2021 Lenten Guide the Spiritual Exercises

2021 Lenten Guide The Spiritual Exercises

¡ “ He who prays and fasts is more disposed for almsgiving. He

who fasts is light and winged, he prays with wakefulness, and quenches his wicked lusts; he pleases God and humbles his soul when lifted up” – St John Chrysostom

“A full stomach shrinks from examining spiritual questions…A mind full of the world cannot approach the investigation of divine services. Just as fire cannot burn fresh wood; the love of God cannot be kindled in a heart that loves comfort”- St Isaac the Syrian

Welcome to the 2021 Lenten Guide- “Spiritual Exercises”. The aim of this guide is to facilitate a structured program in which we can together focus on a number of spiritual exercises while reading a spiritual book together. Each week you will find a spiritual exercise to focus on that can usually be completed in very little time each day. You can build upon the spiritual exercises so that by the end of lent you are doing all of the exercises covered in the previous weeks. The exercises can be continued throughout the year under the direction of your Father of Confession. The guide also provides a reading plan for the book ‘30 Steps to Heaven’ which is based on ‘The Ladder of Divine Ascent’ by St John Climacus. You can find the link to purchase an electronic version of the book at stmc.org.au/lent2021

During this fast the church holds multiple additional liturgies, particularly later in the afternoon and evening. Giving more attention to attending liturgies and partaking of the Holy Eucharist during Great Lent refocuses our life to the sacraments which are the centre of the Christian life. The life of the church leads toward and flows from the Eucharist.

We pray that this season becomes a source of spiritual revival, communal repentance and deep fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

“The forty days of fasting is a gift from our Lord Who fasted for us, and a fit from the Church to her children that they may struggle and become liberated from butter slavery- the slavery of hatred and grudges; the slavery of worldly desires, idleness in prayer and obedience of the commandments. The Great Lent is a time of rejoicing for the children of the Church, to pass over the weakness of the soul, particularly very difficult matters which we cannot solve. Our Lord, Who is fasting with us, will pass over with the Cross to His children and show them the glory and power of His Resurrection.” -Fr Pishoy Kamel

Notes

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Week 1- Preparation Week Sunday 7th to Saturday 13th March Spiritual Exercise: Fasting

“Christ fasted for us and with us, and certainly He is a partner with each fasting soul” - Fr Pishoy Kamel

We have prepared a checklist for you to complete during preparation week.

1- Meet with your Father of Confession this week and discuss the following a. Fasting during Great Lent including how long to abstain from food each day b. Specific readings or spiritual practices to complete during lent c. Prayer rule to follow during lent d. Metanias (prostrations) during lent e. Things to remove or reduce in lent such as social media, outings etc f. Schedule your next confession before Holy Week 2- Download ’30 Steps to Heaven’ from stmc.org.au/lent2021 3- Schedule time in your calendar each Sunday Night to review the Spiritual Exercise for the week and to prepare for the week 4- Schedule time in your calendar each day for your own personal prayer, bible reading and reading from ’30 Steps to Heaven’ 5- Check the church’s liturgical schedule and commit to praying an additional liturgy each week during lent

Daily Gospel Reading

¡ Sunday 7th March - Matthew 6:1-18 ¡ Monday 8th March - Mark 9:33-50 ¡ Tuesday 9th March - Luke 12:41-50 ¡ Wednesday 10th March - Luke 6:35-38 ¡ Thursday 11th March - Mark 4:21-29 ¡ Friday 12th March - Luke 11:1-10 ¡ Saturday 13th March - Matthew 5:38-48

Reading from 30 Steps to Heaven By the end of the week read “Part 1: Break With The World”

Spiritual Exercise: Fasting Fasting is a spiritual practice that is found all throughout the Bible and in the life of the early church. In the Old Testament we not only read of the fasting of the prophets such as Moses and Elijah, but also of public fasts such as the four days of fasting declared after the fall of Jerusalem, and observed for 70 years. In the New Testament, St John the Baptist’s followers were known for their fasting and Our Lord Jesus Christ continued the biblical exhortations for fasting, both in His teaching and in His example. In the early church, the apostles were known to fast regularly, and by the time the Didache was written around A.D 60, Christians were observing every Wednesday and Friday as fast days. The 40 day fast of Lent is one of the oldest fasts of the church, with preparation week and Holy Week eventually linked to the 40 day fast, bringing Great Lent to its current form today.

