Preparing for Lent - Part 2

Show Notes:

Fasting - What are the spiritual benefits continued…

Appetites - the insatiable nature of our appetites - never can find true satisfaction True satisfaction is only found in relationship with God Jesus modeled the practice of fasting Desire to love God through self sacrifice John of the Cross Soul is finite and can’t love God and creation simultaneously Attachments limit our spiritual growth Illustrations of the impact of attachments - bird and hot air balloon The contemplative life requires that we abandon attachments Necessity of shedding habitual venial and mortal sin We can be free of habitual sin and attachments - it really is possible Attachment is an inordinate desire for pleasure Faster way through dark night and into the illuminative way - rules for detachment (from Ascent of Mount Carmel) Authentic Spiritual disciplines Set us free rather than constrain us Give us true and lasting joy Melissa’s example of the wrong way to prepare for lent - Sunkist! Spiritual self-evaluation using Navigating the Interior Life The goal of all spiritual discipline is to know and love God in this life and beyond Evaluate sacramental participation (confession, adoration, reconciliation) Can we increase our participation in Mass for lent? John of the Cross - every negation is also an affirmation Can we increase participation in Adoration? Melissa’s experience of the impact of Adoration Other practices of self-evaluation from Navigating the Interior Life

Next Show:

More on Preparing for Lent - the goal is to conclude this series with simple and clear steps to lenten planning.

Resources:

Divine Intimacy by Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen - Published by Baronius Press http://spiritualdirection.com/DivineIntimacy Navigating the Interior Life - Spiritual Direction and the Journey to God http://spiritualdirection.com/Navigating Guide for Examination of Conscience Download Avila Institute Daily Examen Prayer Guide