Preparation for Total Consecration

WEEK 1:
THE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD

The spirit of the world means in practice to live as if God does not exist. It is a self-centred existence, always with an eye to 'What's in it for me?' Yet, either 'God is of supreme importance or he is of no importance'.

Fourth Day: Lk. 12: 16-20

INVEST IN GOD

Parable.The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully: and he thought to himself, 'What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' And he said, 'I will do this; I will pull down my barns and build larger ones ... And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry"'. But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?'

Reflection.What do you give the person who has everything? Such was the man in the parable. He wanted more of the same. Then he could live on the investment. Then he would live a self-centred existence devoted wholly to himself, free of responsibility for others. This is the spirit of the world writ large.

But it is possible to be the wealthiest person in the cemetery. Such was the fate of the man in the story. What then becomes of his investment?

As Cardinal Mindzenty found after imprisonment in his own country, first by the Nazis, then by the Communists, 'only the Gospel lasts'.

If I wish to invest my life in lasting value, I should place my trust in God. The spirit of the world might advise a prudent insurance company to protect me - but I die alone. If I then wish to be with the Lord for ever, I should belong to him here. My treasure, ultimately, will be where my heart is.

Prayer.Lord Jesus, you invite us into your kingdom. Not all accept the invitation. I can be so half-hearted, not least when so many seem to do well without you. Lord, help me to see that it is you who have the last word. If I am wise, I shall invest in you, and be rich in God.

May your Mother, who gave her life to you in faith, encourage me to live for you and yours, as if each moment was to be my last.

Montfort.'There is an unshakeable truth… (would to God I could engrave it on your mind and heart!): "Seek first the kingdom of God and his justice, and all the rest will be added unto you"' (Letter 7).