Preparing for Lent – Part 3
Segment 1
- Last episode the discussion focused on preparing for Lent and participating in the sacraments during the Lenten season.
- Began talking about the “Spiritual Self Evaluation” chapter in “Navigating the Interior Life.”
- Sacraments are the foundation of our relationship with God, and prayer draws us more deeply into the sacraments.
- What is the state of my prayer life?
- Important practices to begin: praying the rosary, mental prayer, examination of conscience.
- Dan mentions his new book coming out, “Finding God Through Meditation” by St. Peter of Alcántara to enhance your prayer life.
- What is your root sin (aka: dominant defect, predominant fault, dominant fault)?
- You may follow capital sins listed in Catechism, but in Scripture (1 John 2:16) these sins are bundled into three main categories, which are the basis of the self-evaluation in “Navigating the Interior Life.”
- Purpose of the self-evaluation – how can we empty ourselves of the things that hinder our love of God and hinder the dwelling of God in us, and fill ourselves with all of those things that draw us closer to Him.
Segment 2
- St. Teresa of Avila, “This body of ours has one fault, the more you indulge it, the more things it discovers to be essential to it.”
- Appetites are insatiable.
- Quotes St. John of the Cross, “Ascent of Mount Carmel” first book, chapter 11, paragraph 4.
- Definitions of the three categories of sin: Pride – excessive love of one’s own excellence or desired excellence. Vanity – excessive concern for and seeking our security in how we are perceived. Sensuality – seeking our security and self-worth in possessions, comfort, or the avoidance of discomfort (real or perceived).
- Example of pride – refusing or resisting assent to others without a satisfactory explanation.
- Example of anger – if I don’t get my way, or I am not taken into account in a particular decision.
- Complete this self-evaluation in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
- Image in book of farmer removing large rocks before he can get to the smaller ones.
- Melissa’s 5 Ways to Prepare for Lent:
- Go through self-evaluation and examination of conscience.
- Go to confession.
- Make a strong commitment to God about your Lenten promises in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
- Make your plan, including prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
- Pray for the grace to follow through with your commitments.
- Never give up or be discouraged. Enemy is always looking to keep you from God. Never change your spiritual resolution; double-down and try harder. Go to confession if you do fall.
- Offer Mass intentions to fulfill these commitments to the Lord.
- This is not about a checklist. Do not become like the Pharisees, outward practice of faith, but nothing inward.
- In the end we want God to say, “Well done,” because we have loved Him and because we know Him and He knows us.
Resources:
- Divine Intimacy by Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen – Published by Baronius Press
- Navigating the Interior Life – Spiritual Direction and the Journey to God
- Guide for Examination of Conscience Download
- For Call in questions for future shows 818-646-7729 – please leave your name, location and question.
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About Dan Burke
Dan is the founder of Catholic Spiritual Direction, the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation, and author of the award winning book, Navigating the Interior Life – Spiritual Direction and the Journey to God. Beyond his “contagious” love for Jesus and His Church, he is a grateful husband and father of four, the Executive Director of and writer for EWTN’s National Catholic Register, a regular co-host on Register Radio, a writer and speaker who provides online spiritual formation and travels to share his conversion story and the great riches that the Church provides us through authentic Catholic spirituality. Dan has been featured on EWTN’s Journey Home program and numerous radio programs.
