It’s almost Lent.
Do you know where your favorite spiritual books are?
The following is from one of my very favorite tomes, The Three Ages of the Interior Life.
Or maybe—just maybe—I looked for this section myself.
In any case, here are the words that struck a chord with me this morning:
In the service of God, things which seem small in themselves are great in their relation to our last end, to God who should be loved , above all else. They are also great by reason of the supernatural spirit of faith, confidence, and love which should make us accomplish them. If we acted thus, we would live from morning to night in the presence of God, which is infinitely precious; and we would live by Him, by His spirit, instead of living by the natural spirit in accordance with the inclination of egoism. Little by little there would grow up in us zeal for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. Unless we strive in this way, we may end by following the downward path of practical naturalism, allowing ourselves to be dominated by the more or less unconscious gross selfishness which inspires many of our acts.
Now you may not need to read the section from this book on retarded souls, but I highly recommend reading the rest of it.
You may do so online here: The Three Ages of the Interior Life.
(I love it—love it love it love it love it—when I can find my favorite books online, especially when a hard copy costs $45.00 used at Amazon. I’m just saying.)
Oh, and for another great resource on Lenten preparation, please see Karen Edmisten’s series here:
A Meaningful Lent, Part I
A Meaningful Lent, Part II
Happy Thursday, friend.
Ad Jesum per Mariam,
Lent was so early last year, but I was more prepared! Where did all the time go this year…. Regardless, I really look forward to the cleansing and leanness of Lent.
I haven’t decided what my reading is going to be, yet. I’ve had a couple Hilaire Belloc books that I’ve wanted to read for years, so that is an option. I also have Introduction to the Devout Life (acquired recently). So many good books! I like to have the book in hand, though; I don’t think I’d enjoy reading from my computer as much. What would I do with my hands – I’d have to learn to knit or crochet to keep them busy!!
I always love Fr. Richard Neuhaus’ “Death on a Friday Afternoon.” It’s meditations on the seven last words and so wonderfully moving and profound.
Thanks so much for sharing this! You've motivated me to include more in my Lenten reading than the little black book that our pastor hands out.
One of my favorites is Humility of Heart.
http://www.amazon.com/Humility-Heart-Cajetan-Mary-Bergamo/dp/0895557665/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235088331&sr=8-15
It can be quite painful to read, but oh how I need to.
So glad I came across your blog today!
oh oh – Lent is coming up? I for one, am hoping you do not give up your blog again for a sacrifice! ACK!
Some of the books we use most often for Spiritual retreats of those of St Jose Maria Escriva. My husband loves to read the originals in Spanish. AS good as they are in English – he says they are even better in Spanish!
Blessings
Christi
Caught in a moment of “more or less gross selfishness,” I read these challenging words at exactly the right time.
Thank you.
(And I’m not even talking about the person you think I’m talking about. Obviously the problem is not everyone else—it’s me.)
Thanks for the mention, Margaret.
It can’t really be, though, that Lent starts TOMORROW???