Fourth day of the novena in honor of St. Francis of Assisi

4 . FRANCISCO A MAN MADE PRAYER
By the sign of the Cross + + Deliver Us From our enemies Lord our God + In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit + AmenAct of Contrition :Lord Jesus Christ, true God and man , Creator , Father and Redeemer mine, for being who you are and why you I love you above all things , weighs me Lord , I repent in the soul and in my heart I offended . I firmly believe and propose amendments to never sin, to turn away from the times of confession and penance was imposed on me for my sins . Lord I offer you my life , work and work satisfaction of all my sins . So as I pray , and trust in your infinite mercy forgive me and give me light and grace to mend and persevere in your holy service until the last moment and end my life amen.
PRAYER TO THE CRUCIFIX ( OrCr )
High, glorious God !enlighten the darkness of my heart.Give me faith , certain hope and perfect charity ;skill and knowledge , O Lord ,to fulfill your holy and true command .Amen .
BIBLE TEXT TO REFLECT
And he came and took the scroll from the right hand of him that sitteth on the throne. When I took it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb . Each had a zither and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of saints. (Rev 5:7-8 ) .
Another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer . He was given much incense , with the prayers of all the saints offered on the golden altar before the throne. And Angel's hand went up before God the smoke of the incense , with the prayers of the saints. (Rev 8:3-4 ) .
PRAYER AS THE FATHER FRANCISCO SERAPHIC
Prayer is a topic that makes sense , fully embraces and dominates the life and personality of the Seraphic Father St. Francis. Francisco thinks and says, "Christ is necessary for life and is sufficient for life ", this is your great insight and makes "great experience" in life transformed assumed , witnessed and sacrificed . In the encounter with Christ , Francis rediscovers part of its own mystery and rediscovers the possibility of a genuine realization of his own humanity . Realization that he had sought in other ways: on the idea to become a knight and economic interests , toward which seemed directed more than anything, even family tradition.Instead of being " gentleman " or " businessman " , francisco chooses to be the opposite : " poor and humble " . Christ becomes for him a living Gospel . And humble and fervent prayer that transforms him into " another Christ " .
CHRIST PRAYER , PRAYER MASTER FRANCISCO
On the slopes of the Mount of Olives , east of Jerusalem , the apostles ask Jesus : " Lord , teach us to pray" ( cf. Lk 11:1 ) . Jesus' answer is: " When you pray say : Our Father " ( cf. Lk 11:2 , Matthew 6:9).The accompanying prayer life of Jesus, " went up the mountain by himself to pray " (Mt 14:23 ), " got up very early and went out, he went to a field and was praying there " (Mark 1:35) . And Luke 6:12 : " He went to the mountain to pray, and spent the night praying to God." Jesus , besides being " man of prayer " is also " master of prayer " "Lord , teach us to pray" ( cf. Lk 11:1 ) ; invited to " always pray and not lose heart " ( Lk 18:1 ), says that only one thing " is necessary" and praises Mary as " has chosen the better part " ( Lk 10, 41 ) .
PRAYER IS THE LIFE THAT TRANSFORMS
The almost perfect imitation of Christ makes Francisco is above all in prayer. The grace of prayer given to Francisco through the grace of conversion . Devoutly implored divine mercy deigned to show you what to do . The regular practice of prayer always developing stronger flame Francisco heavenly desires ( LM 1.4 ) .When you receive the "gift " of the brothers and calls them " minores" encouraged to seek advice from the Lord . And three , they go to the temple of St. Nicholas, where they pray : Lord God, the Father of glory , we pray that, in your mercy , we manifest what we must do . ( TC VIII).Another important moment in which Francis resort to prayer is the meeting in Rome with Pope Innocent III in 1209 , when the pope asked the approval of their " way of life " (2 Cel 16 ) .Not so much a man who prayed , the more he was all transformed into living prayer ( 1 Cel 95 ) . Your safe haven was prayer , not some minute, empty or leak, but deeply devout , humble and prolonged as possible. If started in the afternoon , could barely leave her in the morning. He was always engaged in prayer, he walked and when he sat , when he ate and when he drank ( 1 Cel 71 ) .Often plunged almost daily and secretly in prayer. He was attracted by the appearance of that ' mysterious sweetness ' that often penetrating the soul , stirred up to prayer until he was in the square or in other public places ( TC 8).In Rule warmly urges prayer : God's servants must always engage in prayer . (1 Kings 7).All of us friars beware that under pretext of receiving bonuses , to-do or good outstanding works, lose or deviate our mind and heart of the Lord ... We need to pray always without ever tiring ...With great emphasis invited to pray at work: not extinguish the spirit of holy prayer and devotion , the latter must serve all other temporal things . (2 Kings 5:3) .The brother Antonio wrote : I'm glad Scripture teach the friars , provided that such activity does not quench the spirit of devotion as written in the Rule. ( Acct Ant) .The religious should want the grace of prayer and because of the burdens of government and preaching commitments , should not neglect the holy and devout prayer . (PD 73).Preaching should be preceded by prayer , in fact , the preacher must first obtaining the secret of prayer that after the sermons pour ( 2 Cel 163 ) .Friar also exercising every day the ministry of reconciliation , must be prepared in prayer. Who held the position of top recommended : It applies diligently to prayer and distribute certain times know his soul and others to the flock entrusted to him . Thus, in the early hours of the morning must precede the sacrifice of the Mass and recommend long prayer with himself and his flock to divine protection. ( 2 Cel 185. EP 80 ) .
