12-43 Relationship with God
Maxim 12
Choose to bear all the evils of time rather than the least of eternity, all the evils of nature rather than the least deprivation of grace, since all kinds of reasons illumined by faith teach you to live according to this truth.
Scripture References
James 1:12
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
1 Timothy 4:5-8
Matthew 16:24-26
Philippians 1:21-24
Suggested Application
Do I accept daily crosses, inconveniences, opposition and disappointments in a Christ-like manner?
Do I bear suffering patiently?
To live is Christ; to die is gain. Is my life patterned on these words?
Maxim 13
Consequently, accept without hesitation the loss of all good and the suffering of all evil, rather than the failure, however slight, to fulfill the holy will of God.
Scripture References
1 Peter 5:8-11
Sirach 2:1-2
Matthew 28
Mark 13:13
Luke 9:23-24
Job 1:22
Suggested Application
Am I willing to sacrifice myself and my good name for what is right?
How often do I remind myself that God's grace is "sufficient" for me?
Do I pray for courage, fidelity and discernment?
Maxim 14
Be completely humble since whatever you are, whatever you have, and whatever you do for yourself and others depends on a pure mercy and infinite condescension of God. If you are not humble in every way, you make yourself unworthy of these and the assistance of his graces.
Scripture References
Luke 1:46
Matthew 6:25-34
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
Romans 12:3-7
Suggested Application
Am I convinced that all that I am, have, and do is a gift from God?
Do I use my gifts/talents for God's glory or for my own?
Do I realize that God's work can be most effectively accomplished through me if I am humble?
Maxim 15
Likewise, be very faithful to the grace of the Holy Spirit, listening attentively, obeying promptly and entirely, attributing to God, as is indeed just, the honor resulting from the success of your good actions.
Scripture References
John 16:13-14
Romans 8:1-27
Suggested Application
Do I listen to the Holy Spirit speaking in my life?
Am I faithfulto giving time daily to personal prayer?
Am I faithful to the graces of the Holy Spirit?
Holy Spirit of Love, guide me and help me to be more faithful to your inspirations.
Maxim 16
In everything and everywhere, have only God, God's will and glory before your eyes, and make no account of anything else.
Scripture References
Hebrews 10:7-9
Matthew 7:21
John 17:1-5; 4:34; 5:30
John 7:16-18
Luke 22:42
Suggested Application
Do I occasionally examine my real aim in life?
Knowing what God wants, do I endeavor with my whole heart to fulfill God's wishes for me?
Do I frequently recall the presence of God and pray for a greater awareness of it?
Maxim 17
Desire little in this world, and what you do desire, desire that very little. And better yet, live without desire and set plans. Abandon yourself, surrendering very gently, to the very loving Providence of God.
Scripture References
1 Timothy 6:7-9
Luke 10:40-42; 12:16-21
Hebrews 13:5-6
Jeremiah 17:7-8
Matthew 6:25-33
Suggested Application
Do I try to accept my work, my companions, my success or failure?
Do I live in the present or do I worry needlessly about the future?
Does God hold the first place in my life?
Do I trust God and rely on God's strength to see me through difficulties?
Do I pray for trust?
If so, do I show my trust in God by waiting patiently for God to act?
Maxim 18
Make so perfect a sacrifice of self and of will that you are empty of self from this time on, and thus you will no longer be able to choose deliberately anything except that God's will be completely and perfectly accomplished in you, by you, and among all others.
Scripture References
Genesis 22:1-9
Romans 12:1-2
John 12:24
Matthew 26:39-45
Suggested Application
Doing his Father's will, Jesus suffered:the agony in the garden, the scourging at the pillar, the crowning with thorns, the crucifixion, the loss of his friends, the feeling of abandonment
Doing the will of the Father will mean that I will suffer too...
Maxim 19
Recognize and cherish tenderly this very loving will in all that happens in your life, whatever this may be, and in all the orders of your superiors, unless something manifestly sinful is commanded.
Scripture References
Sirach 2:1-5
Mark 14:32-37
Romans 13:1-2
Hebrews 13:17; 10:5-9
Suggested Application
When I find God's will difficult, do I follow Jesus' example--"being in agony, he prayed longer?"Do I say a sincere and loving "may your will be done" at least in my heart if not with the lips, regardless of how I feel emotionally?Do I try to relate all the daily happenings to God's plan for me?Am I obedient?Do I believe in authority?
Maxim 20
Apply yourself seriously and totally to perform with perfection the present will of God without diverting yourself from it, to the detriment of your obligations, by considering uselessly what will be intimated and manifested to you in due time and place.
Scripture References
Exodus 3:4
Psalm 26:1; 11, 14
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
Jeremiah 1:4-8
Proverb 16:3
Colossians 3:23-25
Suggested Application
In addition to recognizing God's will (Maxim 20), do I carry it out, confident that God gives me the graces I need at the present moment to be totally for him?
