As I read the liturgy of the hours a very old Catholic Spiritual reading practice for most all consecrated religious, I always find some tidbit from the past that is repeated over and over again. As mankind continues in their sinful ways God is always calling us back to Himself. As I read I have in mind the mission given to me for these times. Today I share with you the reading from Pope St. Clement as well as one of the prayers for the day. As Jesus calls His spouse it is good to know what the spouse, Our Holy Catholic Church has to say this and every day.
"May we love You and possess You, for You are love ~
and may every action of our lives praise You."
and may every action of our lives praise You."
From a letter to the Corinthians by Saint Clement, Pope
The Spirit pleads for us
Dear friends, take care that God’s blessings, which are many, do not become the condemnation of us all; we must live lives worthy of Him and in mutual harmony do what is good and acceptable in His sight. He tells us: The Spirit of the Lord is a lantern, searching the hidden places of our inmost being.
We must remember how near He is and that no thought of ours, no conversation we hold is hidden from Him. It is right, therefore, that we should not turn our backs and flee from God’s Will. We should rather give offense to stupid and foolish men, puffed up and taking pride in their boastful speech, than give offense to God.
Let us reverence the Lord Jesus, Whose Blood was shed for us. Let us respect those in authority, let us honor the presbyters. Let us train the young in the fear of God. Let us lead our wives toward all that is good. Let them show by their conduct that they are lovers of chastity; by their gentleness let them reveal a pure and sincere disposition; by their silence let them manifest the control they have over their tongues; let them bestow an equal charity, without respect for persons, on all who have a holy fear of God.
Your children must share in the way of discipleship in Christ. They must learn how effective humility is before God, what chaste love can accomplish with God, how good and noble is the fear of God, for it brings salvation to all who possess it and who live holy lives with a pure heart. The One Whose Spirit is in us is the searcher of our thoughts and of counsels of our hearts. At His will, He shall take that Spirit from us.
All this is strengthened by the Faith that comes to us in Christ. He Himself addresses us through the Holy Spirit and says: Come, My children, listen to Me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Is there a man who wants life, desiring to see good days? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking what is false. Turn away from evil and do good. Seek peace and go in pursuit of it.
The Father is merciful in all He does and full of generosity; He is loving to those who fear Him. In goodness and gentleness He gives His graces to those who approach Him with undivided hearts. We must then put away all duplicity and not be distrustful in the face of His excelling and ennobling gifts.
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