The Desert Fathers and Mothers provide very rich teachings on fasting.

Abba John the Dwarf said “ If a king wanted to take possession of his enemies’ city, he would begin by cutting off the water and the food and so his enemies, dying of hunger would submit to him. It is the same with the passions of the flesh: if a man goes about fasting and hungry, the enemies of his soul grow weak”.

Abba Poemen said when asked about how one should fast “ For my part, I think it is better that one should eat every day, but only a little, so as not to be satisfied”.

Amma (mother) Syncletica said “Just as the most bitter medicine drives out poisonous creatures so prayer joined to fasting drives evil thoughts away.”

His Grace Bishop Youannis of Gharbia of Blessed Memory provides the following guidelines for fasting:

¡ Practice fasting according to the guidance of your Father of Confession, especially for periods of abstaining. ¡ The aim of fasting is not to weaken the body, because we have to look after our bodies. God calls us to subdue the body. ¡ Do not crave certain foods while fasting. Lots of people eat delicious food that can’t be differentiated from non fasting foods. We should have some asceticism and piety in fasting. ¡ Remember to fast from a certain sin or bad habit such as anger, judgement or lust. ¡ Accompany fasting with meditation.

As you will hear in the liturgical hymnography of the Church, fasting must be accompanied by prayer. Fasting and prayer can be likened to the two wings of a bird. When you meet with your Father of Confession this week, discuss with him how you can dedicate a spiritual fast to the Lord this lent.

Read this passage by St John Chrysostom daily throughout the week.

“Do you fast? Give me proof of it by your works! It is said by what kind of works? If you see a poor man, take pity on him! If you see an enemy, be reconciled to him! If you see a friend gaining honour, envy him not! If you see a handsome woman, pass her by! For let not the mouth only fast, but also the eye, and ear, and the feet, and the hands, and all the members of our bodies. Let the hands fast, by being pure from plundering and greed. Let the feet fast, from ceasing from running to the unlawful spectacles. Let the eyes fast, being taught never to fix themselves rudely upon handsome countenances, or to busy themselves with strange beautifies.”

Notes

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______Week 2 Sunday 14th to Saturday 20th March Spiritual Exercise: Meditation

“If anyone loves Jesus and really gives himself attentively, not superficially to Him if he perseveres in love, God is already planning to reward that soul for that love” - St Macarius the Great

Daily Gospel Reading

¡ Sunday 14th March - Matthew 6:19-33 ¡ Monday 15th March - Luke 18:1-8 ¡ Tuesday 16th March - Mark 10:17-27 ¡ Wednesday 17th March - Matthew 15:32-38 ¡ Thursday 18th March - Matthew 19:16-30 ¡ Friday 19th March - John 10:22-38 ¡ Saturday 20th March - Matthew 7:13-21

Reading from 30 Steps to Heaven By the end of the week read ‘Part 2: The Fundamental Virtues”

Spiritual Exercise: Meditation

Meditation or sacred reading assumes that by entering deeply into the text of God’s holy Word, God will be made known to us, speak to us, and shape our lives. This week’s spiritual exercise is about implementing the ancient practice of meditation on God’s Word. It involves slow and prayerful reading of scripture in a quiet environment. At St John of Dalyatha says “ Hush your tongue that your heart may speak, and hush your heart that the Spirit may speak”.

In ‘Orthodox Prayer Life’, Fr Matthew the Poor teaches the following about meditation. “ Meditation is an old, traditional term closely linked to profound and heartfelt Bible reading. Such reading, leaves an indelible impression upon one’s memory, emotions and tongue. According to patristic tradition, meditation is the key to all graces. It makes him who practices it biblical in every thought, word, and feeling. He also becomes advanced in every gift and full of divine understanding. When he opens his mouth, the words of the Bible flow spontaneously from his lips without embellishments. Divine thoughts proceed from his mouth in amazing succession. They are like waves of light that submerge the hearer’s mind in the light of divine knowledge. They stir his heart and set aflame his emotions''.