SOURCES OF PRAYER FRANCISCO
Prayer of Father Francisco has inspired Christological , trinitarian and cosmic . The sources of his prayer are four: the Scriptures , the Cross , Liturgy and Creation.
a) . Sacred Scripture : just to go to any text written by Francisco and then we realize that the source of inspiration is the Word. Specifically in the Office of the Passion of the Lord , we can discover the mysteries of the life of Christ . They meditate through a set of texts collected from various biblical psalms in the present Psalter Francis knows by heart . The Saint of Assisi has great reverence and esteem for the Word of the Lord, which is the Word of the Father and the Holy Spirit's words are spirit and life .b). The Book of the Cross meditation is " seasoned " with tears in his eyes focused on the passion of Christ , pray also allows simple and illiterate monks , whose prayer is praised by St. Francis of Assisi : These brothers are my knights of the round table , hiding in remote and uninhabited to engage more earnestly to prayer and meditation ( EP 72c ) . It was this meditation that plunged Francisco in the joyful meeting with his Lord , thus becoming " another Christ " because the Cross is the book of life .c). Liturgical Prayer : Francisco affectionately be penetrated by the spirit of the prayer of the Church.Francis insists on praying the Divine Office . The Liturgy of the Hours is the prayer of the universal Church. Calls Francisco : All friars , clerics or laymen sena , recite the divine office and pray for the living and the dead according to the customs of the clergy. For the shortcomings and negligence of the monks pray daily De Profundis with the Our Father. (I Re 3).d ) . Another source of prayer of St. Francis is creation. It looks great in this praise to the most high God . It is a song of thanksgiving , part of what you see, of the wonders of God ... Behold the Canticle of Creatures : Most High Almighty Good Lord , Yours are the praises , the glory and honor and all blessing ... ( CtC 1).
May our prayer be trusted in the same way that a child trusts in his mother's arms .
Points to Ponder :
Each and freely can serve the following questions for meditation , or you can use your own, as the source of inspiration must always be the Holy Spirit .
How important is for me to practice prayer life ?Has been truly groundbreaking in my life after the encounter with Jesus Christ?What is the reality of my prayer today ?What has it meant for me to lead a life of prayer ?How do I live this experience of prayer each day?I'm among those who believe that prayer time is lost ?How do I pray ?What is the quality of my prayer?I reduce my life ? Only prayer times marked in the fraternity?The Lord asks me live again that encounter with Him in prayer what extent and by what method willing to do ?
Paraphrase of the Lord's PrayerOh Holy Our Father : Creator, Redeemer , our Savior dildo !
Which art in heaven, the angels and the saints, enlightening to know , for you . Lord , you are the light, inflaming to love, for you, Lord , are love ; dwelling in them and filling them to enjoy eternal bliss , for you . Lord , you are the supreme good , eternal, from whom all good proceeds , without whom there is no good whatsoever.
Hallowed be thy name clarified us your news is that we may know what is the width of your benefits , the length of your promises , the sublimity of your majesty and depth of your judgments .
Thy kingdom to reign in us by grace , and we do get to your kingdom , where you manifest vision , perfect love you, you blissful union , the fruition of you forever .
Thy will be done , on earth as in heaven so that we may love you with all my heart , always thinking of you, with all my heart , always desiring you, with all your mind , directing all our intentions to you, looking at all your honor , and with all our strength , devoting all our strength and senses of the soul and body to the service of your love and not something else , and to love our neighbors as ourselves, drawing all as our strength, your love , rejoicing the goods of others as our own and suffering with the evils , and not being a stumbling block to anyone.
The day our daily bread : your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ , give us this day : for to remember , understand and venerate the love we had and as for us said , did and suffered .
And forgive us our debts : by your ineffable mercy, by the power of the passion of your Son and through the merits and intercession of the Blessed Virgin and all Thy elect .
As we forgive our debtors : and what is not fully forgive , do thou , Lord, I forgive fully , to love yourself truly enemies and devoutly intercede for them before you, returning no one evil for evil , and that we strive to be at you regrets .And lead us not into temptation : hidden or obvious , sudden or persistent.
But deliver us from evil : past, present and future.
Glory to the Father , and the Son , and the Holy Spirit . As it was in the beginning, is now and ever and unto the ages of ages . Amen .

