Preparing for Consecration

Spirit of the World

Spend this period casting off the spirit of the world which is contrary to that of Jesus Christ.

Reflection

Read and reflect on the scripture passages below.  God challenges us to take the difficult road rather than the easy road.  How does this call to self-evaluation and to embracing the challenges of holy perfection through prayer and action speak to me today?  How often do I yield to the path of least resistance rather than embracing the challenges I face?  Do I face them with God at my side and in confidence or do I hide from them?  God promises us that when we turn to him, we will find what we need.  Be confident in that promise and ask with boldness for heavenly assistance in all things. – Bernadette Harmon

Matthew 7:1-14

Judging Others

¹ Stop judging, that you may not be judged. ² For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. ³ Why do you notice the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? ⁴ How can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove that splinter from your eye,' while the wooden beam is in your eye? ⁵ You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother's eye.

Pearls Before Swine

⁶ Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.

The Answer to Prayers

⁷ Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. ⁹ Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread, ¹⁰ or a snake when he asks for a fish? ¹¹ If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him.

The Golden Rule

¹² Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.

The Narrow Gate

¹³ Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. ¹⁴ How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.