Back home
I’m back home after two weeks away to finish my spiritual direction certificate. I graduated on January 30, 2022, and received my Spiritual Direction Certificate from the Cenacle of Our Lady of Divine Providence School of Spiritual Direction in association with the Franciscan University of Steubenville. It was a grace-filled time with lots to unpack and think about.
But this quote
We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures; we are the sum of the Father’s love for us and our real capacity to become the image of his Son. (St. John Paul II)
Kept coming up again and again. I tucked it away to think about later and now it’s later. so a few thoughts.
My thoughts
This quote is from Pope John Paul II’s homily at World Youth Day in Toronto, Canada in 2002. I read the homily here, it’s not very long. I also was struck by these words:
Jesus offers one thing, and the “spirit of the world” offers another.
The “spirit of the world” offers many false illusions and parodies of happiness.
The Lord is calling you to choose between these two voices competing for your souls.
All of this is very Ignatian, choosing between two worlds, one which wants your good the other, not really interested in you at all. I’ve been struck this week with feelings of total inadequacy, which I know is the world playing with my mind after being immersed in the Father’s love for weeks, attacks come. To sway us, to confuse us, to pull us away from the truth.
How to overcome
First, pray with scripture so you can hear God speak to you. Then, I offer this not lukewarm challenge: make a list of all that God has done for you that reminds you of his great love for you.
Interested in reading a great book?
3 reasons to read The Way of Perfection by St. Teresa of Avila
You will grow in your spiritual life
It was written during a time of upheaval in the Church
St. Teresa gives practical ways to incorporate prayer in your daily life
We will begin on Wednesday, February 16 at 7:30 pm (EST) via Zoom. The cost is $8 for non-members (register here); LiveNotLukewarm members no need to register, but please email me that you will attend.
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