Intro to the Devout Life Course 09/22/2009
I wanted to spread the word that I am currently working on producing an audio course on the Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis De Sales. It is my hope that in both mp3 and CD format that you will be able to learn more about living for Jesus and the teachings of St. Francis De Sales. I hope to have this course available on the website soon.
Please continue to pray for us!
God bless you all, Live Jesus, Live Devout!
Chris Fifelski
Please continue to pray for us!
God bless you all, Live Jesus, Live Devout!
Chris Fifelski
Add Comment
Exaltation of the Holy Cross 09/14/2009
"Every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled, and he who humbleth himself shall be exalted."
What is it that we exalt in our lives? Is it ourself? Is it our job or our spouse? Maybe it is a imaginary version of God in which He is more of a servant of ours rather than a God that deserves our total gift of self? Do we ever think of exalting the Cross of Christ in our life?
Let's face it, the Cross is no fun. Jesus didn't trudge up the road of Calvary with a smile on His precious face. Mary didn't dance under the "gibbet of shame". In fact, most of the disciples were so scared they ran away and hid. This Cross, this terrible Passion of Jesus Christ was indeed a terrible thing, unlike anything we have seen represented in wood, paint, or porcelain.
This feast gives us pause to realize that we MUST exalt the Cross of Christ in our lives. There is really no other way. "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Mk 8:34 To follow Christ is to "take up" our cross and follow Jesus all the way to the ultimate culmination of that road to Calvary, that is, to be crucified with Him. We must echo St. Paul when he stated, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I that live, but Christ who lives in me." Galatians 2:20
So let us make a couple observations:
1. The Cross means suffering (pain, discomfort, work, trouble, etc)
2. We are to "take up" our cross, which means total acceptance, grasping, encountering, etc - we cannot take up our cross by keeping it at arm's length.
3. Carrying our cross leads to the crucifixion. We die with Him so as to reign with Him...there is no other way. That way we can repeat the words of St. Paul mentioned above.
4. The Cross and Crucifixion ultimately lead to the Resurrection. Of course, there can be no Resurrection without the death first.
Some practical measures:
1. Stop treating your body (as St. Francis named his, "brother Ass) as if it were the most important thing in the world. Sometimes it may need to be tamed. (Recall St. Francis and other saints many austerities and penances - is it so bad to imitate those whom the Church gives to us as models of virtue?!)
2. Start giving prayer and the works of Christ priority in your life. Dedicate time to these things and never let a day go by without meditating on the Cross.
3. Do you have pain and suffering in your life? Accept it as a gift from God and imitate Christ in carrying this Cross in serenity and composure. You may suffer, but can you do it without whining and with a courageous spirit?
4. Open yourself to God's will...what is He asking of you today? Be fearless in your following of His will, no matter what the cost. Above all, submit this to your spiritual director's competence and be willingly obedient.
5. Take the Cross in your hands and be a like the "good thief" crucified next to Christ. Acknowledge your faults and failings and stop blaming God. Do penance and amend your life. Live for Jesus - Live Devout!
What is it that we exalt in our lives? Is it ourself? Is it our job or our spouse? Maybe it is a imaginary version of God in which He is more of a servant of ours rather than a God that deserves our total gift of self? Do we ever think of exalting the Cross of Christ in our life?
Let's face it, the Cross is no fun. Jesus didn't trudge up the road of Calvary with a smile on His precious face. Mary didn't dance under the "gibbet of shame". In fact, most of the disciples were so scared they ran away and hid. This Cross, this terrible Passion of Jesus Christ was indeed a terrible thing, unlike anything we have seen represented in wood, paint, or porcelain.
This feast gives us pause to realize that we MUST exalt the Cross of Christ in our lives. There is really no other way. "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Mk 8:34 To follow Christ is to "take up" our cross and follow Jesus all the way to the ultimate culmination of that road to Calvary, that is, to be crucified with Him. We must echo St. Paul when he stated, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I that live, but Christ who lives in me." Galatians 2:20
So let us make a couple observations:
1. The Cross means suffering (pain, discomfort, work, trouble, etc)
2. We are to "take up" our cross, which means total acceptance, grasping, encountering, etc - we cannot take up our cross by keeping it at arm's length.
3. Carrying our cross leads to the crucifixion. We die with Him so as to reign with Him...there is no other way. That way we can repeat the words of St. Paul mentioned above.
4. The Cross and Crucifixion ultimately lead to the Resurrection. Of course, there can be no Resurrection without the death first.
Some practical measures:
1. Stop treating your body (as St. Francis named his, "brother Ass) as if it were the most important thing in the world. Sometimes it may need to be tamed. (Recall St. Francis and other saints many austerities and penances - is it so bad to imitate those whom the Church gives to us as models of virtue?!)
2. Start giving prayer and the works of Christ priority in your life. Dedicate time to these things and never let a day go by without meditating on the Cross.
3. Do you have pain and suffering in your life? Accept it as a gift from God and imitate Christ in carrying this Cross in serenity and composure. You may suffer, but can you do it without whining and with a courageous spirit?
4. Open yourself to God's will...what is He asking of you today? Be fearless in your following of His will, no matter what the cost. Above all, submit this to your spiritual director's competence and be willingly obedient.
5. Take the Cross in your hands and be a like the "good thief" crucified next to Christ. Acknowledge your faults and failings and stop blaming God. Do penance and amend your life. Live for Jesus - Live Devout!
