Phase 1 (Lenten-Read-A-Thon)

[Carina]

Finished Section 1 & 2, still digesting it :)

[Thadeus]

Section VI had the verse that struck me most thus far.

"The divine action although of infinite power can only take full possession of the soul in so far as it is void of all confidence in its own action."

It says to me, lean on God, not myself.

Kindle Loc: 205

[Carina]

I haven't gotten to Section VI (6) as yet but so far I like the idea of doing simple duties (Example - daily chores) towards sanctification. Never thought doing dishes could be holy :)

Section III. The Work of our Sanctification - "The active practice of fidelity consists in accomplishing the duties which devolve upon us ... by the particular state that we may have embraced. Its passive exercise consists in the loving acceptance of all that God sends us at each moment."

[Lisa, Group handmaid]

Buh, and how many of us want to Change The World and Improve The Church by reading blogs and writing blogs and getting all pontifical about stuff, when in reality so many of the abuses of today could be more effectively fought by our faithful service in simply getting up early enough to pray for 15 minutes, not lazing about wasting time on the internet, but paying bills promptly and keeping our homes clean?

[Thadeus]

Carina, I agree. It is interesting to me how often the phrase "your state in life" is used.

Lisa, I also agree. However, I might add that some people's state in life may actually be writing blogs to reach out to the lost. :) Not mine though, I am one that probably wastes way too much time on the Internet consuming, instead of being and creating as God's will more likely is for me.

[Carina]

Becoming saintly is then willing to do the will of God no matter how simple the task or state of life

Section IX - "Sanctity, then, consists in willing all that God wills for us. Yes! sanctity of heart is a simple "fiat," a conformity of will with the will of God."

[Lisa, Group handmaid]

Thadeus - agreed. There are bloggers out there who deservedly have a high readership and write stuff that really helps people understand the Church better and thus draw nearer to God. There are also bloggers (including me!) who just spout hot air.

I'm not saying I'm against blogging for the fun of it; the whole point of blogging when it started up was that anyone could do it. But it can all too often be a dangerous distraction from an individual's quest for holiness. IMHO :)

[Carina]

Phase 2 thread required now please. I like to make comments as I go so I don't forget. It's all about FAITH now, getting better and better :)

[Lisa, Group handmaid]

Have prodded Anja about it :)

-Edit-
Thread for Phase 2 up and running!