Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Wisdom of G. K. Chesterton



This is one of the most recent reflections I have used this Advent Season and I want to share it with you.   It comes from the book, Advent and Christmas, Wisdom from G. K. Chesterton edited by The Center for the Study of . S. Lewis and Friends.

It is commonly in a somewhat cynical sense that Men have said, "Blessed is she that expecteth nothing, for he shall not be disappointed."  It was in a wholly happy and enthusiastic sense that Saint Francis said, "Blessed is he that expecteth nothing, for he shall enjoy everything."  It was by this deliberate idea of starting from zero, from the dark of nothingness of his own deserts, that he did come to enjoy them.  
SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI

The Gift of God

This is what I have seen to be good.  It is fitting to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the tois with which one toils under the sun the few days of the life God gives us; for this is ou lot.  Like wise all to whom God give wealth and possessions and whom he enables to enjoy them, and to accept their lot and find enjoyment in their toil--this is the gift of God.  For they will scarcely brood over the days of their lives,because God keeps them occupied with the joy of their hearts.
Ecclesiastes 5:18-20

Prayer

Lord, our days are short, but we have done nothing to deserve even the few years of live that you give us.  Teach is to be grateful for small things--food and drink and work--by remembering you servant Saint Francis, who truly expected nothing and enjoyed everything he had.

Advent Action

Each time you sit down to eat today, pause a little long than you normally do.  Meditate on the words from Ecclesiastes,  "it is fitting to eat and drink and find enjoyment."  allow yourself to fill with thanks, to be thank-full.

May you all continue to enjoy this  Holy Season and may your Christmas be one of happiness and thanksgiving to our Creator who loves us without end!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!


This and other books in this series Advent and Lent are published by Liguori.

8 comments:

  1. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year dear Cathy,
    much love,
    Zuzana

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  2. So absolutely true! I love your reflections, dear Cathy!
    Hope your Christmas Day was perfect!
    Blessings!
    Ann

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  3. Oh dearest, my comment was eaten up!!!! AHHHH! I want to thank you for this wonderful post and G.K. Chesterton remains to be one of my favorite thinkers of the faith! BLESSINGS TO YOU DEAREST CATHY! Anita

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  4. I always like the prayers of the Saint Francis of Assisi. It's selfless and something that's so lacking these days!

    Smiles,

    ~Silver
    Reflections

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  5. Precious friend, OH HOW I LOVE YOUR ENTHUSIASM FOR BLUE! The color of God's sky, the lakes and seas, and bluebirds over rainbows....YIPEEEEEE! Let us rejoice in our Creator for giving us such promise!!!! LOVE YOU DEAR OLD FRIEND! Anita

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  6. Oh how nice that you haven't published again yet!! How pleasant it was to come in and hear Joy to the World!!! I always start to miss the season at this time. It's the first day back to school for kids here and even though the 12 days are celebrated throughout the holiday no matter what... it's hard to say good bye to Christmas once again this year. Thanks for this surprise!!
    Blessings dear Cathy for a wonderful year... and here's to keeping Christmas every day!
    Ann

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This has become a new adventure. One in which I will try to express my journey with providence.