How to practice meditation- a 15minute guide The following steps can be used to practice meditation or sacred reading. They are best done in a quiet environment, at a time that you will not be disturbed. It will help to have your phone off so that you are not distracted. You can use the daily gospel readings as the passage for meditation.

1- Prepare: Put yourself in the presence of God. Become quiet and offer yourself to God. You may choose to recite a short prayer or verse such as the Jesus Prayer during this time (Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me). 1 min

2- Read: Read the passage out loud, slowly allowing the words to resonate and settle in your heart. After a pause, re-read the passage out loud. During these first two readings, listen for the verse, phrase or word that stands out or lights up for you.5 min

3- Reflect: Take time to sit with your verse, phrase or word. Re-read the passage quietly to yourself and listen to where the word connects with your life right now. Repeat the word several times, meditating on it.

If the chosen word is part of a biblical scene, enter this scene into your imagination. Immerse yourself in the scene. Carefully watch the people. Listen to how they interact. Observe their actions. What do you hear and experience as you watch and listen? Reflect on how it might apply to your life.

Is it relevant to something that you are going through? Does it bring to mind a struggle that you have been dealing with? Do certain people come to mind that God may want you to reach out to or reconcile a relationship with? Is there a strong sense of a movement or change that needs to happen? 4min

4- Respond: Talk to God about the verse, word or phrase He has highlighted to you. Journal your thoughts and prayers. How has God addressed you in this Word and invited you to respond? 4 min

5- Rest: Rest in God’s presence by simply being silent in the presence of God. You may choose to recite a short prayer or verse such as the Jesus Prayer during this time. 1min

Notes

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______Week 3 Sunday 21st to Saturday 27h March Spiritual Exercise: Silence and Solitude

“A man who loves conversation with Christ, loves to be alone” - St Isaac the Syrian

Daily Gospel Reading

¡ Sunday 21st March - Matthew 4:1-11 ¡ Monday 22nd March - Luke 11:33-36 ¡ Tuesday 23rd March - John 8:31-39 ¡ Wednesday 24th March - Luke 4:1-13 ¡ Thursday 25th March - John 12:44-50 ¡ Friday 26th March - Luke 11:14-26 ¡ Saturday 27th March - Matthew 18:23-35

Reading from 30 Steps to Heaven By the end of the week read “Part 3: The Spiritual Passions”

Two weeks of lent have already passed. If you find that you have not been able to follow the guidelines in this guide or those set by your Father of Confession its ok! Remember, our ascetic labours are a free will offering to God in response to His glorious act of salvation. It’s not about how many days in a row we pray or read scripture etc… let go of the past and focus on the journey one day at a time. Lean on your brothers and sisters in the faith who are also on this journey with you. Don’t get discouraged!

Spiritual Exercise: Silence and Solitude

Remember: each week add a new spiritual practice so that by the end of lent you are doing all 7 spiritual practices.

Our technology driven world seeks to promote a life of overwhelming multitasking. We bemoan the added burden that technology brings, yet we seemingly can't live without its benefits. We have, in fact, become slaves to our computers, smart phones, social media apps, tv streaming platforms and all things WiFi. Sometimes the first and last thing our eyes see each day is our smart phone. We all need solitude, time to refocus, to realign ourselves with what God desires for us. If you have tried to practice silence and solitude you may have found it more challenging than you initially thought. Maybe after a few minutes of sitting alone you thought “What now? What am I supposed to do…?” You may have even felt sacred.

Overall, no spiritual discipline is more universally acclaimed as necessary than the practice of silence and solitude. The spirituality of the desert which runs deep in the life of the Orthodox Church has always emphasised the need for silence and solitude as a primary means of focusing on the inner life. Ultimately, we keep silence and solitude so we can listen better- so we can hear what God is saying to us and to our world. It’s like being on the phone with a friend who has something important to say to you. You will move out of the noisy room where the TV is on and the vacuum is running and shut yourself in a closet so you can hear what your friends are saying. That’s the kind of attentive listening silence and solitude promoted.

