The Ark Represented the Catholic Church
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Once the Door is shut we are out of time!
In the time of Noah, the entire human race was submerged by the Deluge, and only eight people were saved in the Ark. Saint Peter says, "This ark was the figure of the Church," while Saint Augustine adds, "And these eight people who were saved signify that very few Christians are saved, because there are very few who sincerely renounce the world, and those who renounce it only in words do not belong to the mystery represented by that ark."
"And a certain man said to Him: Lord, are they few that are saved? But He said to them: Strive to enter by the narrow gate; for many, I say to you, shall seek to enter, and shall not be able. But when the master of the house shall be gone in, and shall shut the door, you shall begin to stand without, and knock at the door, saying: Lord, open to us. And he answering, shall say to you: I know you not, whence you are."--Luke 13: 23-25
Conversion: A Thoughtful Glance at Human Life
Conversion means turning to God, whether it be for the first time or whether it be after a period of sluggish and half-hearted service. In this first part, one must honestly strive to see himself as he really is—weak and selfish, but loved by God, and made for the eternal glory and happiness of heaven. Man must be deeply impressed with the true purpose of this earthly life, and do everything possible to make that purpose the main goal of his future actions.
MAN'S PURPOSE ON EARTH
Christ: My child, the highest goal of your life is union with me in heaven. Let your intentions throughout the day be guided by this truth. In all things, be sure to stay on the path which leads to heaven. Do not become too deeply interested in the passing desires and brief enjoyments of this earthly life.
2. I have given you everything that you are and everything you have. All things come to you from me, the supreme good. Whatever comes, accept it, use it, enjoy it, as I wish and as much as I wish.
3. If you think only of satisfying yourself, without considering my approval, your mind becomes confused and your will becomes weak. Mistakes and sins will rob you of peace on earth and of unending happiness in Heaven. In all things, therefore, keep your eyes on me.
4. Happy are those who desire only what I want, trying steadily to do my will. Such people do not let themselves become completely absorbed by their daily activities. They frequently offer their activities to me. They see the brevity of human contentment on earth.
5. Examine your motives in your daily words and actions. Find out how you may please me more, and avoid everything which may draw you away from me. Think: I was created for eternal happiness with God in heaven. Everything else must take second place in my life because if I lose heaven, I will be losing everything. The sure guide to heaven is God's holy will. If I follow it in my daily life, every moment on earth will be a sure step toward the perfect happiness which my heart craves.
Prayer: My God and loving Father, grant me the wisdom to think, speak, and act each day as you want me to. May I never be such a fool as to disagree with your supreme goodness and wisdom. Nothing on earth can bring me any lasting happiness. Therefore, let me never sin for the sake of anything. I want to live for the perfect happiness for which you created me. Amen.
Conversion means turning to God, whether it be for the first time or whether it be after a period of sluggish and half-hearted service. In this first part, one must honestly strive to see himself as he really is—weak and selfish, but loved by God, and made for the eternal glory and happiness of heaven. Man must be deeply impressed with the true purpose of this earthly life, and do everything possible to make that purpose the main goal of his future actions.
MAN'S PURPOSE ON EARTH
Christ: My child, the highest goal of your life is union with me in heaven. Let your intentions throughout the day be guided by this truth. In all things, be sure to stay on the path which leads to heaven. Do not become too deeply interested in the passing desires and brief enjoyments of this earthly life.
2. I have given you everything that you are and everything you have. All things come to you from me, the supreme good. Whatever comes, accept it, use it, enjoy it, as I wish and as much as I wish.
3. If you think only of satisfying yourself, without considering my approval, your mind becomes confused and your will becomes weak. Mistakes and sins will rob you of peace on earth and of unending happiness in Heaven. In all things, therefore, keep your eyes on me.
4. Happy are those who desire only what I want, trying steadily to do my will. Such people do not let themselves become completely absorbed by their daily activities. They frequently offer their activities to me. They see the brevity of human contentment on earth.
5. Examine your motives in your daily words and actions. Find out how you may please me more, and avoid everything which may draw you away from me. Think: I was created for eternal happiness with God in heaven. Everything else must take second place in my life because if I lose heaven, I will be losing everything. The sure guide to heaven is God's holy will. If I follow it in my daily life, every moment on earth will be a sure step toward the perfect happiness which my heart craves.
Prayer: My God and loving Father, grant me the wisdom to think, speak, and act each day as you want me to. May I never be such a fool as to disagree with your supreme goodness and wisdom. Nothing on earth can bring me any lasting happiness. Therefore, let me never sin for the sake of anything. I want to live for the perfect happiness for which you created me. Amen.
Know This! A few things in this earthly life are absolutely certain. The most undebatable of these is death. Every man, even the atheist, will admit this much. Death, however, is not the very last event in this life of ours. Right after death, we shall be judged.
Our private judgment will be repeated on the day of judgment, when all men will know us for what we are. Our judgment will depend on how we live this earthly life of ours. If we have honestly done our best and followed the commandments of Christ, we shall be rewarded with the perfect life of heaven. If, however, we have disregarded His loving directions and refused to make use of His generous help, we shall be condemned to Hell.
Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell - these are the four last things toward which we are moving each hour of the day and night. They will never frighten us if our conscience is clear. If we love God in our daily life, that is, if we are sincerely trying to know and follow His holy will, we have no reason to fear. By keeping this eternal goal ever before us, we shall think straight when life's problems and difficulties face us. In making the following meditations, we must strive to become eternity-minded. We must seek to guarantee to ourselves, as far as is in our power, the unending success and unmarred happiness of Heaven. Honor and glory to our King, our Master, our God. May we obtain eternal life and glory in Heaven with Him forever and ever. Amen.
Our private judgment will be repeated on the day of judgment, when all men will know us for what we are. Our judgment will depend on how we live this earthly life of ours. If we have honestly done our best and followed the commandments of Christ, we shall be rewarded with the perfect life of heaven. If, however, we have disregarded His loving directions and refused to make use of His generous help, we shall be condemned to Hell.
Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell - these are the four last things toward which we are moving each hour of the day and night. They will never frighten us if our conscience is clear. If we love God in our daily life, that is, if we are sincerely trying to know and follow His holy will, we have no reason to fear. By keeping this eternal goal ever before us, we shall think straight when life's problems and difficulties face us. In making the following meditations, we must strive to become eternity-minded. We must seek to guarantee to ourselves, as far as is in our power, the unending success and unmarred happiness of Heaven. Honor and glory to our King, our Master, our God. May we obtain eternal life and glory in Heaven with Him forever and ever. Amen.
The House Rule's of God
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As it is in Heaven |
Thy will be done |