Third day of the novena in honor of St. Francis of Assisi

Three . LORD, DO YOU WANT TO DO?FRANCISCO :VE AND REPAIR MY CHURCH !By the sign of the Cross + + Deliver Us From our enemies Lord our God + In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit + AmenAct of Contrition :Lord Jesus Christ, true God and man , Creator , Father and Redeemer mine, for being who you are and why you I love you above all things , weighs me Lord , I repent in the soul and in my heart I offended . I firmly believe and propose amendments to never sin, to turn away from the times of confession and penance was imposed on me for my sins . Lord I offer you my life , work and work satisfaction of all my sins . So as I pray , and trust in your infinite mercy forgive me and give me light and grace to mend and persevere in your holy service until the last moment and end my life amen.
BIBLE TEXT TO REFLECT13 Therefore , keep the spirit alert , live soberly and put all your hope on the grace to receive Jesus Christ when he appears . 14 As obedient children, do not come under the evil desires you had before, while living in ignorance. 15 just as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 according to what is written : Be holy , for I am holy . (1 Peter 1,13-16 )Having witnessed the great need that Francisco had to make sense of his life, and after being found by Jesus Christ leaving , now one must be really love and get down to work. We must emphasize that Francisco experienced a fairly long period impregnated search existential crisis. These processes in the life of any person and there take time to mature to be able to hit with the grace of God and the assistance of the Holy Spirit to do the will of God. This crisis in Francisco lasted at least three years. It was shortly before starting work as a bricklayer , when Francis was kneeling before the Crucifix of San Damiano , meditating , looking at himself with the inner eyes , those contemplating what we are , works , thoughts , omissions ... indecipherable to the eyes of others, from time to time raised the exterior look to the cross presiding over the church of San Damiano , to which Francis was prostrate , when he felt those words : "Francis, go and repair my house, because , you see, threatens ruin " . Francisco immediately began working with the trowel and place stones that conceal the gaps or cracked unite to rebuild the chapel of San Damiano. But suddenly , he realized that the church was the chapel of San Damiano ... realized that the face of Jesus , that Jesus who was watching him from the cross , was more alive, more latent , more dialogue. He realized that the Church had a body of men , and men a face of Christ.We are facing a chain of events quite "normal" , which manifest the provisions of Francisco and his encounter with Christ Progressive : numerous visits to the church of San Damiano , prolonged moments of prayer and contemplation of the Crucified Syrian , during of which came the Lord's answer to the heart of Francis.
 Encounter with ChristTherefore, Francisco regularly visiting the church of San Damiano and begs the Lord: " High , glorious God , enlighten the darkness of my heart , give me a straight Fe . Certain hope and perfect charity . Hit and knowledge oh Lord to fulfill your holy and true command . Amen . >> This was insistent prayer Francisco , pleaded with the Lord to show him his will Lordtell me what to do! . Francisco is a restless and tormented man , but sensitive and waiting for a sign from the Lord.One day , while praying before the Crucifix , Francis is strongly impressed by the contrast between the dark and dilapidated chapel and light Christ above the altar there . That day did not discover all the theological richness of the Crucifix , but was stunned by its brightness . Until then Francisco was too turned in on itself , but that day was the Christ light . Was it before or after asking : " Enlighten the darkness of my heart" ? What matters! At that moment confirmed the darkness and decay of the sanctuary. Was not it a sign from heaven , an answer to your hopes ? Francisco understands this : should restore the church and make a lamp burning before the crucifix . Do not try to find out if the Crucifix Francisco spoke truly , there is no doubt