Practical ways to practice Silence and Solitude Throughout the week you may want to consider one or more of the following ways to practice silence and solitude: ¡ Wake up earlier than usual each day and spend some time (even 5 minutes) in silence in front of your prayer corner. ¡ Schedule a silent night where after dinner you speak to no one and disconnect from all forms of technology- you can spend this time reading, gardening, or doing any simple handiwork. ¡ Avoid all forms of music (including spiritual songs and hymns) when driving or when doing mundane tasks, try to get used to the silence. ¡ Put your phone away from your bed so that you do not look at it before you sleep and when you awaken. ¡ Schedule time for holy silence each day where you sit in the presence of God repeating a small verse or prayer. ¡ Put active effort into speaking less and listening more when around people. ¡ Come to church early or stay back late and sit alone. ¡ Go on a walk without your phone.

If practical, arrange some time to go to the Monastery for Monks or Monastery for Nuns and spend some time in retreat. The parish also runs a number of retreats for various age groups during Great Lent. Retreats are a great opportunity to disconnect from the world and refocus our inner life in an environment of solitude and silence. Notes

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______Week 4 Sunday 28th March to Saturday 3rd April Spiritual Exercise: The Jesus Prayer

“Do not separate your heart from God, but remain with Him, and always guard your heart with the remembrance of our Lord Jesus Christ, until the name of the Lord takes root in your heart and it things of nothing else- that Christ may be magnified in you” - St John Chyrsostom

Daily Gospel Reading

¡ Sunday 28th March - Luke 15:11-32 ¡ Monday 29th March - Luke 16:1-9 ¡ Tuesday 30th March - Luke 9:57-62 ¡ Wednesday 31st March - Mark 4:35-41 ¡ Thursday 1st April - Luke 18:35-43 ¡ Friday 2nd April - Matthew 15:21-31 ¡ Saturday 3rd April - Matthew 21:33-46

Reading from 30 Steps to Heaven By the end of the week read “Part 4: The Physical Passions”

Spiritual Exercise: The Jesus Prayer

This week’s spiritual exercise- The Jesus Prayer- is closely linked with last week’s focus on silence and solitude. The Jesus Prayer is a short prayer that aims at continually calling on the holy name of Jesus Christ with the lips, mind and heart. This is an ancient Christian practice that began in the Egyptian desert and is accessible for anyone of any age in any life situation. Calling on the name of the Lord brings us into an awareness of His abiding presence and is a plea for His blessing in all undertakings, in all places, at all times- even in sleep.

The prayer is focused on the name of Jesus and can take several forms, choose the one that seems most natural for you to repeat continuously ¡ Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me. ¡ Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner. ¡ Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.

The power of the prayer comes from the power of the name of Jesus Himself. The prayer begins with the name of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ. In the book of Acts we are told, “There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) The power in the prayer comes from our proclaiming the Lord’s name. In its simple form we confess our faith in Jesus Christ as our God and Lord.

The power and beauty of the name of Jesus is emphasised in the daily Psali’s of the Coptic Midnight Praise. For example,

Monday Psali

Let the name of the Lord, abide within us, so that He may shine upon, our inner being.

An aroma, that is very expensive, is Your holy name, O my Lord Jesus.

Tuesday Psali

For them it [the name of Jesus] was a living food which filled their souls, and their bodies too.

For them it was a fountain of living water, sweeter than honey in their mouths.

Wednesday Psali

If we are needy, for the money of this world, and we have nothing, to offer as alms. Yet we truly have, the precious pearl of great price, which is the sweet name full of glory, of our Lord Jesus Christ.

How to practice the Jesus Prayer

There are two basic ways to practice the Jesus Prayer

1- The free use This is simply when one recites the prayer many times throughout the day as one goes about their daily tasks. For instance, while walking, while waiting for the bus, before starting an activity. It can be said hundreds if not thousands of times throughout the day if we pray this short and powerful prayer freely throughout the day.

