YEAR 2: GROWING IN THE LIFE OF PRAYER AND LOVE
MAKING PROGRESS IN THE LIFE OF PRAYER AND LOVE
(B) RENEWAL BY FOLLOWING OUR LADY AS OUR MODEL
Weekly message No. 58 (4th April 1985) - Holy Thursday
Progress in living by Our Lady’s messages for the glory of God.
“Dear children! I thank you for having started to think more about God's glory in your hearts. Today is the day when I wished to stop giving the messages because some individuals did not accept me. The parish has been moved and I wish to keep on giving you messages as it has never been in history from the beginning of the world. Thank you for having responded to my call.”
Weekly message No. 58a (5th April 1985) - Good Friday
Glorifying God also in suffering.
“You parishioners have a great and heavy cross, but don't be afraid to carry it. My Son is here Who will help you.” (Message given through Ivanka)
Daily Spiritual Exercises - Week 58
Starts Thursday, 2 April 2015
1st Day: Thursday
Generosity
Matthew 5:38-42
You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; and if any one would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you.
2nd Day: Friday
Everything for the glory of God
1 Corinthians 10:31
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Cf. Romans 14:6
He who observes the day, observes it in honour of the Lord. He also who eats, eats in honour of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; while he who abstains, abstains in honour of the Lord and gives thanks to God.
3rd Day: Saturday
We are set apart to sing the praises of God.
1 Peter 2:9-10
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. Once you were no people but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy but now you have received mercy.
4th Day: Sunday
Praising God for his plan of salvation.
Ephesians 1:3-6
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. He destined us in love to be his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
5th Day: Monday
Following Jesus by sharing his cross.
Matthew 16:24-25
Then Jesus told his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
Cf. 2 Corinthians 4:10-11
Always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For while we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
6th Day: Tuesday
Jesus glorifies the Father by doing his will.
John 17:1-5
When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify thy Son that the Son may glorify thee, since thou hast given him power over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom thou hast given him. And this is eternal life, that they know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent. I glorified thee on earth, having accomplished the work which thou gavest me to do; and now, Father, glorify thou me in thy own presence with the glory which I had with thee before the world was made.
Cf. 2 Corinthians 9:13-15
Under the test of this service, you will glorify God by your obedience in acknowledging the gospel of Christ, and by the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others; while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
7th Day: Wednesday
Suffering for Christ’s sake should lead to thanksgiving to God.
1 Peter 4:12-16
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which comes upon you to prove you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or a wrongdoer, or a mischief-maker; yet if one suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but under that name let him glorify God.
Cf. Acts 5:40-41
So they took his advice, and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonour for the name.
SUGGESTION:
Offer special prayers this week for the parish of Medjugorje or make a Novena to the Mercy of God.