Thursday, February 26, 2009

Rosary #26 Imitate Christ

ROSARY FOR THE YEAR OF SAINT PAUL - Ephesians 5

Poverty has various aspects: christological, apostolic, eschatological, sociological.  The essential, though not exclusive, point for us is christological.  We want to be poor in order to conform ourselves to Christ in our daily lives. Our poverty  is also apostolic, for we economize and sacrifice on behalf  of our brothers and sisters. Although this facet  is essential, it is only  consequential since, in the unlikely event  that the Institute should  acquire abundant assets for the apostolate, we would still live the virtue of poverty in full imitation of Christ

 (Const. # 53 commentary)


First Mystery - Imitate God by imitating Christ (Ephesians 5:1-2)
1 So be imitators of God, as beloved children, 2 and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma.

Second Mystery - Avoid Impurity (Ephesians 5:3-5)
3 Immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is fitting among holy ones, 4 no obscenity or silly or suggestive talk, which is out of place, but instead, thanksgiving. 5 Be sure of this, that no immoral or impure or greedy person, that is, an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Third Mystery - Live in the light (Ephesians 5:8-14)
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth. 10 Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them, 12 for it is shameful even to mention the things done by them in secret; 13 but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore, it says: "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light."

Fourth Mystery - Live Wisely (Ephesians 5:15-16)
15 Watch carefully then how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise, 16 making the most of the opportunity, because the days are evil.  17 Therefore, do not continue in ignorance, but try to understand what is the will of the Lord. 18 And do not get drunk on wine, in which lies debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

Fifth Mystery - Give thanks always (Ephesians 5:19-20)
Addressing one another (in) psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and playing to the Lord in your hearts, 20 giving thanks always and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.




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