Opening Prayer
Lord, I realize that Thy grace falls like sunlight upon every window, yet I only receive what the shutters of my heart are disposed to hold. I desire to remove the obstacles that tightly shut my soul against Thy splendor. Help me to be “very well disposed” so that Thou mayest give me an abundance of grace.
I petition Thee for a well-disposed heart that opens its shutters wide to receive the fullness of Thy light. Grant me the grace to banish every dark crevice of sin and to throw open the spirit to the warmth of Thy Holy Spirit. Let no part of my interior remain in shadow, but let Thy light fill me to the capacity of my disposition.
Amen.
Matthew 5:13-19
13You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt lose its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing any more but to be cast out, and to be trodden on by men. 14You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. 15Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house. 16So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. 17Do not think that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. 18For amen I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot, or one tittle shall not pass of the law, till all be fulfilled. 19He therefore that shall break one of these least commandments, and shall so teach men, shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But he that shall do and teach, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
St. Bernardine of Siena
St. Bernardine of Siena uses the analogy of windows: “more or less brightness enters… according to whether each window is more or less open.” This spiritual reality is central to the Sacramental life. In the Mystical Body, God is willing to give His grace even to those who shut themselves off. This “proper medicine” is found in the Church and the “blessed effects” of the Eucharist. Our intentions and attitudes determine how much of the “divine light” penetrates our crevices.
Bernardine argues that we receive grace according to how they are disposed to receive it. A well disposed soul receives quite a lot, while a poorly disposed one receives only a little. He encourages us to “open ourselves” to the splendor that God offers lavishly.
“If they show themselves very well disposed, God gives them quite a lot of it. But if they show themselves only poorly disposed, then God gives them only a little grace.”
— St. Bernardine of Siena
Mary and the Magisterium
Mary is the “Window” that was “completely open” to the Holy Spirit. She is “full of grace” and the “Dispenser” of it. The Magisterium, through the Bishop, acts as the “servant leader” who helps the faithful “open their doors” to the Spirit. They are the “Ministers of the Sacraments” who facilitate this flow of light. By following the Bishop, we ensure we are well disposed to receive the “Sacred Banquet”.
- What obstacles—sin, distraction, or pride—do I find in my life that keep the blinds of my soul closed?
- How might I "open myself" more fully today?
Closing Prayer
Holy Spirit, shine on me. Let my heart be so open to your grace that your light will fill me completely.
Amen.
