Daily reflection from the CPLO and the Jesuit Institute for 1 September 2021

Published: Wed, 09/01/21

Wednesday, 1 September 2021

“Be doers of the Word of God, not hearers only.”

~ James 1:22 ~

James 1:17-27

Jesus, through his teaching—in action more than words—repeatedly challenges the stone-hearted conception of God’s law and trains his disciples, then and now, to live from their heart, where the essence of God’s law resides; which is summed up in the great commandment to love God and to love neighbour.

Throughout the Gospel accounts, we know that Jesus shocks the elders of the law, the scribes and the Pharisees and even his disciples, again and again; when they see him touching the leperous, the menstruating, the evil-possessed and the dead.

The word of God must be active and alive and not simply an unwavering assent to prescriptions as the Letter of James warns, “Be doers of the Word of God, not hearers only.”

We are quick to preach the Gospel and even to quote from the Word of God, but how ready are we to show our faith in our actions?

Maybe think of one thing you can do today that places your faith in action and is a concrete expression of your love for God and your neighbour.

Jesus,

Doer of the Word of God,

send your Holy Spirit upon me

to show me how I can

help my neighbour

in concrete ways

that testify to your

love for all.

Amen.

Reflection prepared by Ricardo da Silva SJ

LAST CHANCE!!

HEARTS ON FIRE

Do you want to

Learn new ways to pray?

Deepen your prayer life?

Make good decisions?

Live a life of service to others?

Discover God's presence in your life?

Become a Prayer Guide or Spiritual Director?

Join us every Thursday evenings 18.00 - 2015

9, 16, 23, 30 September, 7 and 14 October 2021

To book: email Margaret retreats@jesuitinstitute.org.za

Cost R1000 (Includes workbook)

Partial Bursaries are available

Hearts on Fire is a six-evening introduction to an Ignatian way of living and praying. It introduces various ways of praying, including Lectio Divina, Imaginative Contemplation, the Examen of Consciousness and praying using pictures. It explores how we can be more open to discovering God present and active in our daily experiences so that we can respond to God’s invitation to us. To find out more watch the video below.

It gives the basics of Ignatian Spirituality and is a required course for those considering further training as Prayer Guides of Spiritual Directors through the Jesuit Institute.