Meditation of the day...IMITATION OF CHRIST...

On Avoiding too much familiarity

Do not open your heart to everyone, but only to the one who is wise, God-fearing, and who can keep your confidence...


Rather associate yourself with those who are humble and have simplicity, who are devout and self-disciplined, talking with them about those things that will edify and strengthen the soul. Do not be familiar with the opposite sex, but commend those who are good to God.


Have charity for all;...Sometimes it happens that we know a person only by his fame, but when we meet him we are often disappointed.


Many Many thoughts run through my mind this morning!!!


To start with the first excerpt-I can't help but think of spiritual direction. It can take many different stages depending on your state in life. I first think of the parents guiding their children, teaching them of the respect and love for God. Than I think of the many mentors Christ has placed in my life. Teachers, coaches, wise holy adults, priests, nuns, and groups of women who were there to help me be a better wife and mother. I didn't have a "real" spiritual director till I was about 25 years old. That took much prayer and discernment to see who the Holy Spirit had in mind and what I needed at the time. Since then, God has placed different people in my life at different states of my life to help me grow closer to Christ.


My next thought is something I learned long ago when my husband and I owned a Christian Bookstore for about 10 years. It was from a book we sold call Hedges by Jerry Jenkins. It was about guarding our selves from relationships of the opposite sex. Making prudent decisions about our actions. I know it sounds silly but it gives one something to ponder. I also remember what I learned from a wise friend about American women and how our social behavior around priests can put them in an awkward situation. Meaning, some priest have no problem giving you a hug (especially if you are close to them) but others feel very strange when a women comes up and hugs them...(actually many men may feel uncomfortable with this situation). My advice is to see how they react to your presence. If they put their hand out to shake it then by all means shake their hand...if they come up and give you a big hug than I guess they don't mind...Listen to the Holy Spirit (our mother's intuition) and if you feel uncomfortable in any situation than pray for wisdom and prudence!!!


Having Charity for all...well that could be a book!!!


I really think we need to look at the way we treat others. Especially those who have been put in public eye. They really need our prayers and support. Don't ever put yourself down and hope that you could be more like them. I love the part of the Humility prayer that says, "That others may become holier than I, provided that I become as holy as I should," !!!

Litany of Humility

Written by Cardinal Merry del Val.
(He was accustomed to recite this prayer daily after the celebration of Holy Mass.)

O Jesus meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being honored, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being praised, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being approved, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being despised, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected, Deliver me, Jesus.

That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That in the opinion of the world, others may increase, and I may decrease,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I unnoticed,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be preferred to me in everything,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may become holier than I, provided that I become as holy as I should,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
Amen.

Thy Will Be Done!!!+JMJ+