Dec.1 - Day 4 - Advent Journey to Total Consecration

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

St. Louis de Montfort’s treatise on “True Devotion” is a Spiritual classic, written in the 1700"s to help the Church grow closer to Jesus through Mary. In our own time, Pope St. John Paul II and St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta encouraged others to read this little book:.

Any book that continues to be read for 3 centuries is one that we would be foolish, to ignore or dismiss as unimportant. God gives us many opportunities to grow in holiness and He inspires many Saints with His Words to help the Church continually to know and love and serve Him in this life.

The most important Book is the Bible as the Church teaches - it is our primary source in learning to know, love and serve God - and that is one of the reasons I appreciate St. Louis de Montfort’s writing so much.

There is much confusion in the world - but God remains Faithful and so we look to Him and His Word for His Truth and when we see it repeated in the lives and writings of the saint we are encouraged to *keep listening.

In the beginning of “True Devotion” St. Louis wrote:

1. My heart has dictated with special joy all that I have written to show that Mary has been unknown up till now, and that that is one of the reasons why Jesus Christ is not known as he should be.

If then, as is certain, the knowledge and the kingdom of Jesus Christ must come into the world, it can only be as a necessary consequence of the knowledge and reign of Mary. She who first gave him to the world will establish his kingdom in the world.

St. Louis listened and pondered God’s Word in his heart as Mary did and as we read in the Gospel of St. Luke:

… Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. - Lk 2:19

…His mother kept all these things in her heart.

During these 12 days of seeking to “empty ourselves of the spirit of the world which is opposed to the Spirit of Jesus” we need to take time to Listen prayerfully to Scripture and the testimony of Saints like St. Louis de Montfort to get our hearts ready to receive Him during this Advent.

 

[hazcompat]

Imitation of Christ : Book 3, Chapters 7, 40​

That man has no good of himself, and that he cannot glory in anything Lord, what is man, that Thou art mindful of him; or the son of man, that Thou visit him? What has man deserved that Thou should give him grace? Lord, what cause have I to complain, if Thou forsakest me, or what can I justly allege, if what I petition Thou shalt not grant? This most assuredly, I may truly think and say: Lord I am nothing, I can do nothing of myself, that is good, but I am in all things defective and ever tend to nothing. And unless I am assisted and interiorly instructed by Thee, I become wholly tepid and relaxed, but Thou, O Lord, art always the same, and endurest unto eternity, ever good, just and holy, doing all things well, justly and holily and disposing them in wisdom.

But I who am more inclined to go back, than to go forward, continue not always in one state, for I am changed, seven different times. But it quickly becomes better when it pleases Thee, and Thou stretchest out Thy helping hand: for Thou alone, without man’s aid can assist me and so strengthen me, that my countenance shall be more diversely changed: but my heart be converted and find its rest in Thee alone.

He who would be too secure in time of peace will often be found too much dejected in time of war. If you could always continue to be humble and little in your own eyes, and keep your spirit in due order and subjection, you would not fall so easily into danger and offense. It is good counsel that, when you have conceived the spirit of fervor, you should meditate how it will be when that light shall be withdrawn.

 

[MariaChristi]

Dear Inbonum and Gam197,

Thank you both for your “hearts” as the Journey continues towards “Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary” as St. Louis de Montfort has shared it with the Church. These first 12 days are difficult but so necessary for us all – and perhaps most especially for the Church in our time.

Every age has its trials and difficulties as we look at the history of the world before and after the Coming of Jesus. It is a blessing to be on this journey during Advent, preparing to recieve Him anew and to offer Him the Total gift of all we have and are in our Total Consecration.

Please let us continue to pray for one another, for the Church and for all those in most need of God’s Mercy,

 

[MariaChristi]

Dear hazcompat,

Thanks for posting words from the “Imitation of Christ”. I think I began reading that little classic when I was in high school and can’t remember if it was recommended to me or given to me, but it is a little book of great value. Re-reading your post this morning, I was blessed especially by these words:

…If you could always continue to be humble and little in your own eyes, and keep your spirit in due order and subjection, you would not fall so easily into danger and offense. It is good counsel that, when you have conceived the spirit of fervor, you should meditate how it will be when that light shall be withdrawn.

These first 12 days on our journey, can be a real help in seeing our need for humility, as we see the contrast between the “spirit of the world which is opposed to the Spirit of Jesus” and our own need to empty ourselves of that spirit of the world.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful; kindle in us the Fire of Your Love. Perfect Love casts out fear!