[Spiritual Retreat preached for lay people at St. Patrick’s, in Miami Beach.]
Talk 6 of 6: To Become Just
* Justification stands at the very centre of many theological and religious discussion back in the first century AD. In simple terms, the question is: How can we restore a good relationship with God, the One who is Just and Bounteous?
* Here comes faith in order to accept Jesus, the only-begotten, as a pure gift of grace for redemption and healing of our hearts and souls.
* The Holy Spirit brings with himself transforming power: for the Law of Moses, while stating what is right and what is wrong, did not have the power to transform our hearts so as to fall in love with what is good, and yo really detest what is evil.
[Spiritual Retreat preached for lay people at St. Patrick’s, in Miami Beach.]
Talk 4 of 6: When Faith Gets Questioned – Some Particular Issues
Is there any room for religion in a world dominated by science?
Is it not the case that more religion means more fanaticism and fundamentalism?
Is it possible to be a true Christian and at the same time to enjoy this present life?
Biblical text: Colossians 3
Living as Those Made Alive in Christ
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
[Spiritual Retreat preached for lay people at St. Patrick’s, in Miami Beach.]
Talk 2 of 6: The Outer Battle
The various battle-fields:
1. Colleges, universities. Science as an idol; sex as enterteinment; faith as a hindrance; egotism as a standard.
2. Relativism, subjectivism, consumerism… the MARKET.
3. The media, including reviews and blogs.
4. Your political representatives.
Biblical text: Romans 12,9-21
Love in Action
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
[Spiritual Retreat preached for lay people at St. Patrick’s, in Miami Beach.]
Talk 1 of 6: The Inner Battle
1. Educate your conscience
2. Identify strengths and weaknesses. Do become an expert on your own self.
3. Be honest about your own failures; blaming others does not help.
4. Be compassionate about your true (fallen) nature.
5. Be proactive on what should change in and around yourself.
6. Join a community. Only the living branches receive the tree’s sap.
7. Share what you have learned. Sharing is good for others but first is good for you.
