June 2015 Epistle

Thoughts
Humility puts my life into focus. Its goal is not to sour my own self-image, for I am beautifully created and beloved by God. The inward gaze of humility should be short and loving – I must struggle with sin until the day I die, but my Lord loves me and offers me salvation. The outward gaze of humility should be long and thrilling – How awesome is my God and how beautiful and worthy of my love is each of his children!
Challenge
Start by making a good examination of conscience and Confession (examples in the “Go Deeper” section that follows). After Confession, take some time to affirm in your heart the reality that you are completely forgiven! Next turn your focus toward God and neighbor. Summer is a wonderful time to appreciate God’s glory revealed in nature and to give thanks for family and friends. Pray little prayers of praise and thanksgiving. Try to speak less and listen more. Give into the will of another. Be patient. Forgive. Smile…Even when you don’t feel like it.
Go Deeper
Examinations of Conscience: by Fr. John Trigilio + based on the beatitudes + by Fr. John Hardon S.J. + for children + for young adults + by Fatima Network
+ Prayers of Praise: The Gloria + Te Deum + assorted short prayers to the Trinity + Prayers of love for God
+ Prayers of Thanksgiving: Thank You God + Prayer of Gratitude + Evening Acts of Thanksgiving Prayer of Thanksgiving
+ Litany of Humility (This prayer is challenging, but powerful!)
Reflections on humility: by Marcellino D’Ambrosio Ph.D + St. Bernard’s 12 Steps to Humility + Pope Francis Palm Sunday Homily + Catholic Dads
Videos: Pope Francis Homily You cannot learn humility without humiliation + Kitty Cleveland – Walking in Humility (the story of her father’s cross of humility) + Reflection by Fr. Leo Clifford
+ “Every Little Prison (Deliver Me)” by Matt Maher – based on the litany of Humility: Song Reflection on the song
+ Saints quotes on humility
CD/Mp3 from Lighthouse Catholic Media – The Forgotten Virtue: Pathway to Holiness