Today - Feb. 21 - by God's Grace, we begin

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MariaChristi

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Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Without Jesus, we can do nothing, (cf Jn 15: 5), so trusting in His Love and the Wisdom He gave St. Louis de Montfort writing “True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin”, we begin our first 12 days:
…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…
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How do we discern what is worldly in ourselves and “empty ourselves of the spirit of the world”? Prayerfully, we can listen to Jesus in today’s Gospel:
Jesus summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them,
“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself,
take up his cross, and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for my sake
and that of the Gospel will save it.
What profit is there for one to gain the whole world
and forfeit his life?
What could one give in exchange for his life?
Whoever is ashamed of Me and of My words
in this faithless and sinful generation,
the Son of Man will be ashamed of
when He comes in His Father’s glory with the holy angels…” (Mark 8: 34 ff)
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St. Louis does not recommend specific prayers for these 12 days - telling us: “the spirit of the world opposes the spirit of Jesus”. However, we know Mary listened to all Jesus said and did – pondering all in her heart. St. Louis de Montfort likewise listened to Scripture, living the Truth he heard.

In paragraph 78 in True Devotion, St. Louis wrote:
  1. Our best actions are usually tainted and spoiled by the evil that is rooted in us. When pure, clear water is poured into a foul-smelling jug, or wine into an unwashed cask that previously contained another wine, the clear water and the good wine are tainted and readily acquire an unpleasant odour. In the same way when God pours into our soul, infected by original and actual sin, the heavenly waters of His grace or the delicious wines of his love, His gifts are usually spoiled and tainted by the evil sediment left in us by sin. Our actions, even those of the highest virtue, show the effects of it. It is therefore of the utmost importance that, in seeking the perfection that can be attained only by union with Jesus, we rid ourselves of all that is evil in us. Otherwise our infinitely pure Lord, who has an infinite hatred for the slightest stain in our soul, will refuse to unite us to Himself and will drive us from His presence.
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Due to the “limit” CAF places words, I can only suggest some passages from “True Devotion” and Scripture. The Holy Spirit may suggest other Scriptures or passages from “True Devotion” to you. As He filled Mary, may He help us today and every day to discern within ourselves any worldly spirit we need to empty from our hearts.
 
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Dear patricius,

Thanks so much for your “faithful heart” which lets us know you’ve begun the journey with us! I hope others will also give their hearts to reading this Thread and to pondering what the Holy Spirit may be whispering to them in that “still small voice” we often do not listen for and thus can miss.

Mary our Mother is the Mother of our Faith and she is interceding for us, that we may become, like her, persons who listen and do the Truth we hear. May our hearts be one with hers as we repeat her words:
“…Be it done to me, according to your Word.”
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Let us by God’s Grace continue to ponder all Jesus said and did, for He is our Way, our Truth and our Life. “Totus tuus” (“I am all Yours”).
 
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MariaChristi said:
“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself,
take up his cross, and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for my sake
and that of the Gospel will save it.
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This is a very apt Scripture for the start of trying to cast off the spirit of the world.

This Scripture summarizes the teaching which the world rejects: the message of the Cross of Christ.

The world is always telling us not only to hold on to our lives and what we have, but to always need this AND something else as well. It never tells us we just need Jesus and whatever He thinks we need.
 
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I hope it goes well for you. We are beginning the 33 days to Morning glory (Marian consecration) today in a group in our parish. Similarly, it also has Louis de Montfort’s words of wisdom for the first week, that’s why I mentioned it. Not to hijack your thread.
God bless you in your 12 days
 
Yes, dear patricius,

Your thoughts are exactly what my thoughts were in reading the Mass readings today! Thanks, so much for your reply, and for your continuing, by God’s Grace, to love Jesus through Mary our Mother.
 
Dear Bluebright,

It’s no “hijack” at all in your replying to this thread 🙂 I’m happy you are seeking to consecrate yourself with a group in your parish. I read the book “33 Days to Glory” by Fr. Gaitley, sometime ago. While I found it to be good, I still prefer the “Original” 33 Days Preparation written by St. Louis de Montfort, in his little book: “True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin”

Perhaps you’ve never read St. Louis de Montfort’s book. It would be good, sometime in the future if you’ve never read it before to read and compare the two presentations. I’m happy Fr. Gaitley has drawn the modern reader closer to Jesus through Mary, but I sincerely believe there is so much more in St. Louis’ depth of understanding. Both Pope St. John Paul II and St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta read and consecrated themselves using De Montfort’s writing

At any rate, I do thank you, very much, for your reply! I already prayed earlier this morning for all those beginning their 33 day “Journey” today. May the Lord bless you, and your parish group, abundantly. Please keep us all in your prayers with all those in most need of God’s Merciful Grace.
 
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Dear patricius,

Thanks for your reply. I believe God gave St. Louis de Montfort the wisdom to “see” with the eyes of Faith how Jesus came to us “through Mary” in His first coming and how He continues to come, by the power of the Holy Spirit into our souls.

We look to Mary, as we strive to “empty ourselves of the spirit of the world which is opposed to the Spirit of Jesus”. Our Mother and Model, Mary shows us how God works marvelous things in a simple human person who gives “totally” as Mary did, saying:
“Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done to me, according to your word.”
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Please let us pray today, on this Feast of the Chair of Peter, for the Pope and for the Universal Church that we may all learn from Jesus, through Mary, to be Meek and Humble of heart.
 
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Thank you. I’m sure I will read the original book True devotion since Fr Michael Gaitley does actually inspire you to it with his talk on Louis de Montfort and he actively recommends doing it as well.
Prayers for you and all groups indeed as we are all in need of God’s grace.
 
Good to hear from you again, dear Bluebright!

Yes, we need to pray well. Jesus and Mary deserve our best effort in cooperating with the Graces God gives us both to begin preparing to Consecrate ourselves totally as well as “Living” the words we pray.

You and your praish group remain in my prayers, and I am grateful to receive your prayers for all the groups who are making this journey. May we all grow in holiness, knowing that as one member grows, the whole Church grows in holiness, but any member whose heart grows lukewarm weakens the Church.

By God’s Grace, let us prayerfully encourage one another at every opportunity!
 
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