Lectio et Oratio

How do we adore God in this life?

By recognizing Him for what He is and recognizing what we are. He is seeking those who adore Him in spirit and in truth. He dwells in our inmost heart, in our soul, in our spirit, the high point of the soul. To adore Him within also requires that we recognize the truth about God.

What is the most important aspect of the spiritual life? 

In the second chapter on Spiritual Maxims, Br Lawrence stresses the need to turn to God within our souls at various points in the day. Nothing is as valuable as turning in adoration to the God who dwells in our souls. We do not have to spend much time with Him; but every time we withdraw from all creatures to be with Him, we give Him great joy.

What is the first spiritual maxim? 

Seek to accept all that God sends. Do not be surprised when he allows trials and difficulties. Christ, the Son of God, faced obstacles and trials. These are no sign of a lack of love from God our Father. God is trying to perfect our faith, hope, and love. He wants to make us depend on Him alone.

How do we cling to God in this life?

Faith, Hope, and Charity. Nothing is more important in this life than knowing God by faith, relying on Him by hope, and being one with Him in divine love. These theological virtues have God (Theos in Greek) as their object and source. God is the one we believe, trust, and love. He infuses these virtues, these excellences, these readinesses, into our soul. But to grow in these virtues, we need humility. We need to rely on God"s grace. Tonight Br Lawrence tells us how God purifies us and makes our faith, hope, and love stronger.

Last episode, we read about the need to speak to God in all the perplexing moments of life. The practice of the presence of God is not something disconnected from the rest of our life. We live as we pray. We pray as we live. Prayer arises from the present moment. Prayer arises from everyday life. The present is where time meets eternity, where humanity meets God.

.

We read about the need to seek the union with God in the ordinary events of life. By doing his will through a loving obedience, we find ourselves close to Him. Union with God depends on love. Love involves doing the will of the one we love. The more we live with God, the more we seek His grace, the more we can do His will.

.

.

.

.