that his heart came a response avid Lord clarity before Christ was well aware of the darkness of the place where Christ reigned bright and living from his dark cross, and realized : "Francis , do not you see my house is crumbling ? Go therefore and repárala "( TC 13c , 2 Cel 10). At the same time, in the light of the Crucifix , Francis undergoes further comprising their own darkness and the light of Christ is an answer to his anguished prayer . According to the Legend of the Three Companions , Francisco " really felt in his soul that had been crucified Christ who had spoken " ( TC 13c ) , while Celano says that "the image of the crucified Christ , spreading the lips , speaking from table Francisco "(2 Cel 10a ) ; Bonaventure says that Francis" heard with his bodily ears a voice coming from the same cross that told him three times ... "( LM 2.1 a) . Schmucki writes: " The spectacle of the ruined chapel had to produce a vivid impression on the sensitivity of Francis. In such a mood, it was enough to hear the inner voice of God ... to feel called by the crucifix to restore the church. "Here again we see Christ and Francis. Two loving hearts had turned to find and where two in need of love , it talks and understood from heart to heart and not think too much about how to act , just act, to the letter , without gloss , - as Francisco said later face the Gospel. Francisco reconstructs the Hermitage material, but soon understood to another church , another house that needs repair . It is the Church , the Mystical Body of Christ that is not entirely in tune with the Head. It has suffered a sharp schizophrenia and now we must insist in season and out and witnessed it is necessary to look and heart to Jesus Christ in order to live in the lofty dignity of the Sons of God. Go task Francisco ! Go task to us if we truly have found also with Jesus Christ .1. Am I aware of the need to discover the grace of God in my life ?Two . Do I feel in me the need to repair the church of God which is my own life and that of others ?Three . ? Discover in those around me the face of Christ who invite me to love them and serve them ?April . My struggles , my seizures , my doubts where do I lead ?May . Would you ask the Lord to enlighten me constantly ?June . What is my response to this reflection ?
 Prayer to the Trinity
 Almighty, eternal , just and merciful God , grant yourself to us miserable , do e know what you want and to always want what pleases you , so that , inwardly cleansed, interiorly enlightened and inflamed by the fire of the Holy Spirit , we follow the footsteps of your Son , our Lord Jesus Christ , and reach , by your grace alone , to you, Most High, who in perfect Trinity and simple Unitylive and reign and are glorified , Almighty God, for ever and ever. Amen .
Bless the Lord , living and true God ,and restituyámosle , always praise , glory , honor , blessing and all good . Amen .( Office of the Passion of the Lord)
Fear and honor ,praise and bless ,give thanks and worshipthe Lord God Almightyin Trinity and Unity ,Father and Son and Holy Spirit,creator of all things.( Earlier Rule , XXI , 2 )Pray three Our ​​Fathers . Three Hail Mary's and three Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit

Novena in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. Second day

Novena in honor of St. Francis of Assisi.Second day .
Two . Existential DOUBTMEETING WITH POOR HUMBLE AND CRUCIFIED CHRIST
By the sign of the Cross + + Deliver Us From our enemies Lord our God + In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit + Amen

Act of Contrition :Lord Jesus Christ, true God and man , Creator , Father and Redeemer mine, for being who you are and why you I love you above all things , weighs me Lord , I repent in the soul and in my heart I offended . I firmly believe and propose amendments to never sin, to turn away from the times of confession and penance was imposed on me for my sins . Lord I offer you my life , work and work satisfaction of all my sins . So as I pray , and trust in your infinite mercy forgive me and give me light and grace to mend and persevere in your holy service until the last moment and end my life amen.
Texts to deepen
Mk 8 , 34-9 . 1 Lk 9 , 23-27 Mt 10: 38-39 Luke 14, 27 , 17 . 33 Jn . 12 , 25-26

