Day18 Church Fathers Lenten Reading Plan 3/17/09
St. Cyprian: On the Unity of the Church (Treatise I): section 1-9
Day 18Lite Version
St. Cyprian: On the Unity of the Church (Treatise I): section 1-9
Printer-Friendly Version of Outline: Church Fathers Lenten Reading Plan PDF
“That’s not forgiveness; that’s revenge.” Father, whose on the older side of old and on the happy side of holy, can speak those hard to hear words because the day to day battle’s of life have yielded a humble, gentle man. His words have the haunting power of the Holy Ghost.
It is true that there is a certain perverse pleasure in holding-on to a grudge. Sulking off and licking the wound can become a ritual of sorts. Forgiving does break into my world of remembered, if not treasured, trove of offenses. What price the bounty for your absoultion? The very idea of Scott-free seems unfair. So what cost forgiveness?
Will a litany of the pain I’ve suffered suffice? That doesn’t really touch-on just how bad you are for hurting me (real or imagined.) Do I get a chance to tell you? Still, that doesn’t even come to tit-for-tat. If I do my generous deed, can I still take the memory out and feel self-justified? Or will my good angels shake a finger at me? Letting you off my hook would be easier if I could see you squirm a bit.
When I was kinder and gentler, I would have asked, “What would Jesus do? My day to day seems to have hardened my heart. A pound of flesh, that’s the price I put on my forgiveness. Hmmm………Father is right. That’s not forgiveness. That’s revenge!
It’s Lent and I’m in it for the long haul. Gen Petraeus says, “Hard is not hopeless”
My God, I believe and I adore You. Be ever before the eyes of my heart and mind that I may see You in all circumstances and look for You in those I meet today. I place Your blood over my heart, before my lips and around my mind as I pray and before I venture forth into this day. May Your good angels, and Your saints assist me, especially in drawing my thoughts to You. Be glorified, My Love, in the Church, in the world and in me. Amen
"Sun Of Justice" ----- joann nelander
Day17 Church Fathers Lenten Reading Plan 3/16/09
St. Justin Martyr: First Apology: chapters 60-68
Day 17 Lite Version
St. Justin Martyr: First Apology: 61-68
Printer-Friendly Version of Outline: Church Fathers Lenten Reading Plan PDF
Icon-Crucifixion -----c 2009 Joann Nelander
I’ve never been to a monastery, so peeking in will have to do. So glad Nelson is sharing.
“By means of Your Cross, O Lord, You abolished death. * To the robber You opened Paradise. * The lamentation of the myrrh-bearing women You transformed, * and You gave Your Apostles the order to proclaim to all * that You had risen, O Christ our God, * and granted the world Your great mercy.”
Beginning another day and trying to get some perspective.
My Imitation of Christ Book I, chapter2:
Many words do not satisfy the soul; but a good life eases the mind and a clean conscience inspires great trust in God.
The more you know and the better you understand, the more severely will you be judged, unless your life is also the more holy. Do not be proud, therefore, because of your learning or skill. Rather, fear because of the talent given you. If you think you know many things and understand them well enough, realize at the same time that there is much you do not know. Hence, do not affect wisdom, but admit your ignorance. Why prefer yourself to anyone else when many are more learned, more cultured than you?
If you wish to learn and appreciate something worth while, then love to be unknown and considered as nothing. Truly to know and despise self is the best and most perfect counsel. To think of oneself as nothing, and always to think well and highly of others is the best and most perfect wisdom. Wherefore, if you see another sin openly or commit a serious crime, do not consider yourself better, for you do not know how long you can remain in good estate. All men are frail, but you must admit that none is more frail than yourself.
Be Holy! 