are preparation to mass in which God really gives himself and gloriously communicates his graces and favors and to us. Yet he recommends adequate preparation for mass; first of all interior and exterior silence that is to put oneself in the presence of God; adequate preparation of mass readings, homily, song and being attentive in listening the word of God put in the heart and realize in daily life.

Confession is also one of important sacraments for SFS confession is not only absolution of past sins but it is great strength to avoid them in future, light to see them clearly, and abundant grace to repair whatever was damaged one did against God and neighbor. It is also practice of humility, obedience simplicity and charity. Confession is very important yet when it ended or concluded with solid resolution.

Pastoral applications

1. Preparation of mass, interior and exterior silence, adequate preparation of readings and homily, attentiveness to the word of God
2. Realization of our faith in daily life through good relation with all solidarity promptness to help the need, being able to forgive and being charitable to others
3. Sacramental education especially the educate to confession as it helps to evaluate our life and lead to human and Christian maturity. And holy communion where we can see the love of God to his people. Above all to simplify them so that they may become part every Christian.    
4. Taking responsibility with courage even when things go wrong. This means to plan for the future hoping of the success we can achieve.

Submitted by SHK
Photo by Joe Boenzi: English-speaking group discussing Part Second of the Devout Life