Feb. 20 - Day 1 - By God's Grace, we begin

[MariaChristi]

…our journey of 33 Days Preparation for Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary, as God gave it to St. Louis de Montfort in True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin:

1. Those who desire to take up this special devotion …should spend at least twelve days in emptying themselves of the spirit of the world, which is opposed to the spirit of Jesus, as I have recommended in the first part of this preparation for the reign of Jesus Christ…

There are no special prayers or readings or exercises mentioned by the saint, however, we know from his life and writings that this devotion was preached after his own careful pondering of Scripture, Tradition and the Magisterium of his day. So let us ask the Holy Spirit’s Guidance as we listen to the First Letter of John and hear what St. John says about “the spirit of the world”:

Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life, is not from the Father but is from the world. Yet the world and its enticement are passing away. But whoever does the will of God remains forever. (1 Jn 2: 15-17)

Remember St. John and St. Louis de Montfort are not talking about the world God created, but “the spirit of the world” that is opposed to Christ. So let us begin with our focus on on God’s will for us that we might be in the world but not “of it”. Let us ponder Jesus’ telling us we cannot serve two masters and prayerfully ask for the grace we need to see if we have imbibed the “spirit of the world” and empty ourselves of it as we begin this journey toward Him through Mary, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

[MariaChristi]

Dear “Came Home”,

Thanks for your “heart” indicating you “like” the post. Are you also beginning your 33 Day Journey today? There are 12 of us possibly, 8 I’m sure of, like yourself they indicated they liked the post but I’m not sure if they will join us at this time.

Some have already made their Act of Consecration and may not be ready to begin again. I’m not sure, but I do ask all those who may read the thread today to consider joining us and/or simply taking time to read the treatise on True Devotion by clicking on the link. It may lead to continued reading of his treatise as a good Lenten reading.

I hope those who do begin today will write an occasional comment or question which may help me and others on the journey. I remember a friend of mine who gave a talk to a group training to become Lay ministers in a Diocese. He humbly began by introducing himself as one poor beggar letting other poor beggars know where they can find “Bread”.

Thanks again, for clicking on the “Heart” – it reminds me of our knocking on the door of God’s Heart, whenever we pray.