“He who has resolved to contend with
his flesh and conquer it himself struggles in vain. For unless the Lord destroys the house of flesh and builds the house of the soul; the man who desires to destroy it has watched and fasted in vain.”
~St. John Climacus
For Reflection:
How can I build “the house” of my soul so that I may overcome any temptation to sin against chastity? What are three specific ways I can employ beginning now? (See tomorrow’s GraceLine for one saint’s suggestion.)
LEARN TO DISCERN COMPENDIUM Susan Brinkmann, OCDS 269 pgs PB CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
One way to learn about authentic Christian prayer and meditation is to learn what it isn't--Transcendental Meditation and its contemporary spawn, Centering Prayer. And beware of yoga! It's not just an exercise program....a central part of this practice is a non-Christian form of mediation that seeks the self, rather than God, and is woven into the typical class in ways the beginner may not even notice. And no course on the subject of non-Christian prayer can be complete without learning the difference between superstition and true devotion.