 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself , 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.
 What will it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life ? Or what can a man give in exchange for his life ? (Mt 16.24 to 27 )Francis was a normal man like everyone else, with great aspirations , desires fame , thought to have the world at his feet and lacked only one thing : to be an invincible warrior , "to be a prince." You can order pro become famous battlefields for a few feats of arms and conquer by the sword ennobled . Since the dawn of glory shone in his eyes ! What would have been him and him, if this dream would have done ? Perhaps a powerful of this world. His will of prestige and dominance , elated by success, could lead to violate many things to achieve their ends . Had it done so , it would have been a fleeting fame . But Francisco is put on a war footing .But in Spoleto , an inner voice asks him , questioned him and urges him to return to Assisi . Francisco be persuaded and he has no other way to backtrack . How ridiculous ! What frustration! What a bad name! After all I had dreams of grandeur ... This abrupt change caused astonishment , and rightly so. Imagine the surprise of his friends , his family to see him back . But for some time and yet Francisco was no longer the same , was suffering a lack of meaning in his life, did not know what had come into the world , their existence was meaningless despite big dreams I had. Despite all appearances was no longer the same .The desire for fame, the desire for success and the desire of glory had seized him and dazzled him hard, but only for an instant . Everything was short-lived as are the fireworks that they are beautiful and dazzling look are that: artifice , image, appearance . It was necessary that another breath blew in the life of Francis and invaded to regain the illusion , the joy , the sense of his life." Broken by long illness , Thomas of Celano tells us he began to think within himself anything other than what it used to " . ( 1C 3). As you strength returned again came out to see the countryside . But behold, this countryside had seen him grow and he loved it, and it meant nothing . He seemed to lose color and fade on arrival. The spell was broken . All He was broken ! Everything was indifferent . He felt cold and withdrew.Actually this indifference was , in fact, the sign of a deeper disappointment and that had to do with all that until then had seduced and fascinated him . All the old values ​​had gone by land. Francisco ,the great Francisco discovered the emptiness of his life! A vacuum such that nothing in the world can fill . Even the beauty of things .Francisco found himself and his reality. Your empty reality terribly distressing. He lacked the horizon , lacked the joy , lacked the sun shine not only on the countryside in the shade, but the sun that shone within himself . Francisco begins to sense that something is changing and that what he expected in war, in the life he led until now was merely " vanity of vanities " . What to do now , who could tell the way to go ?Francisco enters into himself , as if the same were wrapped in a something that would lead to increasingly deep and genuine search of its existence . In his quest Francisco not find something but someone , or rather he may be found by anyonefor Jesus Christ! Jesus Christ is revealed under the features of the Crucified , is the humanity of God more accurately we should say " the humanization of God." For hours francisco contemplates Christ on the Cross. No, that God does not look anything like that of ecclesiastical lordships , not the God of feudal wars or holy wars . It is not the God of money. It is not the God of the privileged the new social order . Nor is the God of the powerful today, not the God of those who feel good , the style of the Pharisees and the scribes of Holy Writ . God is not a ruler .Quite the contrary . It is in the deepest of trouble in the world, in each of small, crushed by the society of yesterday and today , you can easily recognize in him is his brother . " And being the exceedingly rich , wanted , along with the Blessed Virgin , your Mother , to choose poverty in the world " (2 CTAF 5).The sharing the glory of God and that was above all deigned exist with small, children, the humiliated , the beaten and the marginalized of all time . Francis in his poverty and solitude , discovers , contemplates the unfathomable humanity of God . Inflamed heart, opens this breath of tenderness that penetrates to the background of the soul. Then born in him a great desire : to share in the spirit of the Lord , follow the Most High Son of God in his human , in his humility and poverty , giving up wanting to be above others to be with them, to reach be one of them , the smallest among them : his brother .Francisco has found true meaning in life and existence , from now on I will not rest until becoming another Christ , in Christ, poor , humble and crucified in the same way that the Son of God , the Word incarnate.This is the life of Francis and his relationship with God to a God with fully human and fully God Divine. In light of the above I invite you to reflect as follows :High, glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart . Give me true faith, certain hope and perfect charity . Hit and knowledge oh Lord to fulfill your holy and true command . Amen .1. What are my greatest aspirations in life ?Two . What is so more fight ?Three . Where does God in my life and in my plans ?April . What image do I have of Jesus Christ?May . Am I willing to transfigurarme another Christ , poor, humble and crucified ?Praises of GodAuthor : St. Francis of Assisi.You are holy , Lord God only , you do wonders .You are strong , you are great , you are very high .Almighty King You are , You are Holy Father, King of heaven and earth .You are Three and One , Lord God , all good.You are good, all good, supreme good , Lord God living and true .You are charity and love , you are wisdom.You are humility , you are patience , You are safe .You're quiet , You are joy and gladness .You are justice and temperance.You are all our riches to satisfaction.You are beauty , You are meekness.You are a protector, guardian and defender Thou art .You are strong , You are refreshment.You are our hope, You are our faith .You are the great sweetness ours.You are our eternal life , great and wonderful Lord , Almighty God,
 merciful SaviourPray three Our ​​Fathers and three Hail Mary and Glory Be.

