Sunday, April 15, 2007

Mental Prayer for April 16 - "Modern Living Demands It"

Mental Prayer Meditation Helps

Presence of God

Grace I Ask: Sacred Heart of Jesus, teach me to recognize and choose your values rather than the world's.

The Idea: Nearly two thousand years ago, St. John wrote that "all that the world has to offer is the cravings that arise from our fallen nature, the cravings that arise from what we see, and a vain display in one's mode of life." Today advertisers argue:

Satisfy your senses: "Let's put leisure where work is."... "It's smoother." ... "Give yourself a treat."... "Is it comfort you want?" ... "Your heart will quicken when you see..."

Strain for wealth: "You can't afford to be with­out."... "Modem living demands it."... "The biggest car in its class."... "A must for your family."... "Everyone is buying..."

Show your success: "All eyes are on you."... "He's a success; he drives a ----."... "Be proud in your new suit."... "These men are presidents of their companies."... "The man of distinction."

My Personal Application: Advertising helps to form and suggest America's standards. And Christ's?

Satisfy your senses? "Unless a man take up his cross daily he cannot be my disciple."

Strain for wealth? "What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his immortal soul?"

Show your success? "Learn of me, for I am meek and humble of heart."

Christ says: satisfy your conscience, strain for spiritual wealth, show humility. Use God's goods, yes; but use them reasonably.

I Speak to God: Talk over the "Grace I Ask" above.

Thought for Today: "Modem living demands it" - to be close to Christ and His Church.
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Adapted from Mental Prayer, Challenge to the Lay Apostle
by The Queen's Work,(© 1958)

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