“Justice is the constant and firm will to give to each one what is his due.”
(St. Thomas Aquinas)
In this simple definition we find the basis for the practice of this cardinal virtue. Justice is directed, in the first place, to God Himself, for there is nothing more just than to render to Him the worship that corresponds to Him as Creator and Father: adoration, honor, glory, gratitude, trust, faithful fulfillment of His commandments, humble and dedicated service to Him… Read More
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
(Prov 2:6)
The virtue of prudence is usually considered as the “auriga virtutum”; that is, the moderator or conductor of the other virtues, because it helps us to apply the virtue that corresponds to the given circumstances, in a wise and sensible way. With it we learn to discern things properly, and it teaches us to give the correct response in each situation. Read More
Meditation on the Gospel of the day (Lk 11:29-32):
The rejection of useless thoughts
Yesterday we focused on showing the importance of the asceticism of thoughts in order to gain mastery over them and to be the ones who decide what kind of attention we give or don’t give each thought. We had focused especially on the fight against bad thoughts, which we must fight decisively so that they do not gain ground inside us. Read More
NOTE: As long as we continue these lectures on the spiritual life, we will always include in the text a link to a meditation on the reading or the Gospel of the day, if we have them available.
Gospel (Lk 17:11-19):
Rejection of evil thoughts
Every voluntary – that is, conscious – thought that is opposed to God and mankind must be radically combated.
Just as in following Christ we avoid every evil action, even if we have to do violence to ourselves in order not to give in to temptation, so we must do the same with our thoughts. In fact, thoughts normally precede actions and prepare the way for their execution and realization. Read More
NOTE: During these days we will be developing in our meditations a theme for the spiritual life. For those who would like to listen to a meditation based on the reading of the day (Gal 3:7-14), we leave the corresponding link here: http://en.elijamission.net/the-law-kept-us-under-guard/
“Perverse thoughts separate people from God.” (Wis 1:3)
With the virtue of temperance, we try to order, with God’s help, the disharmony which our senses have generated in our life. In this process, the so-called “asceticism of the thoughts” plays a fundamental role, so that we may also regain control over our thoughts, and not be helpless at their mercy. Read More
NOTE: During these days we will be developing a theme in our meditations for the spiritual life. For those who wish to listen to a meditation based on the reading or the gospel of the day, we leave here the corresponding link:
First Reading (Gal 3:7-14): http://en.elijamission.net/children-of-abraham/
Gospel (Lk 11:14-26): http://en.elijamission.net/a-stronger-had-to-come-2/
Yesterday we had thematized the virtue of fortitude, which is so important for following the Lord firmly and perseveringly. Today we will look at another of the four cardinal virtues: temperance. Read More
NOTE: During these days we are developing in the meditations a theme for the spiritual life. For those who wish to listen to a meditation based on the reading or the gospel of the day, we leave here the corresponding link:
http://en.elijamission.net/the-gift-of-salvation/
To advance in the spiritual life it is essential to obey the Holy Spirit. He is our inner guide and teacher. When we become familiar with Him and learn to listen and follow His voice better, our spiritual path can become lighter and more agile. Read More
NOTE: During these days we will be developing a theme for the spiritual life in these meditations. For those who wish to listen to a meditation based on the reading of the day, we leave here the corresponding link:
We had concluded yesterday’s meditation with these words of the Lord: “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48).
To better understand the path of inner transformation that God works in us, let us first look back at the original state that humanity enjoyed in Paradise and see the ways our souls bore the consequences for our fall into sin. Read More
During the next few days, we will leave the usual framework of meditations to develop a spiritual theme that will certainly be profitable for those who want to follow the Lord. As those who have been listening to these daily meditations for some time will certainly have noticed, for me – Brother Elias – the spiritual formation of people is very important. Read More
Gal 1:6-12
I am astonished that you are so promptly turning away from the one who called you in the grace of Christ and are going over to a different gospel- not that it is another gospel; except that there are trouble-makers among you who are seeking to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we ourselves or an angel from heaven preaches to you a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let God’s curse be on him. Read More
