Spirituality in daily life is a form of asceticism

Introduction to the Devout Life

Discussions for Part III, 2 December 2013

English-speaking Group: Carlo, Elizabeth, Rosita & Ruwantha

Striking Points:

1. When one realizes the vices in oneself instead of battling with the vices, work on to acquire the contrary virtue.
2. To choose the most suited virtues for oneself instead of going after the most popular and showy virtues. This calls for self-knowledge and great humility.
3. It is not possible to progress in one’s prayer life or enhance one’s spiritual growth without patience. Therefore, in the face of inconveniences of life, one is called upon to maintain one’s cool with maturity.
4. When a person is full of self, there is not space for God. Therefore, if we want to live a life propelled by God, we need to empty ourselves to let God have his due space. 

Statue of St Francis de Sales in the Visitation Monastery of Brooklyn

Applications:

1. The practice of virtue according to one’s state of life is something that we can propose to any group we work with.
2. We can emphasize upon interior discipline which is something very personal. This would be an impetus for people to rethink upon their way of life in the absence of external forces and obligations.
3. Self-emptying is a process and we need God’s help and grace. And unless we are empty God cannot really fill us. Therefore, it is here that we need the assistance and help of a guide which we can call grace. Here is where we can propose the people to stay open and humble to whatever spiritual help they can receive. 
4. We can propose the spirituality of daily life which is asceticism. Just as virtue is to be practiced according to one’s walk of life, asceticism can be lived depending on one’s walk of life; which is the transformation of the ordinary life or work into extraordinary.

Summary by Sr Elizabeth