Franciscan Dave David Seitz, OFS
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- Religion & Spirituality
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Rebuilding the Church, continuing the call to St. Francis of Assisi. How can we as individuals continue the mission of Francis and become Heralds of the Great King?
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The Examen: Part 4 and 5 Asking Forgiveness and Looking to the Next Day
In this episode we conclude our reflection on the Examen prayer by contemplating steps 4 and 5; asking forgiveness and looking forward to the next day.
We begin by exploring what the Catechism teaches regarding forgiveness.
We walk through the Psalms and Canticles in the Liturgy of the Hours as they relate to mercy and forgiveness.
We realize that approaching God with a humble and contrite heart pleases God. God wants to forgive us, but we must do our part and ask for His mercy.
Part 5 is where we conclude the Examen by looking forward to the next day. What can I do better? Where can I grow in holiness and be more conformed to Christ? How can I do better in thought, word, and deed? How can I carry on the process of On-Going Conversion.
I hope you have enjoyed this series on the Examen. It is one of many beautiful devotions and practices that have developed over the centuries.
The beauty of the Catholic Church is that there are so many ways to be Catholic, one is not necessarily better than the other. Find what devotions and practices speak to you and are suitable to your unique individual person and soul.
May the Lord grant you His peace!
David Seitz, OFS
david@tauministries.com
Tau Ministries Web Site
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The Examen: Part 3 Review of the day
In this episode we continue our reflection on the practice of the Examen. The third step is to review our day. This is where we get to "Know our sins and to rid ourselves of them."
We begin by having a discussion on the uncomfortable topic of sin. Sin is mentioned over 750 times in the scriptures, and so, we must take sin seriously. Sin, we discover, is a breach of our relationship with God. We reflect on the story of the first sin in the garden. We learn that God, even in the midst of our sins, calls out to us to heal that breach of relationship. The goal of the Examen is to help us deepen our relationship with God, to conform oursleves more closely to the person of Jesus.
Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J., insturcts us to examine oursleves in the light of the beatitudes. He says meditation on the beautitudes helps us to get to know the heart of Jesus. Our goal is to conform our hearts to His.
We end this reflection by quoting St. Pope John XXIII. "I often persuaded men to pray, to ponder the gospels, to reform the morals of the world by first reforming themselves."
We continude to build ourselves into strong "living stones", the foundation of the Church, which will, in the end, be a witness of Christ to the world, drawing souls to heaven.
May the Lord grant you His peace.
David Seitz, OFS
david@tauministries.com
Tau Ministries Website
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The Examen: Part 2 of 5
As we continue to explore the Examen Prayer, we delve into Thanksgiving. As you recall, the first part of the Examen is to call on the Holy Spirit to guide us. Step 2, we examine our day and give thanks to God for all He has done for us.
We will Explore:
1. The Scriptural Roots of Thanksgiving
The Psalms of Thanksgiving
Old Testament Examples of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving in the Liturgy and Prayers of the Church
2. We will explore how living a life of Thanksgiving affects our Mental and Physical well being.
Emotional
Social
Peronality
Career
Physical Health
Thanksgiving and Recovery
There is an excellent article on 28 benefits of Thanksfulness that can be found at the website
Positivepsychology.com and you can read the article by clicking the link to the site.
For more information on the book I referenced "Finding True Happiness" by Fr. Rober Spitzer, S.J. go to Ignatius Press. I highly recommend this book.
For more information on Franciscan Dave and Tau Ministries visit our website Here.
May the Lord grant you HIs peace.
David Seitz, OFS
david@tauministries.com
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The Examen: Part 1 of 5 Ask God to Send His Spirit
In this episode we introduce the "Examen". Developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, (1471-1556), the Examine is a part of the spiritual exercises. The practice of a daily Examine is part of the formation and life of those in the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits.
The Exame consists of 5 parts:
1. Ask God to send his Spirit
2. Give thanks for the day
3. Review the day
4. Ask for forgiveness
5. Pray for the next day
In this episode, I discuss Step 1, Asking God to send the Holy Spirt. I talk about 12 aspects of the Holy Spirit that lend themselves to our Examen. While these 12 are not all encompassing of the Holy Spirit, I believe they give a good understanding of what the Holy Spirit can bring to help us make a good and thorough Examine of our day.
1. A Spirit of Life
2. A Spirit of Glory
3. The Spirit as Comforter
4. A Spirit of Wisdom
5. A Spirit of Truth
6. A Spirit of Revelation
7. A Spirit of Right Judgment
8. A Spirit of Prophecy
9. The Spirit of the Father
10. The Spirit of Christ
11. A Spirit of Holiness
12. The Spirit as Advocate
You may not practice the Examen daily, as to the Jesuits, however, even a weekly, or monthly Examen is worth the effort as it will help you orient your life towards a life centered on God.
May the Lord grant you His peace.
David Seitz, OFS
david@tauministries.com
www.tauministries.com
Want to learn more? Check out the book
The Spritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola: With Points for Personal Prayer From Jesuit Spiritual Masters by Fr. Sean Salai, S.J.
For a more in depth study of the Holy Spirit Check out the book, The Sanctifier: The Classic Work on the Holy Spirit
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7 Guideposts for a Holy Life
In this episode David shares insights into what he has learned by the masters of the spiritual life. What has he found in common? There are 7 commonalities that seem to resonate with those saints we hold up as heros and teachers of the faith. David summarizes these 7 common traits.
1. Eucharistic Focus
2. Frequent Confession
3. Live a Life Centered on Prayer
4. Sacrifice / Redemptive Suffering
5. Humility
6. Put on the Armor of Christ (Eph 6:10-19)
7. Be Fervent
You can download a summary document by visiting the following link at the Tau Ministreis Website. Prayers (tauministries.com) and opening up the 7 Guidepost document.
As always, we pray that you found this reflection helpful and encourage you to share and recommend to others who you feel may find it inspiring.
May the Lord grant you His peace!
David Seitz, OFS
david@tauministries.com
Tau Ministires
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Jesus is Risen! Now What?
In Episode 1 of Season 2, Franciscan Dave talks about how we are called to share the good news of the Risen Lord. What happens after Easter? We Rejoice and we tell the good news. Faith comes by "hearing". It is not enough to simply live a good life, we must go forth and witness to the good news of the Gospel.
1. What not to do.
2. Always be ready to offer a reason for the hope in you.
3. What is the main message of the Gospels? Why did Jesus come?
4. What did Jesus command us to do?
5. What it means to live out our baptismal commission to be prophets?
6. What price are we willing to pay for spreading the Gospel?
Franciscan Dave is a production of Tau Ministries, rebuilding the Church by helping the "living stones" grow in faith and a life of holiness.
You can reach Franciscan Dave at: david@tauministries.com
May the Lord grant you His peace.
David Seitz, OFS
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