Novena in honor of St. Francis of Assisi.

First Day


God calls whom He wills : Francis of Assisi called by God


THE BEGINNINGS OF THE EVANGELICAL ADVENTURE

By the sign of the Holy Cross +From our enemies +Deliver us Lord our God +In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit + Amen
Act of Contrition :Lord Jesus Christ, true God and man , Creator , Father and Redeemer mine, for being who you are and why you I love you above all things , weighs me Lord , I repent in the soul and in my heart I offended . I firmly believe and propose amendments to never sin, to turn away from the times of confession and penance was imposed on me for my sins . Lord I offer you my life , work and work satisfaction of all my sins . So as I pray , and trust in your infinite mercy forgive me and give me light and grace to mend and persevere in your holy service until the last moment and end my life amen.Scripture Reading:26See, brethren, who have been called! : Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble . 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise . And God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong . 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised , what is not to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before God. 30 By him are you in Christ Jesus , whom God made ​​our wisdom , righteousness, sanctification and redemption , 31 so that, as it is written : He who boasts , boast in the Lord. (1 Cor 1.26 to 30 )FRANCIS OF ASSISIBorn in Assisi (Italy ) , in 1181 /82. Son of Madonna Pica and Peter Bernadone , wealthy merchant in cloth . He lived in his hometown cheerful and happy childhoods . Jovial character , altruistic , dreamy , chivalry , Francis loved life and his country. At 20 he participated in the war against Perugia Assisi , which was taken prisoner . Soon after, in the expedition to Puglia left the army after a mysterious dream inviting him to follow "the love rather than the servant " and returned to Assisi . After a misspent youth in amusement , became resigned to parental property and gave himself to God. He embraced poverty and lived a gospel , preaching to all the love of God. He gave his fans some wise rules , which were then approved by the Holy See. He founded an order of monks and women first follower , Santa Clara who founded the Poor Clares , inspired by Him Francisco finally come to countless people who want to be like him and he proposes to live the same life but in the evangelical world . Words, being father and mother copies , and also being people committed to the Church and the Kingdom of God. Therefore we can consider as Father Francis of Assisi and founder of the First , Second and Third Order. God called him to be " Living Gospel " . He was left captivated by Christ Poor, Humble and Jesus Christ crucified and wanted to appear visibly in the body of Francisco through printing the sores on his hands and feet and side . God called him to "repair the Church" and to this day continues holding
With this first meditation not only want to see from afar the life of Francis of Assisi , as if we did through a glass , the glass of time. Perhaps the image you have of him is a romantic , medieval , or even dated. Hopefully and in the course of these nine days you can find that it is not.The text of 1 Corinthians helps us to bring us into this vast ocean of love and mercy of God who calls whom want and not the smartest people according to the world , but to those who are endowed with the wisdom of God.To review our life :These questions will truly immerse into your life and in your story . Let God speak through them and you'll have an answer to many of these questions that you harbor in your heart .1. What importance do you give me the call of God on my life?Two . At any stage of life you find me am I aware of the presence of God at every moment ?Three . Can I count myself among the wise among fools or the Gospel ?April . I'm aware that God has justified me for free to be his son?May . Am I willing to accept the holiness that God offers me ? How do you show ?June . I live as a person saved ?
PRAYER TO THE SAN FRANCISCO SAN DAMIAN CRUCIFIX
High, glorious God ,enlighten the darknessof my heartand give me true faith ,certain hopeand perfect charity,sense and knowledge .Lord , to serveYour holy and true command .
- After your reflection say three Our ​​Father and three Hail Mary and Glory- Ask the Lord to grant you what you most need and be your willFINAL PRAYERInvitation to restoreall good to the Lord( Earlier Rule , XVII ,17 -18 )
And refer all good to the LordGod Most High ,and recognize that all are yours ,and give thanks for everything ,since all the goods he came.And the same Most High ,the only true God,possesses , he is taxedand he gets all the honors and bows,all praise and blessings,all thanksgiving and glory ,for theirs is so good,and he alone is good.

