We must learn to appreciate the great value of silence. In a world that wants to pull us in so many ways away from heavenly realities, we must embrace a state of mind focused on meditation, peace and quiet. We must constantly reflect on that which is spiritual. We must properly dispose ourselves to be open to the Word of God Who speaks to us in our hearts. In short, it is our duty to develop and nourish a disciplined, well-ordered spiritual life. We must embrace silent prayer that is known to God alone.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
Prayers at the Foot of the Altar
Showing posts with label Silence. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Silence. Show all posts
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Humility and Peace
From the Imitation of Christ
Do not care much who is with you and who is against you; but make it your greatest care that God is with you in everything you do. Have a good conscience, and God will defend you securely; no one can hurt you if God wishes to help you. If you know how to suffer in silence, you will surely receive God's help. Since He knows best the time and the way to set you free, resign yourself to Him, for God helps you and frees you from all confusion.
When a man humbles himself for his faults, he more easily pleases others and mollifies those he has angered. God protects and frees a humble man; He loves and consoles a humble man; He favors a humble man; He showers him with graces; then, after his suffering, God raises him up to glory.
He reveals His secrets to a humble man and in His kindness invitingly draws that man to Himself. When a humble man is brought to confusion, he experiences peace, because he stands firm in God and not in this world. do not think that you have made any progress unless you feel that you are the lowest of all men.
Above all things, keep peace within yourself, then you will be able to create peace among others. It is better to be peaceful than learned. The passionate man often thinks evil of a good man and easily believes the worst; a good and peaceful man turns all things to good.
A man who lives at peace suspects no one. But a man who is tense and agitated by evil is troubled with all kinds of suspicions; he is never at peace with himself, nor does he permit others to be at peace. He often speaks when he should be silent, and he fails to say what would be truly useful. He is well aware of the obligations of others but neglects his own.
So be zealous first of all with yourself, and then you will be more justified in expressing zeal for your neighbor. You are good at excusing and justifying your own deeds, and yet you will not listen to the excuses of others. It would be more just to accuse yourself and to excuse your brother.
If you wish others to put up with you, first put up with them.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
Do not care much who is with you and who is against you; but make it your greatest care that God is with you in everything you do. Have a good conscience, and God will defend you securely; no one can hurt you if God wishes to help you. If you know how to suffer in silence, you will surely receive God's help. Since He knows best the time and the way to set you free, resign yourself to Him, for God helps you and frees you from all confusion.
When a man humbles himself for his faults, he more easily pleases others and mollifies those he has angered. God protects and frees a humble man; He loves and consoles a humble man; He favors a humble man; He showers him with graces; then, after his suffering, God raises him up to glory.
He reveals His secrets to a humble man and in His kindness invitingly draws that man to Himself. When a humble man is brought to confusion, he experiences peace, because he stands firm in God and not in this world. do not think that you have made any progress unless you feel that you are the lowest of all men.
Above all things, keep peace within yourself, then you will be able to create peace among others. It is better to be peaceful than learned. The passionate man often thinks evil of a good man and easily believes the worst; a good and peaceful man turns all things to good.
A man who lives at peace suspects no one. But a man who is tense and agitated by evil is troubled with all kinds of suspicions; he is never at peace with himself, nor does he permit others to be at peace. He often speaks when he should be silent, and he fails to say what would be truly useful. He is well aware of the obligations of others but neglects his own.
So be zealous first of all with yourself, and then you will be more justified in expressing zeal for your neighbor. You are good at excusing and justifying your own deeds, and yet you will not listen to the excuses of others. It would be more just to accuse yourself and to excuse your brother.
If you wish others to put up with you, first put up with them.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching
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