Today we turn to the subject of how to deal with thoughts and feelings in the sense of spiritual efforts, in which asceticism is included.
“Perverse thoughts, however, separate people from God” (Wis 1:3) “for the holy spirit of instruction… recoils from unintelligent thoughts” (Wis 1:5). Read More
If we have learned to order our flow of speech and not just let it flow unhindered to the outside world, then the question now is what and how we say it.
The apostle admonishes us: “No foul word should ever cross your lips… do good to your listeners” (Eph 4:29) and and elsewhere he tells us: “now you also must give up all these things: (…) abusive language and dirty talk” (Col 3:8) Read More
The fight against our disorderly tendencies cannot be limited to the sensual sphere, which must be circumcised and tamed so as not to weaken us and possibly even make us more ready to sin. It must also be applied to disordered spiritual inclinations, for these also burden the soul. Read More
As we saw yesterday, asceticism is about becoming more docile to the will of God and not allowing ourselves to be dominated by the inclinations of our fallen nature. It is therefore a means, a necessary effort, which is linked to a goal, namely to improve our disposition to unite ourselves with the will of God. From this point of view, ascetic exercises and asceticism get their deeper meaning and dignity. Read More
For progress on the path of following Christ, meaningful asceticism is very helpful, because it is impossible to overlook the fact that we are in a struggle throughout our lives, which we should carry out well with the grace of God. This struggle takes place on several levels. Today I would like to talk about a kind of basic framework for this struggle, which is asceticism. Read More
Lk 11:29-32
The crowds got even bigger and he addressed them, ‘This is an evil generation; it is asking for a sign. The only sign it will be given is the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of man be a sign to this generation. Read More
Mt 22,1-14
Jesus began to speak to them in parables once again, ‘The kingdom of Heaven may be compared to a king who gave a feast for his son’s wedding. He sent his servants to call those who had been invited, but they would not come. Next he sent some more servants with the words, “Tell those who have been invited: Look, my banquet is all prepared, my oxen and fattened cattle have been slaughtered, everything is ready. Come to the wedding.” Read More
Gal 3:21-29
As it is, scripture makes no exception when it says that sin is master everywhere; so the promise can be given only by faith in Jesus Christ to those who have this faith. But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the Law, locked up to wait for the faith which would eventually be revealed to us. So the Law was serving as a slave to look after us, to lead us to Christ, so that we could be justified by faith. Read More
Gal 3:7-14
Be sure, then, that it is people of faith who are the children of Abraham. And it was because scripture foresaw that God would give saving justice to the gentiles through faith, that it announced the future gospel to Abraham in the words: All nations will be blessed in you. So it is people of faith who receive the same blessing as Abraham, the man of faith. Read More
Gal 3:1-5
You stupid people in Galatia! After you have had a clear picture of Jesus Christ crucified, right in front of your eyes, who has put a spell on you? There is only one thing I should like you to tell me: How was it that you received the Spirit – was it by the practice of the Law, or by believing in the message you heard? Read More
