(a PDF copy for printing is attached)
Five Important Spiritual Thoughts from the Liturgy of the Word
…and follow up for the Secular Franciscan
October 27 – November 2
1 – “Draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power.” (Eph 6:10)
…Do I?
2 – “Jesus spent the night in prayer to God.” (Lk 6:12)**
…I should set up a program of prayer for each day.
3 – “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one humbles himself will be exalted.” (Lk 14:11)**
…Humility is a virtue that is difficult to learn.
4 – The Beatitudes (Mt 5:1-12a)**
a. Jesus addresses the words to the crowds and therefore to me. Do I truly listen to all of the words that the Lord gives me?
b. Poor in spirit: do I allow material things to dominate my life?
c. Mourn: there is pain in my life, but Jesus and what he teaches is the answer to that pain.
d. Meek: this is a direct statement against power and the people who want more power. Do I try to be more important than others?
e. Righteousness: do I really work at prayer and closeness to the Lord, and desire to be a holy person?
f. Mercy: do I reach out to the hurting people around me and help them if I can?
g. Clean of heart: am I honest, sincere, chaste, and do I lie to protect myself?
h. Peacemakers: do I really try to reconcile the factions that divide us?
i. Suffer insult: I should expect criticism for trying to be a good person, but I should be a good person anyway.
5. – ”I will not reject anyone who comes to me.” (Jn 6:37)**
…Do I thank the Lord enough for this great privilege?
**one of the most important passages in the Gospels
