These are helps for those who wish to make their
own recollections. It will help those who wish to
give recollections. Depending on the groups, the
content and methodology will differ.
Recollection
means collect once again. It is a time of gathering.
Jesus constantly demands accountability from
his disciples. The question is: did the Master
give you any talents, gifts or graces? Once
you recognize these talents then you are obligated
to make these fruitful. Recollection enables
us to check ourselves. For various reasons,
we tend to become blind and deaf to the gifts
God gives us. We are afraid of success and doing
great things. Because this requires much faith
and a greater degree of humility. We know how
to handle failure, weaknesses and being considered
useless.
Go
through your checklist and revise it. The checklist
consists of those spiritual duties that we have
decided to do in prayer. For example, the time
of prayer (include preparation, the actual time
and then the review), Mass, confession, adoration,
rosary. This checklist is a reminder of the
things you should do and those you need to avoid.
If you are very critical, then you could add,
to see goodness in others and avoid looking
at their faults. You may have to periodically
revise it by adding, deleting, specifying or
scheduling it differently.
Briefly
look at your "Plan of Life." To keep a check
on your level of gratitude and to see whether
you have the sight to see the blessings God
has in store in every moment of your life. Those
who truly work on their plan of life regularly
and go deeper into this mystery, find themselves
on the path of perfection. They are filled with
enthusiasm and other graces. The Lord seeing
how they have been faithful in little things
will entrust the care of souls to them
Developing
or updating your spirituality. Each of us has
a unique path on this journey to perfection.
This uniqueness comes from the fact that we
are created in the image and likeness of God.
It is not just saying Lord, Lord that we shall
be saved, but we must do the will of God. This
will is revealed to us through grace, which
in the words to St. Paul Jesus says, "My grace
is sufficient for you." Yet, we cannot see these
graces. Thanks to God, he has given us a way
to recognize his gifts and favors. It is through
the trials, temptations, struggles and weaknesses
we encounter every day. For hidden in these
are the graces we need for our own progress
on the path of salvation and perfection. This
is your action-plan. Once you have worked out
on the plan that the Lord has for you, then
you begin building with the gifts and graces
God gives you.
You
pay attention to the things that I can do. So
when you draw up your checklist start with few
things. Be faithful with these and then gradually
add more and more. Remind yourself it is not
saying many prayers that gives God glory, but
praying with your heart. For if you only prayed
with devotion a single "Hail Mary" the Holy
Spirit would aid you with the angels to create
a beautiful bouquet of flowers. It is this gift
that our Lady will cover with her love and the
merits of her Son. Then she will offer this
gift to the Trinity on your behalf.
You
are aware of the things or persons you should
avoid for your salvation and sanctification.
Look
at the Word of God, the Liturgy or the day,
week or month, and the teachings of the Church.
Relate these to your temptations, trials, struggles
and weaknesses.
Review
the vision, charism and mission of your community.
Review
of the vows. Each person, whatever state of
life you are in, should reflect on how they
have been poor, chaste and obedient.
Prayer:
which methods help you and what combinations
should be used.
According
to your plan of life and spirituality, what
should you be praying about?
How
do you know that you are making progress in
prayer?
Do
you desire to do God's will in all things and
always?
How
do I discern as to those things that are good
for me and those that seem to be good for me?
Make
a list of those virtues and gifts that are action
orientated in the "spiritual directory." (This
is a commentary that is written by our founder
Fr. Flanagan.) Work out specific ways how you
are going to live these instructions of Jesus
and Mary.
In
Spiritual Direction consider the instructions
your were given. See if your fulfilled them.
In the absence of a spiritual director, go to
a regular confessor and ask for guidance and
direction.
Scripture
is a great source for obtaining material for
your teachings.
Gather
anecdotes that explain what you are trying to
teach. Use incidents from your life experiences
and these will be of immense help.
The
schedule could vary from half a day to an entire
day of recollection. A complete day is recommended.
Mass,
talk, rosary, the divine mercy chaplet, the
way of the cross, confessions (during adoration),
and end with benediction.
Please
note that I will be periodically updating this material.
If you have any questions please do ask, your feedback
is of great importance. Thanks.
