Lectio et Oratio

Episode 42 -- The Practice of the Presence of God -- The Ways of Brother Lawrence-His Openness to Others

What virtue does Br Lawrence especially teach us?

A sincere and open heart to others. In the work, the Ways of Br Lawrence, Fr Joseph de Beaufort adds more biographical material not covered in the Eulogy. The Ways shows us the great virtues of Br Lawrence. Far from being harsh and aloof. Br Lawrence was someone people could talk to about anything. He was a great listener. What was his secret? He lived by faith, which is our listening to God's own speaking about himself. By faith, we truly hear and accept what God says about himself. Having accepted the truth about God, Br Lawrence was able to accept the truth about all those made in the image of God.

Episode 41 -- The Practice of the Presence of God -- Eulogy Conclusion-Br Lawrence’s Death

What virtue does Br Lawrence especially teach us?

A sincere and open heart to others. In the work, the Ways of Br Lawrence, Fr Joseph de Beaufort adds more biographical material not covered in the Eulogy. The Ways shows us the great virtues of Br Lawrence. Far from being harsh and aloof. Br Lawrence was someone people could talk to about anything. He was a great listener. What was his secret? He lived by faith, which is our listening to God's own speaking about himself. By faith, we truly hear and accept what God says about himself. Having accepted the truth about God, Br Lawrence was able to accept the truth about all those made in the image of God.

Episode 40 -- The Practice of the Presence of God -- Eulogy-51-55 - Union with Christ in Suffering

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Episode 39 -- The Practice of the Presence of God -- Eulogy 41-5-Faith Darkness Helping Others

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Episode 38 -- The Practice of the Presence of God -- Eulogy 41-5-Praying for Theological Virtues

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Episode 37 -- The Practice of the Presence of God -- Eulogy 36-41- Self-Image based on Christ

Episode 36 -- The Practice of the Presence of God -- Eulogy 31-5-Being Singular and Avoiding Singularity

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Episode 35 -- The Practice of the Presence of God -- Eulogy 26-30-Worthwhile Things Often Are Difficult at the Start

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Episode 34 -- The Practice of the Presence of God -- Eulogy 21-5- Reasons for Trials

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Episode 33 -- The Practice of the Presence of God -- Eulogy 16-20- Starting with the Blessed Virgin

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Episode 32 -- The Practice of the Presence of God -- Eulogy 11-16-Why Religious Life

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Episode 31 -- The Practice of the Presence of God -- Eulogy 6-10-Two Great Obligations

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Episode 30 -- The Practice of the Presence of God -- Eulogy 1-5 - Value of Saints

Why is Br Lawrence so important?

His great example. We begin the short biography of Br Lawrence that was written in 1692. In the opening note, the author sets Br Lawrence before us as a model of how to combine action and contemplation.

Episode 29 -- The Practice of the Presence of God -- Spiritual Maxims 7 -- Benefits

What are the benefits of the practice of the presence of God?

Episode 28 -- The Practice of the Presence of God -- Spiritual Maxim 6-The Means to the Presence of God

How does one arrive at the practice of the presence of God?

Three means are crucial. In chapter 6, Br Lawrence lays out the main ways to arrive at the loving awareness of God's presence. The first is purity of life, that is, chastity and being sincere. The second is the actual practice of the presence of God. We must strive to remember God, however briefly, before we do things. But we also must turn our minds to him during our actions. Finally, we must turn to him at the completion. This practice is hard and should not discourage us. It will bear fruit. The third means is the mortification of the senses. We must not allow ourselves to satisfy all our desires for seeing and touching and eating and hearing. We must deny ourselves in things when God asks us to do so. We must be faithful to God in trying to practice self-denial if we want Him to be generous with us in prayer.

Episode 27 -- The Practice of the Presence of God -- Spiritual Maxims 5-On Two Paths to the Presence of God

How can we truly live in God's presence?

When he gives us a gentle loving awareness of himself. In chapter 5 of the Spiritual Maxims, Br Lawrence gives various descriptions of what this being in the presence of God is like. But the most fundamental aspect of these descriptions is that our living in the presence of God is a gift. This awareness of his presence must be asked for from God.

Episode 26 -- The Practice of the Presence of God -- Spiritual Maxims 4 - Union with God

Are there different ways to be in union with God?

Yes, in chapter four, Br Lawrence lays out three meaning of union with God: habitual, virtual, and actual. Habitual union depends on being in a state of grace. If we are in a state of grace, we are always in union with God! But this union can become more intense when we begin an action in union with God. Even as this action continues, we remain in virtual union with God by virtue of the good beginning. Virtual union does not require our constant awareness of God. Finally there is the perfect actual union that arises as God gives Himself to us in a dark and gentle knowledge of himself. This leaves us with a love for Him that embraces God even as we struggle to understand what He is in Himself. We love Him in this cloud of unknowing.

Episode 25 -- The Practice of the Presence of God -- Spiritual Maxim 3 -- How to Adore God in Spirit and in Truth

How do we adore God in this life?

By recognizing Him for what He is and recognizing what we are. He is seeking those who adore Him in spirit and in truth. He dwells in our inmost heart, in our soul, in our spirit, the high point of the soul. To adore Him within also requires that we recognize the truth about God.

Episode 24 -- The Practice of the Presence of God -- Spiritual Maxims 2 - Practices Necessary to Attain the Spiritual Life

What is the most important aspect of the spiritual life? 

In the second chapter on Spiritual Maxims, Br Lawrence stresses the need to turn to God within our souls at various points in the day. Nothing is as valuable as turning in adoration to the God who dwells in our souls. We do not have to spend much time with Him; but every time we withdraw from all creatures to be with Him, we give Him great joy.

Episode 23 -- The Practice of the Presence of God -- Spiritual Maxims 1 - Principles

What is the first spiritual maxim? 

Seek to accept all that God sends. Do not be surprised when he allows trials and difficulties. Christ, the Son of God, faced obstacles and trials. These are no sign of a lack of love from God our Father. God is trying to perfect our faith, hope, and love. He wants to make us depend on Him alone.