PRIORITIES, PRIORITIES, PRIORITIES
(aka Inner Transformation and Growth in Intimacy with God)
 
Christ proposes the evangelical counsels to every disciple. CCC 915
                                        ( “Proposes” - We are not obligated, but if Christ thinks it’s a good idea, just sayin’ …) 
                                        ( “Every disciple” - No matter what is our state in life…)
Spiritual progress tends toward ever more intimate union with Christ. God calls us all to this intimate union with Him. CCC 2014
                                       (Lent is the perfect time to reevaluate our own participation, responsibility, & response to  the invitation of Christ to grow in a deeper, more intimate union with Him.)  *Confession aids versus all sins!                                            

Evangelical Counsel	Temptation	Examples	Remedy	Examples
Poverty Spiritual Detachment:  Time Treasure Talent	Lust of the Eyes Prioritizing material possessions or appearances over spiritual values   Genesis 3:6  Pleasing to the eyes (but tree was forbidden by God)   Luke 4:5-8 Fleeting earthly pleasures, kingdoms, power, glory	Obsession over latest fashion, cars, belongings, trends, money, power   Jealousy, envy & coveting real or imagined success seen on social media & with others   Greed, Selfishness	Almsgiving  * Prioritizing acknowledgement that all we have is a gift from God to be used to give Him glory & honor   Use strengths & skills to benefit others    Lv 19:9-10; Prv 19:17; Mt 6:19-21; Lk19:1-10	1. Practice the Corporal &      Spiritual Works of Mercy       (feed the hungry, comfort     the sick, forgive others,…) 2.  Share talents with the         Church (sing, read,            teach, leadership, …)  3. Visit the elderly, lonely 4. Donate money, food,       needed items to the       Church & charities         5. Volunteer time to the       Church & charities 6. Focus on eternal riches
Chastity Purity Whole in mind, body, spirit	Lust of the Flesh Prioritizing desires related to physical gratification over morality   Genesis 3:6 Good for food (but tree was forbidden by God)     Luke 4:3-4 Stones become bread	Sexual immorality  (porn, adultery, fornication)   Immodest clothing, behavior, or language   Gluttony (excessive food, alcohol, TV, social media, …)   Recreational drugs   Sloth, Laziness	Fasting  * Prioritizing self-control in all aspects of life to strengthen our will & direct our desires to God   Mastering the body to free the soul   Empties us of ourselves so God can fill us with His graces   Is 58:6-7; Joel 2:12-14 Mt 6:16-18	Reduce social media, TV, & entertainment consumption to dedicate more quality time in prayer or with family & loved ones  Fast from criticism, gossip, & negative words Exercise mature judgement & moderation in all aspects of life, such as: private & public behavior, language, conversations, attire, companionship, reading, & alcohol use
Obedience Listening & Receptivity to God’s will	Pride of Life Prioritizing personal desires over God       Genesis 3:6 Tree – desirable for gaining wisdom (but tree was forbidden by God)   Luke 4:9-12 Angels will catch you Flashy show of importance	Arrogance Boasting Hypocrisy Gossip Judgmental (judging another’s interior motivation) Sensationalism	Prayer  * Prioritizing humility before God, relying on His grace   Spending focused, quality time with God   Strengthens us against temptations & helps us to discern God’s will     Mt 6:9-13; Lk 18:1-8; 1 Thes 5:16-18	Set aside a specific time each day to pray Meditate on Gospel or daily Mass readings          bible.usccb.org/daily-             bible-reading 3. Rosary 4. Eucharistic Adoration 5. Offer small sacrifices in           spirit of prayer, uniting          them to Christ’s cross 6. Bible studies, retreats,           prayer groups 7. Examination of     Conscience

                                            
 
 
 
 
 
The Seven Corporal Works of Mercy
 1. Feed the hungry.
 2. Give drink to the thirsty.
 3. Clothe the naked.
 4. Shelter the homeless.
 5. Visit the imprisoned.
6. Comfort the sick.
 7. Bury the dead.
 
The Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy
 1. Counsel the doubtful.
 2. Instruct the uninformed.
 3. Admonish sinners.
 4. Comfort the sorrowful.
 5. Forgive offenses.
 6. Be patient with those in error.
 7. Pray for the living and the dead