Spiritual solitude matures the person

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

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.

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.

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

Be like Jacob and demand a blessing

Introduction to the Devout Life, Part II, Chapters 1 to 9

Containing Sundry Counsels as to Uplifting the Soul to God in Prayer and the use of the Sacraments

7 November 2011

English-speaking Group:
Fr John Christy, Fr Arokiadoss Lourdusamy and Fr Mackley Gomes

The Necessity of Prayer
Like water that washes, quenches, heals and facilitates growth, Prayer is the life giving source for the Spiritual life. The mental prayer of Jesus is the model for us. Prayer places us in the presence of God. One hour of meditation, rosary, vocal prayer, etc., are necessary in the spiritual journey.

A short Method of Meditation. And first, the Presence of God, the First Point of Preparation
The presence of God can be felt in many ways, 1. Placing oneself in the presence of God asking him to help (David in Ps. and Jacob insisting to bless combat with God).  2. Feel the presence of God in our heart and mind (David: the strength of my heart, Paul in Him we live, move and have our being). 3. God pervades form above, looks on us. 4. God is ever present amongst us in the Blessed Sacrament.

Lake view at Salesian Retreat of Siloam, north of Shillong

Tips for an effective and enjoyable Meditation. Invocation, the Second Point of Preparation. The second part is a beautiful invitation to make a enjoyable meditation.  The Third Point of Preparation, is representing the Mystery to be meditated to Your Imagination. Using the gift of fantasy and imagination. Visualizing the mysteries like birth, crucifixion and death of our Lord. In this the soul manifests it’s affection to God and to the heavenly things.

The Third Part of Meditation, Affections and Resolutions. This part insists on the gain of the meditation. A good meditation always ends with a concrete resolution. It helps the person grow. It makes one to be in union with God throughout the day.

The Conclusion and Spiritual Bouquet. A well made meditation is a spiritual Bouquet. It has the flowers of thanks giving, act of oblation offered to God through affection and resolution, and petitions.

Belgaum hibiscus for a spiritual bouquet

Concerning Dryness in Meditation. There are moments when the meditation seems dry, uninteresting and difficult. These are moments of temptation to drop the meditation. But we are called to imitate and implore like Jacob, “I will not let you go, If you do not bless me” the man who fought with God for the blessing. The cananite woman who persisted with Jesus even if he tried her patience.

Summary by John Christy
Photos by Joe Boenzi