My heart beats with Jesus

August 30By God , I am still feeling unwell always . But what torments me is those strong and sharp pains in the chest. At times I cause discomfort so strong that it seems to me to want to tear your back and chest. But Jesus , from time to time , it does sweeten my sufferings differently: talking to the heart. Oh, yes , my father,what good is Jesus with me! Oh,what are these precious moments ! , Is a happiness that does not know what to compare it is a happiness that the Lord gives me like almost alone in suffering .At that time , more than any other , everything in the world bores me and I regret , I desire nothing out of love and suffer . Yes , my father, also in the midst of so much suffering I'm happy, because I seem to feel that my heart beats with Jesus . Imagine , then, the immense consolation of a heart that knows , almost certainly having Jesus.

 ( September 4, 1910 , to Father Benedict of San Marco in Lamis - Ep . I, p . 197 )

Always Keep the spirit of holy prayer and devotion

August 26

Imagination and the devil would like you to believe that God continually offend you always or almost always resist the divine call. The grace of the heavenly Father guard you have very far to fall in such infidelity. Convince yourself that you're told. I guarantee that these feelings do not come but of imagination and the devil. Beware of giving them importance, they do not look at anything but cool in you feelings of affection for the heavenly Bridegroom, to get you to be weary of Christian perfection because the experience as difficult and impossible, and, what is worse, try more directly override and off any feeling of devotion in your heart.

  (August 15, 1914, to Raffaelina Cerase - Ep. II, p. 153)

 

When the soul is ON

August 23

Last Friday I was in the church in thanksgiving after Mass, when suddenly I felt hurt the heart by a dart of fire so ardent that I thought live and die. I lack the words to make you understand the intensity of that flame, I am able to express myself absolutely unable. Do you? The soul, a victim of these consolations, becomes mute. I felt that an invisible force plunged me wholly into the fire. My God, what fire!What a sweetie!
Of these transports of love I felt many different time and have been out of this world. The other times there was a fire, but it was less intense this time, however, an instant, a second, and my soul separate from the body would ... he would have gone with Jesus.
Oh, how beautiful it is becoming a victim of love!

  (August 26, 1912, Fr Augustine of San Marco in Lamis - Ep. I, p. 299)

Come the Kingdom of God and His righteousness

August 19

Come early the kingdom of God sanctify his Church this pious Father abundantly his mercy spill on those souls who have not hitherto known. Destroy the kingdom of Satan, to bring out, to the confusion of this beast from hell, all his evil tricks, made known to all the keys to deceive souls this sad Cossack. This most tender Father enlighten the minds of all men and call your hearts to that ardent or cool or reduce progress in the ways of salvation is enfervoricen the lukewarm, and those that have been away to return to him. Also Thin and confuse all the wise men of this world not to fight and prevent the spread of the kingdom. Anyway, this thrice-holy Father away from his Church the divisions that exist and prevent new ones from occurring, so that there is one fold and one Shepherd. Centuplique the number of chosen souls; send many saints and learned ministers; sanctify current and have, through them, return the fervor to all Christian souls. Increase the number of Catholic missionaries, because, yet again, we have to lament the Divine Master: "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few."

 (March 8, 1915, to Anita Rodote - Ep. III, p. 61)