A Good Way to Start Your Day

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30–31

Love the Lord your God with all your HEART

    • How will I let go of anger, pride, or envy today?

    • How will I nurture gratitude and compassion?

Love the Lord your God with all your SOUL

    • How will I pray and center myself in God’s presence?

    • How will I avoid false spiritual substitutes?

Love the Lord your God with all your MIND

    • How will I use my thoughts to honor God today?

    • How will I stay focused and avoid unhealthy obsessions?

Love the Lord your God with all your STRENGTH

    • How will I care for my body as a gift from God?

    • How will I practice moderation and avoid harmful excesses?

Love your NEIGHBOR as yourself

    • How will I treat others with kindness and respect today?

    • How will I let go of grudges and choose forgiveness?

 

A Beginners Guide to Mediation - A Franciscan Approach

In 1865, the Poor Clares in Kenmare, a small town in Ireland, published Instructions on Meditation. It is easy to read but gives a lot to think about. The section that caught my attention suggests using three parts of our mind when meditating: memory, understanding, and will.

This idea connects to the teachings of St. Augustine, who believed these three abilities reflect the image of the Holy Trinity within us. St. Bonaventure expanded on this, explaining that the soul moves closer to God through them—memory brings back thoughts of God, understanding helps us reflect on them, and will leads us to love and connect with God. This way of meditating is an important part of Christian and Franciscan traditions, helping people grow in their faith.