13 General Resolutions from St. Faustina’s Diary:
861. Particular examen: remains the same; namely, to unite myself with the Merciful Christ (that is; what would Christ do in such and such a case?) and, in spirit, to embrace the whole world, especially Russia and Spain
I. Strict observance of silence – interior silence.
II. To see the image of God in every sister; all love of neighbor must flow from this motive.
III. To do the will of God faithfully at every moment of my life and to live by this.
IV. To give a faithful account of everything to the spiritual director and not to undertake anything of importance without a clear
understanding with him. I shall try to clearly lay bare to him the most secret depths of my soul, bearing in mind that I am dealing
with God himself, and that His representative is just a human being, and so I must pray daily that he be given light.
V. During the evening examination of conscience, I am to ask myself the question: What if He were to call me today?
VI. Not to look for God far away, but within my own being to abide with Him alone.
VII. In sufferings and torments, to take refuge in the tabernacle and to be silent.
VIII. To join all sufferings, prayers, works and mortifications to the merits of Jesus in order to obtain mercy for the world.
IX. To use free moments, however short, for prayers for the dying.
X. There must not be a day in my life when I do not recommend to the Lord the works of our Congregation. Never have regard for what others think of you [for human respect].
XI. Have no familiar relationships with anyone. Gentle firmness toward the girls, boundless patience; punish them severely but with such punishments as these: prayer and self-sacrifice. The strength that is in the emptying of myself for their sake is for them a [source of] constant remorse and the softening of their obdurate hearts.
XII. The presence of God is the basis of all my thoughts, words and deeds.
XIII. To take advantage of all spiritual help. To always put self-love in its proper place; namely, the
last. To perform my spiritual exercises as though I were doing them for the last time in my life, and in like manner to carry out all my duties.
2 Responses to “Ever Wonder What Kind of New Year’s Resolutions the Saints Made?”
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Thomas, thanks so much for reminding us of this gem from St. Faustina’s Diary. I’m going to be printing this one out. =)
Thomas,
Great post. I’ve recently been doing the “Examen” each night from Consoling the Heart of Jesus, and it has been extremely eye-opening. This very last sentence is always one to keep before us: “To perform my spiritual exercises as though I were doing them for the last time in my life, and in like manner to carry out all my duties.” What if we actually lived that way… always!
Great site. Love it!
Blessings in His Merciful Heart,