Preparing for Consecration
Preliminary, Day 4: Imitation, Book 3, Ch:7,40
Spirit of the World
Spend this period casting off the spirit of the world which is contrary to that of Jesus Christ.
Reflection
We begin to look at our challenge to follow the example of Christ in our lives. What can I truly accomplish without the assistance of Christ my savior? Can anything I pursue come to any value without the guidance and support of Our Lord? What am I without him?
But we need not fear, we need only to acknowledge the generosity of Our Father when we turn over our lives, every thought and action, to his perfect will. – Bernadette Harmon
The Imitation of Christ, Book 3, Chapter 7,40, Thomas à Kempis
Man has no good in himself and can glory in nothing
Ch 40. Lord, what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You visit him? What has man deserved that You should give him Your grace? What cause have I, Lord, to complain if You desert me, or what objection can I have if You do not do what I ask? This I may think and say in all truth: "Lord, I am nothing, of myself I have nothing that is good; I am lacking in all things, and I am ever tending toward nothing. And unless I have Your help and am inwardly strengthened by You, I become quite lukewarm and lax."
But You, Lord, are always the same. You remain forever, always good, just, and holy; doing all things rightly, justly, and holily, disposing them wisely. I, however, who am more ready to go backward than forward, do not remain always in one state, for I change with the seasons. Yet my condition quickly improves when it pleases You and when You reach forth Your helping hand. For You alone, without human aid, can help me and strengthen me so greatly that my heart shall no more change but be converted and rest solely in You.
Ch 7 (paragraphs 5-7). He who wishes to be too secure in time of peace will often become too dejected and fearful in time of trial. If you were wise enough to remain always humble and small in your own eyes, and to restrain and rule your spirit well, you would not fall so quickly into danger and offense. When a spirit of fervor is enkindled within you, you may well meditate on how you will feel when the fervor leaves.