Maxim 21
Desire neither praise nor reward for your good works in this life and you will have deeper and fuller life in eternity.
Scripture References
Matthew 6:3-4; 17-18
Philippians 2:6-8; 3:8
Suggested Application
Do I realize that I am an instrument of God's love?
I may be blessed with many gifts; these gifts are meaningless if I do not recognize my poverty.
Do I believe that all is gift?
God uses me as an instrument of his love...
Maxim 22
On the contrary, behave in such a manner that your good actions are hidden in time and known to God alone, to appear only in eternity and even never to appear, if God so wills.
Scripture References
2 Corinthians 5:10
Matthew 6:16-18
Matthew 6:1-6
Colossians 3:1-4
Suggested Application
Do I draw attention to my good actions for my own self-satisfaction?
Am I content if my good actions are ignored, or unappreciated or misinterpreted
Do I trust in God's loving judgment and generosity?
Maxim 23
Love nothing but God and what can be called divine.
Scripture References
Romans 12:1-2
John 15:7-12
Ephesians 5:1-2
Suggested Application
Am I single-hearted?
The pronouncement of my vows indicates that I am a dedicated religious. Does my way of life verify this commitment?
Jesus' life was a life of sacrifice. Am I ready to follow him no matter what the personal cost is to me? in everything?
on all occasions?
Maxim 24
Be utterly given to God by a holy self-surrender, utterly for God by a love pure and completely unselfish, utterly in God by a continuing effort to be more conscious of his presence, utterly accordingly to God by a will, a life and everything conformed to him.
Scripture References
Mark 12:28-31
Suggested Application
Do I appreciate the importance of keeping the
first and greatest commandment?Do I endeavor to see Jesus in my neighbor?
Do I ask the guidance of the Holy Spirit in
ascertaining God's will for me?Do I live in God's presence?
Maxim 25
Be happy in all things about God's glory solely, regardless of who furthers it, and be happier yet when others seem noticeably to advance that glory more than you do.
Scripture References
John 16:20
Luke 15:4-7
Psalm 16:9-11
Suggested Application
Do I talk with others about their spiritual journey and encourage them in their efforts to be holy?
Do I share my spiritual journey with others?
Ultimately, what is the source of my happiness?
Am I happy when others exceed me in spiritual and personal gifts?
Maxim 26
Seek in everything God's contentment and not anything else, and the better to practice this, remember in the entire living out of your life, in desolation, in sickness, etc., to desire God's greater contentment without giving a thought to your own interest.
Scripture References
Sirach 2:1-5; 3:18
James 1:2-4
Colossians 3:17
1 Corinthians 10:31
Suggested Application
Do I strive for an ever deeper awareness of God’s love for me?
How faithful and attentive am I to making my morning offering, giving my whole day as a gift to God?
Am I impelled by love to carry the cross, or am I a compelled crossbearer?
Does my behavior bear witness to my total commitment?
Maxim 27
Seek out the interior and hidden life of Jesus insofar as the activities of zeal allow.
Scripture References
John 14:10-11
Luke 2:49-51
Luke 6:12
Suggested Application
Do I interrelate a hidden life in God and a life active for God?
Am I in the habit of turning to God in prayer, not only when the going is hard, but also when all seems at peace?
Maxim 28
Be sad over the world's notice of you or affection for you and be convinced that such notice and affection are wasted on anyone who so little merits it; and, on the contrary, desire only that the preoccupation and affection of people be, like that of the angels, of God alone and for God alone.
Scripture References
Isaiah 43:1-7
Colossians 3:12-15
Suggested Application
Does the gospel message find a home in me?
Maxim 29
Believe with Saint Teresa the truths of your religion with a firmer faith when they are more difficult to understand. (The Autobiography of Teresa of Avila, Chapter XIX).
Scripture References
1 Corinthians 16:13
1 Timothy 6:11-14
Colossians 1:21-23
John 20:24-29
Suggested Application
I believe Lord, help my unbelief…
What do I do to nourish my faith in Jesus and his mission?
Maxim 30
And do the same in the practice of hope. When in your actions and plans there is little likelihood of success or of human aid and more difficulties oppose you, trust in God far more.
Scripture References
Psalm 27, 11, 31, 62, 118
Jeremiah 17:7-8
Luke 12:7; 22-31
Romans 15:13
1 Timothy 4:10
Proverb 3:5-6
John 16:33
Suggested Application
Do I pray for greater confidence in God?
Do I turn to God in the time of need?
Do I seek God’s help in fulfilling my commitment?
Is my confidence in God made evident through joyful witness?
Maxim 31
In your greatest troubles and dangers hope with a firm confidence not that God will comfort or deliver you but that he will effect in you and through you his holy and loving will and live perfectly at peace with this hope.
Scripture References
James 1:12
Colossians 1:9-12
1 Peter 4:12-16, 19
Suggested Application
Do I really try to accept difficulties willingly, trusting God?
If God has taken such great pains to share all of creation with us, will he not give us the strength to persevere?
