“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
Today’s meditation is dedicated to St. Helena, Empress and mother of Emperor Constantine. The 18th of August is considered to be the day of her death, which is why her memory is celebrated on this date in some parts of the Catholic Church.
Instead of taking a biblical reading, we will begin this meditation with a few words from the Magnificat canticle:
The Lord “has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly” (Lk 1:52). Read More
Beloved Virgin, how many manifestations of love shine forth in you!
In relation to the Father, we see you as a loving daughter; to the Son you are mother and disciple; to the Holy Spirit you are united in a spousal love.
If already here, in our earthly reality, we are moved by the tender love of a human spouse, and can observe how she blossoms and turns her whole heart and attention to her husband, how much more so is it with you, since your Bridegroom is the Holy Spirit Himself! Read More
How exalted is the election granted to you, beloved Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ!
With astonishment we note that not only the Son of God Himself was entrusted to you, but also all those who belong to Him and sing the song of the redeemed (cf. Rev 14:3). And even more: you are the Mother of all men, and you become light and consolation for those who return home. Read More
