Aug. 24 - Wk 1 - Day 6 - difference between "corrupted nature" and "new birth"

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

In these last two days of Wk 1, it seems good to distinguish between the “corrupted nature” which St. Louis de Montfort reminds us to recognize as the result of the original sin, and our own sin, as we see in the spirit of the world which opposes the Spirit of Christ. This we hear about in the Old Testament Book of Genesis, and also in the New Testament letters of Saints: Peter, Paul, John and James.

As we are seeking the great grace of true self knowledge in this first week of preparation, by God’s Grace we need to “see” by faith the different paths set before us each day: Do we walk on the wide road - continuing to love the world and the things of the world and seek only self-love or do we remain on the narrow road to love God and others because of our love of God - by the Great Graces given us in our Baptism.

Often in offering this 33 Day Preparation for Total Consecration, I either hear very little or hear some who either have never read the whole of St. Louis de Montfort’s “True Devotion” or simply do not want to hear these words:

1. During the first week they should offer up all their prayers and acts of devotion to acquire knowledge of themselves and sorrow for their sins.

Let them perform all their actions in a spirit of humility. With this end in view they may, if they wish, meditate on what I have said concerning our corrupted nature, and consider themselves during six days of the week as nothing but sails, slugs, toads, swine, snakes and goats. Or else they may meditate on the following three considerations of St. Bernard: "Remember what you were - corrupted seed; what you are - a body destined for decay; what you will be -food for worms."

We have been Baptized into Christ – but have we kept our Baptismal promises? Renounced Satan? Have we followed Christ, denied self in order to take up our Cross? Do we live the Supernatural Faith given to us in Baptism? We need to listen to Truth the Holy Spirit has given to St. Louis and all the saints. St. Augustine wrote his classic book on “The City of God” showing us that those who love God to the contempt of self are building the City of God, while those who love self to the contempt of God are building the city of man.

Let us pray today, by God’s Grace with even greater humility, attention and devotion:

Prayers - daily for Wk 1:
Litany of the Holy Spirit -Litany of the Holy Ghost | EWTN

Ave Maris Stella -The Prayer, Ave Maris Stella

Litany of the Blessed Virgin - Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Litany of Loreto | EWTN

Come Holy Spirit, that I may see my true self. Mary, refuge of sinners, pray for me. Jesus I trust in You! Jesus, Meek and Humble of Heart, make our Hearts like Yours!