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Courses Reconquest > The Secret to Dying Well > Module 2

Module presentation 2 - My Cross

To climb a mountain, one must set a clear goal: “I intend to reach such and such a peak.” In every true ascent, however, there are steep and dangerous stretches where there is little to hold on to. For this reason, climbers drive iron spikes into the rock—secure points that can bear their weight, serving as footholds or supports. By placing these pegs firmly along the way, the ascent becomes possible.

How can this be applied to the spiritual life? In this video series, you will discover a practical method for planning and examining your life in conformity with the will of God and the observance of His Commandments. You will learn how to make firm resolutions, correcting aspects of your life that need amendment, and understand the importance of aligning yourself with God’s will. You will also see how true love gives rise to good works and generous self-giving.

We will all die one day. Therefore, never fail to ask yourself: “If I were to die today, what would my eternal destiny be?” Reflecting on this question will help you advance more swiftly and securely in your spiritual life, rising ever higher toward holiness.

Conteúdo

Module presentation

Module lessons

Bibliographic references

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Module lessons 2

1. My resolutions

How can we make good resolutions and gear them toward the sanctification of our souls? Just like practical resolutions, spiritual resolutions require planning and perseverance. Each small resolution implies a new step forward in the spiritual life. To know where to start, and the right direction to take, we ought to follow in the footsteps of others who walked the paths of holiness before us.  

2. Conformity with God’s will

Our primary conviction should be: God knows what to do. Therefore, we must conform ourselves to His will, in all matters, and trustingly accept setbacks and trials. In this class, Fr. Steven offers a series of examples that teach us the secret to bending to God’s will in our lives, while also showing the satisfaction this will bring us.  

3. The Cross and love

What role do pain and love play in our life? What is the difference between natural love and charity? Love generates self-giving and prompts us to serve others, but what is the correct way of loving? What is your heart full of? What is your love for creatures based on? Are you able to detect the signs of an imperfect or dangerous affection?  

Bibliographic References

BRANDÃO, Ascanio. O breviário da confiança. [The Breviary of Confidence] Lorena: Cléofas, 2013.

CHAUTARD, Jean-Baptiste. The Soul of the Apostolate. Charlotte: TAN Books, 2012.

LEHODEY, Vital. Holy Abandonment. Charlotte: TAN Books, 2004.

MICHEL, Jean, S.J. A Treatise on Despondency in the Pursuit of Piety. London: Wentworth Press, 2016.

RODRIGUES, Afonso. Practice of Perfection and Christian Virtues. Chicago: Loyola University Press, 1929.

ROYO MARÍN, Antonio, O.P. The Theology of Christian Perfection. Eugene: Wipf and Stock, 2012.

BIBLE. Revised Standard Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2006.

SAINT-LAURENT, Thomas de. O livro da confiança. [The Book of Confidence] São Paulo: Petrus, 2019.

TERESA OF AVILA (Santa Teresa de Jesus). Way of Perfection. London: Sheed & Ward, 1999.

______. The Autobiography. Charlotte: TAN Books, 2011.

THÉRÈSE OF LISIEUX (Santa Teresinha). Story of a Soul. Charlotte: TAN Books, 2010.

ALPHONSUS LIGUORI (São Afonso de Ligório). Treatise on Prayer. West Monroe: St. Athanasius Press, 2009.

______. The Passion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ. San Francisco: Blurb, 2021.

______. Selected Writings. New York: Paulist Press, 1999.

______. The Practice of the Love of Jesus Christ. Amherst: Aeterna Press, 2010.

JOHN OF THE CROSS (São João da Cruz). Ascent of Mount Carmel. Brewster: Paraclete Press, 2010.

TANQUEREY, Adolphe. The Spiritual Life: A Treatise on Ascetical and Mystical Theology. Rockford: TAN Books, 2000.

TISSOT, Joseph. How to Profit from Your Faults. Strongsville: Scepter Publishers, 2004.

See also

Spirituality

A Spiritual Retreat
Spirituality

Why must we suffer?
Mariology

The Universal Mediation of Mary
History

Understanding Old Testament History
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