From Emiliana:
Writing about not bringing unnecessary attention to oneself seems like a paradox; and even more of a paradox because I was trying to think how I could be witty and insightful. But God's mercy against my egoism is prevailing here and I only have several brief thoughts.
I wonder about the word "unnecessary" in the maxim. What is necessary attention, then? Can I die to my own ego enough to let Christ shine in all I do? That's the kind of attention that I want to gather up, not because I want anything for myself but because I want the love of Jesus, the will of Our Father and the light of the Holy Spirit to mark my trail in life. In my own weakness and pride I fall so short.
Dear Sisters, let us pray for one another, that we can prepare a path for God. That's all.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
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The Forty Maxims
- 1. Be always with Christ and trust God in everything.
- 2. Pray, fast and do acts of mercy.
- 3. Read the Scriptures regularly.
- 4. Read good books, a little at a time.
- 5. Practice silence, inner and outer.
- 6. Cultivate communion with the saints.
- 7. Be an ordinary person, one of the human race.
- 8. Live a day, even a part of a day, at a time.
- 9. Be honest, first of all with yourself.
- 10. Be faithful in little things.
- 11. Do your work, then forget it.
- 12. Do the most difficult and painful things first.
- 13. Face reality.
- 14. Be grateful.
- 15. Be cheerful.
- 16. Be simple, hidden, quiet and small.
- 17. Never bring unnecessary attention to yourself.
- 18. Listen when people talk to you.
- 19. Be awake and attentive, fully present where you are.
- 20. Think and talk about things no more than necessary.
- 21. Speak simply, clearly, firmly, directly.
- 22. Flee imagination, fantasy, analysis.
- 23. Flee carnal things at their first appearance.
- 24. Don’t complain, grumble, murmur or whine.
- 25. Don’t seek or expect pity or praise.
- 26. Don’t compare yourself with anyone.
- 27. Don’t judge anyone for anything.
- 28. Don’t try to convince anyone of anything.
- 29. Don’t defend or justify yourself.
- 30. Be defined and bound by God, not people.
- 31. Accept criticism gracefully and test it carefully.
- 32. Give advice only when asked or when it is your duty.
- 33. Be strict with yourself.
- 34. Be merciful with yourself and others.
- 35. Do nothing for people that they can do for themselves.
- 36. Have a healthy, wholesome hobby.
- 37. Have no expectations except to be fiercely tempted to your last breath.
- 38. Endure the trial of yourself and your faults serenely, under God’s mercy.
- 39. When you fall, get up immediately and start over.
- 40. Get help when you need it, without fear or shame.
2 comments:
That was beautiful, Emiliana. I really love the way you said it -- the love of Jesus, the will of the Father, and the light of the Holy Spirit sums up what I'd like to have in my life daily. Thank you! Hope you're doing well...Deborah
I, too, wonder about the word "unnecessary." Is it God's love showing thru us that is 'necessary'?
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