2- The structured use This involves setting aside some dedicated time to pray the Jesus Prayer slowly and intentionally. A pray rope may be useful here as it allows one to focus on the prayer as their fingers move from knot to knot. For example, you may set a timer for 5 minutes and repeat the Jesus Prayer slowly during that time. Or you may use a prayer rope, which comes in various lengths, to say the prayer. Using a prayer rope involves saying one Jesus Prayer as your finger rests on a knot, you then move to the next knot and say another Jesus Prayer till you finish all the knots. A prayer rope has been a useful tool for centuries in helping one keep focus while praying.

The Jesus Prayer is a simple yet powerful way to pray that brings us into the presence of God. The desert tradition teaches that when the name of Jesus is said with humility and attentiveness, it brings us into the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ as His Name is inseparable from His Person.

Notes

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______Week 5 Sunday 4th April to Saturday 10th April Spiritual Exercise: Prostrations (Metanias) adapted from Prostrations by His Grace Bishop Macarius of El-Minya

“I saw them in prayer. When they have finished reciting the Psalm they do not prostrate themselves in a hurry, as if it is a duty they want to get out of the way, like many of us do. On the contrary, they stand for a while to raise a short prayer, then they prostrate themselves in awe and great devotion. After that, they get to their feet in a brisk manner standing up tightly with all their thoughts absorbed in prayer.” - St John Cassian

Daily Gospel Reading

¡ Sunday 4TH April - John 4:1-42 ¡ Monday 5th April - Luke 9:12-17 ¡ Tuesday 6th April - John 8:12-20 ¡ Wednesday 7th April - Luke 1:26-38 ¡ Thursday 8th April - Luke 13:10-17 ¡ Friday 9th April - John 8:21-27 ¡ Saturday 10th April - Matthew 23:14-39

Reading from 30 Steps to Heaven By the end of the week read “Part 5: The Physical Passions”

Spiritual Exercise: Prostrations (Metanias) In its basic meaning, metania is an expression of humility, contempt and complete submission. It is an expression of remorse and a desire to gain blessings and forgiveness. When the forehead touches the ground, we remember that we came from the dust of theearth, and that brings God’s mercy to the weakness of human nature. Metania in its most wonderful image is falling down at Christ's feet, to present all the love, affection and gratitude that the worshiper has to offer to Him. So, prostration is a joyful act full of passionate and spiritual affection towards God. Metania is a prostration, a falling down with Jesus under the heavy cross, then carrying it and rising up, like Simon of Cyrene. It is death (through the contact with earth), and life (through rising up from earth). Metanias in the chamber and at the beginning of prayer is prostration in the Divine Presence, or a feeling of the Divine presence when praying. The Levites bowed joyfully before God while offering the sacrifices during the reign of Hezekiah the king. (2 Chronicles 29:30).

Metania is also a simple personal act of worship, a practical recognition of God’s sovereignty over us and our submission to Him. It should be accompanied by a crushed heart and a feeling of awe before God during prostration. Metanias were given in the spiritual directions at times and as a prayer for those who are unable to pray. If prayer is a rational and spiritual offering to God, then, fasting and metanias are the physical offering to Him for the complete sanctification of the body, soul and mind. In the confusion of the Samaritan woman when she talked to the Lord Christ about true prostration and the accepted place of worship, the Lord did draw her attention to a new type of prostration, which is prostration with spirit and truth. For God is Spirit and worship must be in spirit and body together. It must move from formal worship (tribal and sectarian) to a profound belief and deep feeling of the Divine presence. God rejoices in that, for this is the worship He desires. Frequent prostration accompanies prayer and vigil, that’s why we notice that the midnight prayer is divided into three watches. St. Isaac the Syrian says: “We have to fast, read and watch quietly throughout the night, according to everyone’s ability”. Metanias need to be done gradually. For the novice worshiper, begin by performing twelve metanias after reaching an agreement with the confession / spiritual father. If the confession father feels pity for his children from too much toil, then the person must express his desire to taste the sweetness of metanias. He should not exceed the agreed number without referring to his father of confession, and after a period of no less than a year from the beginning of practicing metanias.

One of the blessed fathers said that the worshiper can perform one metania at the beginning of the prayer and at the end of each psalm ... or when the word “prostration” is mentioned in the prayer. It is better if the metanias were combined and performed before the start or at the end of the prayer, in one go, for the person to feel great spiritual pleasure. It is good for every person to perform the number of metanias that are consistent with his ability and will. You must also perform the number of metanias that truly correspond to your strength. Metanias can be divided into a number of sets. The first set is for thanksgiving and praises.The second for offering repentance.The third for prayer on behalf of others, and the fourth could be assigned for a specific matter.

