Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In the beautiful prayer Saint Francis wrote in a letter to the Order we can see the three essential steps in our spiritual life which Francis himself embellished. This prayer can be found in our Ritual on page 36 that is our Closing Prayer.
As we grow in relationship with Christ we begin to understand the mysteries of our faith beginning with the purgative way which is a purification, a self emptying. This does not happen through our own efforts but only by the grace that God gives to us.
As we descend, we arise to an awakening to a deeper level of our faith to the illuminative way in which we meet Christ in a more personal way. We address our moral way of life and overcome that barrier and surrender ourselves to our loving Lord. We then ascend and decrease in our driven needs to the unitive way.
Almighty, just and merciful God, addresses God and describes our spiritual life. It teaches us mercy. We will be opening the door of Mercy this year on December 8th.
Grant us in our misery…… We are in a miserable state, darkened emotions. A need for reparation.
And always want what pleases you…..”If you love me keep my commandments.”
So that cleansed and enlightened interiorly….the purgative way
And fired with the flame of the Holy Spirit purgation, conversation of the will.
You who live and rule in perfect Trinity and simple Unity…unitive way
Let us pray,
Almighty, and eternal, just and merciful God:
Grant us in our misery that we may do for your sake alone what we know you want us to do, and always want what pleases you; so that cleansed and enlightened interiorly and fired with the flame of the Holy Spirit, we may be able to follow in the footsteps of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and so make our way to you, Most High, by your grace alone , you who live and rule in perfect Trinity and simple Unity, and are glorified, God all powerful, forever and ever. Amen.
Peace and every good,
Rosie
