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'.

Fifth Day Mt. 15: 12-14

LEADING THE BLIND

Parable.The disciples came and said to Jesus, 'Do you not know that the Pharisees were offended?' ... He answered, 'Every plant which my heavenly Father has not planted will he rooted up. Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into the pit'.

Reflection.With television, radio, newspapers, magazines and the media generally, I am not short of advice on how to look, to dress, to speak, to buy, to eat, to drink, to vote, to entertain, to live. Because 'everybody does it', people consider it right, but the question is, 'Is what everybody is doing right?' So many who would guide me have no practical understanding of Gospel living, when they are not actively opposed to it.

With the breakdown of family and community relationships, lack of personal trust and shared Gospel values, I can see something of what life is like without the Gospel. The spirit of the world in ignoring God is leading so many blindly into the ditch. Is there another way?

Jesus is saying that if I follow him I shall see. If this world is God's creation, and Jesus came on earth to reveal him, clearly only in so far as I live in the light of Jesus will I have a genuine life. Despite evidence showing that the guidance of the spirit of the world is, in so many cases, not leading anywhere, it still takes courage and faith to live a Gospel-centred life.

Prayer.Lord Jesus, if only I could see! I am blessed with eyesight, but I pray for insight. So many guides today are here to enlighten me; so many directions to follow. Even within the Church everyone is not enlightened by you. I open myself to your guidance.

I entrust myself to the care of your Mother, who, while having eyes for you alone, could see that others were in need of you.

Montfort.'A service which our Lady renders her faithful servants is to lead and direct them according to the will of her Son ... How could a child that follows such a mother and such an enlightened guide as Mary take the wrong path' (TD 209).