The appropriate time for metanias is the early morning, before the prime prayer, or immediately after. In this way the worshiper gives his first effort of the day (physical strength) to God and before using it in other activities. This time is suitable for metanias to be performed on an empty stomach. However, there is no objection if you distribute them at intervals during the day - especially with large numbers - provided that they are not performed immediately after meals, but rather after at least two hours have passed by. As for those who spend the night watchful in the spiritual deeds (reading, meditation and prayer). It will be appropriate for them to perform metanias while being watchful. They finish one service from the midnight prayer, followed by a set of metanias. Then they continue their readings or praising and after that they pray the second service, followed by another set of metanias and so on.

There are seasons in which it is not permissible to perform metanias as an ascetic practice and as an expression of contempt. These are Saturdays, Sundays, the Lord's feasts, as well as the period from Christmas till the Feast of Circumcision. Also, the period from Nayrouz to the Feast of the Cross, in addition to the joyful fifty days after the Feast of the Holy Resurrection. They are days of joy that are not compatible with humility and contempt. For the days on which we partake of the Holy Mysteries, metanias are not permissible, unless they are performed before the Divine Liturgy. The Holy Communion does not prevent prostration before the temple of God, as well as at the beginning of the prayer in the chamber. Also exempted from prostration, the sick people and those who suffer from back or spinal pain. The elderly (if physically cannot perform metanias) considering that the tired body and the exhausted one by disease or old age, does not need to add to it another burden. Finally, metanias remove the weakness that is from Satan and dissipate his imaginations. They restore to the soul its vitality and to the body its strength.

¡ Be sure to discuss how many prostrations to do with your confession father. ¡ In Great Lent prostrations are only done from Monday to Friday. ¡ Prostrations are not done after receiving Holy Communion, only before.

Notes

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______Week 6 Sunday 11th April to Saturday 17th April Spiritual Exercise: Self Examination

“ Enter into yourself, dwell within your heart, for God is there” - St Ephrem the Syrian

Daily Gospel Reading

¡ Sunday 11th April - John 5:1-18 ¡ Monday 12th April - Luke 13:1-5 ¡ Tuesday 13th April - Luke 9:18-22 ¡ Wednesday 14th April - Luke 11:45-52 ¡ Thursday 15th April - John 6:47-71 ¡ Friday 16th April - John 3:1-13 ¡ Saturday 17th April - Mark 10:46-52

Reading from 30 Steps to Heaven By the end of the week read “Part 6: the Higher Virtues”

There are two weeks left till the beginning of Holy Week. Start making preparations so that you can attend as many services as possible at church. This could include changing work shifts where possible, starting assignments early or any other practical action that will allow you more time to be at church during Holy Week. Make sure you have also arranged time with your Father of Confession to meet before Holy Week starts.

Spiritual Exercise: Self Examination Daily self-examination is a way to review our actions throughout the day, acknowledging where we responded to God’s grace, and where we chose to do otherwise.

From ‘How to be a Sinner’ by Peter Bouteneff “A searching reflection on ourselves will result in many observations, one of which, inevitably, is that we sin. We think, say, and do things that are contrary to the God whom we claim to know and love. We think and act contrary to God’s way and to his law. It is hard to imagine that we might emerge from a probing self-reflection saying, “You know, I’m actually sinless! I’ve fulfilled every commandment, and my heart is always set upon God, and I have never grieved anyone.” Narcissists are liable to think like this. Virtually nobody with a healthy psyche can truthfully say, on reflection, “I have always done well by God and my neighbour.” Genuine self-examination will show how we sin and fall short of the glory of God. We are sinners. Naming that fact and owning that identity are indispensable to our spiritual journey. Transcending sin begins with identifying it. Name the sin: claim it. Now, work on it, confess it. Repent. Surrender it to God on your own as well as in community with other transgressors. When you say “I am a sinner” it means that you have lost command of yourself and you on your own cannot regain it. You must submit to God, who is in control. Understood this way “I am a sinner” means, “God, your will be done.”