Do I seek God’s help in fulfilling my commitment?
Am I willing to suffer as Jesus did, in my own small way, knowing that he will never ask for suffering as great as his?
Do I realize that the will of God may not be what I expect?
Do I frequently make an act of hope?
Maxim 32
When you happen to be abandoned by creatures,and even by God if he takes away his sensible graces, remember the abandonment of the dear Savior on the cross and tenderly cherish your own consideration of his.
Scripture References
Psalm 22, 38, 50, 86, 102,130
Matthew 16:24
Mark 14:33
Mark 15:34
Suggested Application
Silent reflection
Maxim 33
If it glorifies God, desire to be as pleasing to him by each of your actions as the (holiest) persons in this world would be by the practice of the same action.
Scripture References
1 Peter 1:13-16
Leviticus 20:7-9
2 Timothy 1:6-10
Suggested Application
Do I want to be holy?
Does my life glorify God?
Am I clinging to anything that keeps me from glorifying God?
What more is God asking of me at this time?
Maxim 34
In your undertakings, see to it that God alone is their inspiration and their goal; that in their execution you never turn aside from his holy will, and as for the result, remain completely indifferent whether they succeed or not, desiring that in all and by all the will of God would be perfectly fulfilled, a will that you should equally recognize and love when your plans are delayed and even destroyed and when you see their advancement and successful development.
Scripture References
Hebrews 10:8-10
Matthew 5:16
Matthew 6:1
Psalm 40:7-9
Suggested Application
Am I willing to do the most menial and unseen tasks willingly and joyfully?
Do I make use of my God-given gifts or do I hide them through false humility?
Humility is truth…Is God really at the corner of my life and work?
Do I seek God’s will rather than my own?
Maxim 35
Convince yourself that wherever you are and whatever you do God sees you clearly and distinctly; do not do in his presence what you would not dare to do in the presence of a person you should esteem.
Scripture References
Psalm 100:2
Suggested Application
Reflect on: Psalm 139:1-10
Maxim 36
Let your affections and actions be guided by reason and duty and not by caprice and natural inclinations.
Scripture References
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Romans 8:31-39
Romans 9:24-27
1 Corinthians 5:6-8
Suggested Application
Reflect on: Ephesians 3:14-19
Maxim 37
Ask nothing and refuse nothing, unless you judge it absolutely necessary after having prayed to God. Even in that case let it be done as a simple proposal together with a complete resignation whether this proposal is accepted or not.
Scripture References
Job 1:21-22; 2:10
Mark 14:35-36
Luke 1:38
Matthew 6:25-34
Suggested Application
Lord, what will you have me do?
Am I willing to let God do with me what he chooses?
Do I trust in God’s goodness?
Maxim 38
Never complain about anyone but yourself.
Scripture References
John 8:1-11
Matthew 7:1-5
Wisdom 12:15-22
Luke 20:45-47
James 3:2-12; 2:1-13
1 John 3:21-24
Suggested Application
Reflect on: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Maxim 39
Be nothing to yourself and be utterly given to God and to the neighbor.
Scripture References
Galatians 5:13-14
Matthew 6:19-20
Suggested Application
Do I recognize my neighbor as:
sisters in my local community?
other sisters in community?
the child or youth whom I teach?
people to whom I minister?
my fellow workers?
people I read about in the newspaper?
the homeless?
the mentally ill?
Maxim 40
Love nothing that is not eternal.
Scripture References
John 13:34-35
1 Corinthains 10:24
Suggested Application
What is the deepest desire of my heart?
Am I a child of this world or the next?
Do I ever objectify my reality by asking: what is this in the light of eternity?
Maxim 41
Tend solely and lovingly to resemble the dear Savior perfectly and in all things. Let him live in you and you in him.
Scripture References
Galatians 2:19-21
Luke 6:36-38
Mark 8:34-38
2 Corinthians 3:3
Suggested Application
Reflect on: 2 Corinthians 3:3
Maxim 42
Long solely and constantly for the great love of God and of our Savior Jesus, but long for it without overeagerness.
Scripture References
Philippians 4:6-9
John 7:37
Psalm 42:2-3
Psalm 63:1-4
Suggested Application
Reflect on the psalms listed above.
Maxim 43
Be, at least in desire, the poorest people, the most humble and humbled, the most pure and obedient, in order to become like the one who was all that, the divine exemplar according to whom you should form yourself.
Scripture References
Philippians 2:1-11
John 13:3-15
Matthew 26:36-46
Matthew 8:20
Suggested Application
His state was divine, yet he did not cling to his equality with God but emptied himself to assume the condition of a slave, and became as all men are, he was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross. Philippians 2:6-8
The Scripture References can be found at the United States Conference of Bishops website.
Maxim Translation: Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph International Research Team, 1975.
Project Designer: Sister Catherine Marie Kreta, CSJ
Gospel Values, References, Application: Sister Marilyn Binder, CSJ