St. John Community Preparation Talk 4 - The law of the maximum

This talk is a commentary on the fourth Maxim of the Saint John Society spirituality: the Law of the Maximum. In the Parable of the talents, Christ encourages us to have holy ambitions, to make the most of our talents in order to build His Kingdom. Given by Dn. Matías Constanzó on December 13, 2008.

Suggested reading for Talk 3

We suggest the follow reading to further the topic of formation in human virtues:

• Card. Newman, St. Paul's characteristic gift
  
• Card. Newman, On Liberal Education
  The first text is a sermon in which Newman describes St. Paul's holiness as an enhancement of his human gifts through the action of divine grace. The second text is part of the book 'Idea of a University'. It explains the importance of education beyond professional usefulness. The formation of the person as a father, mother, friend, spouse, neighbor, is what is really at stake.

St. John Community Preparation Talk 3 - Human virtue the foundation for Christian life

This talk is a commentary on the third Maxim of the Saint John Society spirituality: "Since grace is founded upon nature, we cultivate human virtue, especially those of responsibility, good demeanor, generosity, effective time management and good character". Given by Fr. Lucas Laborde on November 8, 2008.

Follow the link in the title to listen to the talk. Your comments are appreciated.

Suggested reading for Talk 2

We suggest the following texts in order to delve into the reality of prayer.

• Card. Newman, The invisible world.
• Tanquerey, How we can transform our actions into prayers.
• St. Francis de Sales, About prayer and meditation.

Cardinal Newman's sermon on the invisible world raises our awareness of the invisible realities: God's presence, the power of the sacraments, of prayer, of divine grace... Only a faith-filled view can discover the true significance of all these. Tanquerey's text is a brief explanation of the different means of prayer that we can utilize to be united to Christ throughout the day. St. Francis de Sales gives very helpful guidelines for the morning meditation.

Saint John Community Preparation Talk 2 - Prayer Life

Here is the second preparation talk for the Saint John Community, given by Deacon Ignacio Llorente. It explains the second maxim of the St. John Society spirituality on the means

You can follow the link in the title of this post and click on the play button of the audio player in the upper right corner, or click on the link under the audio player of your choice (Windows Media, etc.)

Suggested reading for Talk 1

Here are some suggested articles that are helpful to deepen this first talk. These can be good 'homework' in between the monthly meetings, so we can keep it in mind.

• Card. Newman, Obedience without Love.
  
• Tanquerey, Desire of Perfection.

Card. Newman's sermon is excellent to reflect on the difference between a moral system and Christianity. 'Desire for perfection' shows why this desire is so important in order to accomplish the fulness of Christian life. I would much appreciate your questions and comments on these texts.

Saint John Community Formation Talk 1 -- For Christ, With Christ, Like Christ

This is the first preparation talk for the Saint John Community, given by Fr. Lucas Laborde. It explains the first maxim of the St. John Society spirituality: "For Christ, With Christ, Like Christ we aim at holiness."

Click on the title of this post to find the audio files. This talk was re-recorded on November 21, 2009.