Opening Prayer
I realize that all the abundance I possess that is not my God is only poverty. You had no need of me, nor could I be of any use to you, yet you created me so that I might be capable of receiving your goodness and worshiping your name.
Restore yourself to me, Lord. Make me capable of receiving the only true Good, and let my life be hidden in the secret place of your presence, for woe is me if I am not in you, both outwardly and deep within.
Amen.
Matthew 13:44-52
44The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in a field. Which a man having found, hid it, and for joy thereof goeth, and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. 45Again the kingdom of heaven is like to a merchant seeking good pearls. 46Who when he had found one pearl of great price, went his way, and sold all that he had, and bought it. 47Again the kingdom of heaven is like to a net cast into the sea, and gathering together of all kind of fishes. 48Which, when it was filled, they drew out, and sitting by the shore, they chose out the good into vessels, but the bad they cast forth. 49So shall it be at the end of the world. The angels shall go out, and shall separate the wicked from among the just. 50And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 51Have ye understood all these things? They say to him: Yes. 52He said unto them: Therefore every scribe instructed in the kingdom of heaven, is like to a man that is a householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure new things and old.
St. Francis of Assisi
St. Francis of Assisi exhorts: “Let’s all love the Lord God with all our heart, soul, mind, strength… with our innermost parts“. Francis differentiates the “bad men, slaves of the world” from the “penitents and blessed” who exalt the Supreme, Eternal God. We often treat Him as a “part-time consultant”. Francis reminds us that He continually gives to us all the whole body, whole soul, and our life. The “spiritual paper cuts” of our small desires must be “consumed” by this immeasurable love. To find the sweetness of serving God, we must hold Him in our hearts continually.
Assisi states that God is the “Supreme Good” who has given us everything we are, we must allow nothing to hinder or separate us from Him. In daily living, this means inviting God into every mundane act—from eating to working—ensuring that no part of our day is lived “outside” of His union.
“We are exhorted to love the Lord with “all might and affection”, holding Him in our hearts and allowing nothing to separate us from the Supreme Good.”
— St. Francis of Assisi
Mary and the Magisterium
St. Francis of Assisi exhorts us to love God with “all our heart, soul, mind, and strength”. Mary is the only creature whose love was “total” in its scope, a “totalitarian” entrustment that left no room for self-will. This was not a lack of freedom, but the perfection of it—the total fiat that allowed nothing to separate her from the Supreme and Eternal God. Her affection was undivided, fulfilling the command to let nothing “come between” the soul and the Creator.
- Does "nothing please and delight me" except my Creator, or am I distracted by "shadows"?
- Am I loving God with my "whole might", or am I holding back parts of my life for myself?
Closing Prayer
Lord, let nothing hinder me, let nothing separate me, let nothing come between us.
Amen.
