Introduction to the Devout Life, Part II, Chapters 10 to 21
Containing Sundry Counsels as to Uplifting the Soul to God in Prayer and the use of the Sacraments
14 November 2011
English-speaking Group:
Fr John Christy, Fr Arokiadoss Lourdusamy and Fr Mackley Gomes
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| Frs John, Arokiadoss and Mackley discuss Part II of the Devout Life |
Morning Prayer. Presents a simple formula for the morning prayes beginning the day with the invoking the Lord’s blessing and thanking for the night. The day ends with another thanksgivings for the protection and guidance during the day. A well done examination of conscience prepares us for a repose. These are the simple practices of piety of many religious orders and practically all the Salesian boardings. In modern terms we can understand we start our day as we Login to the computer, invoking God. And close it by logout in the proper way with an examination of conscience.
On Spiritual Retirement. As the body requires rest so too the spirit. Taking time off to rest and relax is a concept welcomed by all. Spiritual solitude is a model practiced by Jesus and great masters of spiritualties. It helps maturing of the person.
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| Visitation nuns at a restful lake retreat, Wisconsin |
Aspirations, Ejaculatory Prayer and Holy Thoughts. Some simple techniques for the soul to be in union with God 24/7 are Aspirations, Ejaculatory Prayer and Holy Thoughts
Other practices of piety. The Offices of the Church, devotions to the Saints, and the proper hearing the word of God are practices that will keep us spiritually healthy.
Inspirations true and false. When the soul is ready for inspiration the Satan is active and vigilant to propose false inspirations. Here comes the role of the Spiritual Director, the Person has to humbly listens to the Spiritual Director and follows the directions diligently.
On Confession. This part is a beautiful aid to those who begin the practice of confession and those who would like to master it. Who to make a good confession, which are the preparations, how and what sins to confess, the attitude of the penitent are given clearly.Confession is not a act or time of Accusation but a time of transformation there fore the attitude is insisted much in this part. Not to change the confessors often needlessly.
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| Jesus, the Bread of Life, feeds 5000 - Shillong |
Of Frequent Communion and How to Communicate. Writing for the reader of his time, it is clear that the daily communion was not expected of Christians. He says, “I neither recommend nor do I condemn daily reception of the Eucharist, but I persuade and exhort everyone to receive Communion every Sunday”. To receive Communion every week it is required that one be free from mortal sins and from any affections for venial sin and have a great desire to communicate. To communicate everyday it is necessary in addition that we overcome the great part of our evil inclinations and that we follow the advice of our Spiritual Director.
Go often to Communion, as often as you can with the advice of the Spiritual Director because by adoring and eating beauty, purity and goodness itself in this divine sacrament you will become wholly beautiful wholly good and wholly pure.
Summary by John Christy
Photos by Joe Boenzi
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