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'.

Seventh Day: Lk. 20: 9-15

WHAT I HAVE I HOLD

Parable.A man planted a vineyard, and let it out to tenants ... He sent a servant to the tenants that they should give him some of the fruit of the vineyard; but the tenants beat him, and sent him away empty-handed ... Then the owner of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; it may be that they will respect him'. But when the tenants saw him ... they cast him out of the vineyard and killed him.

Reflection.The prophets, sent by God to speak primarily to the people of their own time and place, were not infrequently warned that, although they must speak, many would not listen. This was a feature of the prophetic vocation over centuries. The people, given life within a community of faith, were meant to respond to God in their everyday living. When challenged by the prophets, they were made to feel ill-at-ease, and so fought back by ignoring, ridiculing or persecuting them. This pattern may not have changed today.

How much does it take to get through to me? I have the Scriptures, the centuries of the Church (tradition) and its contemporary teaching. Do I really listen? In the ordinary events of everyday life God is trying to reach me. Does God have to spell it out?

There is perhaps a further handicap today. The spirit of the world has no time for weakness and failure. God, it is thought, (if there is a God), should be obviously on the side of the big battalions. Yet he gives himself to me through a crucified Saviour. I should pray for Gospel discernment, the perspective of the wisdom of the Cross.

Prayer.Lord Jesus, to the spirit of the world today you are a stranger on earth. So many living without you can exercise petty or major tyranny. Others crucify you again in your people and hold you in contempt. I pray to be ever open to you, and with faith and courage to reflect you wherever I am.

May your Mother, once crucified with you on Calvary, encourage me to stay faithful, and receive your every word.

Montfort.'It is not enough simply to be unafraid. God wants you to hope for great things from him, and to he filled with joy by reason of this hope' (LCM 5).