Throughout this week chant this hymn which is prayed after the gospel reading on the weekdays of Great Lent:

The peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts in Christ Jesus our Lord

I have sinned, I have sinned, my Lord Jesus forgive me, for there is no servant without sin, nor master without forgiveness

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, for Thine is the glory forever.

Blessed be the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the perfect Trinity, we worship Him and glorify Him.

How to practice daily self examination This short exercise is best practiced at night and can be practiced each day. There are many ways to practice self examination, this is one way which you may find useful.

1- Recall that you are in God’s presence: God is right there with you through the good and the bad. It may be helpful to repeat a phrase like “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) or any other short prayer. 2- Review the graces of the day: Go through the day slowly, acknowledging the many blessings you received from the Lord. 3- Acknowledge your sins and shortcomings: Name the times and places that you failed to accept the grace the Lord was giving you. Examine the whole day from the time of waking, in thoughts, words and actions. Questions that can be asked are: What were the highs? What were the lows? When did I fall? When did I love? Do I observe any habits or life patterns? 4- Make a resolve and call upon the Lord: Determine not to commit the same sins again the next day. Then, beg the Lord for perfect contrition and the graces you need to live completely for Him, especially in the moments you know you are weakest. 5- Thank the Lord for this opportunity and for His never failing love and mercy. The Lord desires your holiness even more than you do. Rest peacefully knowing that God is with you. Offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God.

Notes

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______Week 7 Sunday 18th April to Saturday 24th April Spiritual Exercise: Service

“Love never ends or fails. Love never ends. Everything must be based on love - the relation between two friends, my ministry, my service; the church service in every field must be based on love. Why? Because God is Love.” - His Holiness Pope Tawadros II

Daily Gospel Reading

¡ Sunday 18th April - John 9:1-41 ¡ Monday 19th April - John 5:31-47 ¡ Tuesday 20th April - John 12:36-43 ¡ Wednesday 21st April - John 6:35-45 ¡ Thursday 22nd April - Mark 12:18-27 ¡ Friday 23rd April - Luke 13:31-35 ¡ Saturday 24th April - John 11:1-45

Reading from 30 Steps to Heaven By the end of the week read “Part 7: Union with God”

Spiritual Exercise: Service

The Desert Fathers and Mothers, the archetype of contemplatives, never thought that their years in the wilderness were self-serving. Instead, they spent their time praying for the needs of the world- and they also knew that whatever they learned about God in the desert was meant to be shared with everyone. The world renowned Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) is famous for shedding his expensive clothes in the town square and covering himself with a burlap sack. He and his fellows took a vow of poverty to show their own humility before the Lord and to be able to work on behalf of the poor with no thought for their own well-being. In every era, followers of Christ have done their best work when they have looked outward. The best theology is empty without an ethic of service, an ethic that our Lord Jesus Christ instituted so explicitly. As baptised Christians, we are all consecrated to a life of service.

Service and servanthood is so foundational to the Christian life that it's hard to know where to begin talking about the practice of it. Everything from doing the dishes at home to washing someone’s feet to donating one of your kidneys is within the spectrum of service in Jesus’ name. For most of us, on most days, Jesus is calling us to tasks somewhere between doing the dishes and donating a kidney- the trick is determining what Jesus is calling me to today. This is where service intersects with all of the practices of the previous weeks. For centuries, the Christians who were known for their service to the world were also those Christians who took their spiritual development seriously. When we take time and make space for God to move in our lives, we then have the resources necessary for true servanthood. Ultimately, how you serve Jesus and God’s creation is a reflection of your personal spiritual health.

How to practice service ¡ Spend some time in prayer asking God to reveal to you ways to serve this week. ¡ Think of one or two things you can do to serve those that you live with. ¡ Consider donating the money you saved eating fasting food to a charity or ministry. ¡ Give away or sell items that you no longer use and give the money to the poor ¡ Pay a meal or a coffee forward. ¡ Think of someone who you can serve over the feast of Resurrection by making them something and delivering it to them anonymously.

Notes

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