Preparation for Total Consecration

WEEK 2:
SELF-KNOWLEDGE

All of us have strengths and weaknesses on the emotional, psychological and physical levels. They interact. The more we have some understanding of what is happening, the better for ourselves and those among whom we live. It is helpful to consider this in the light of the ideal of Jesus.

Seventh Day: Lk. 16: 1-9

EVER ALERT

Parable.There was a rich man who had a steward, and charges were brought against him that he was wasting his goods. And he called him. 'What is this I hear about you? Turn in the account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward'. And the steward said to himself, 'What shall I do ... so that people may receive me into their houses when I am put out of the stewardship?' Summoning his master's debtors, ... 'How much do you owe? A hundred measures of oil ... Sit down quickly and write fifty ... A hundred measures of wheat ... Write eighty.'
The master commended the dishonest steward for his shrewdness.

Reflection.The steward in the parable was in a corner, and he knew it. He was facing ruin. So he acted in his own interests to save what he could. Even his employer saw this. It is a pity he had not acted like that in his employer's interests. He was managing great wealth.

How willing am I to work for the kingdom of God? How much of my time is given to encouraging the growth of a Christian life and atmosphere? The 'Sunday Christian' doing the minimum in formal worship who does not want to be known as a Christian in his home, working, or social life, could never compare in ingenuity with the steward looking after his own interests.

Even if I consider my faith a private matter between me and God, how much time do I give to Jesus in prayer, worship and work? What do I do to further his presence in my world? What reserves do I call on to make myself genuinely Christian and build up the community in which I live? How much of myself is given to my Lord?

The steward may have been a rogue, but when his own interests were at risk, he knew what he must do. Is our Lord trying to tell us anything here?

Prayer.Lord Jesus, so many are so resourceful where their own interests are concerned. They are not put off by fear, embarrassment, or risk, or tiredness. Have I ever channelled the depths within me to help me take you to myself and further your interests? I ask awareness of your risen presence and Spirit to help me do this.

May your Mother, whose very being reflects you, draw me to you and yours.

Montfort.'To possess Jesus, eternal Wisdom, we must seek ardently; ... we must be ready to give up everything, to suffer everything, in order to obtain possession of him. Only a few find him, because only a few look for him in a manner worthy of him' (LEW 61).