Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits. Psalm 103:1-2
“God shows the soul also, that all the benefits bestowed on her by creatures (whether spiritual or temporal) are given because God moves them to it; and hence she learns to take no heed of creatures, what service soever they may have rendered her, for she perceives clearly that it is God who has done it by the action of His providence. By this vision the soul is more and more inflamed, and finally abandons herself to love, casting aside all creatures, and finding in God such fulness that she can regard nothing else but Him.”
Catherine of Genoa (1447-1510) in Spiritual Dialogues (Grand Rapids: CCEL) Part Third, Chapter 8. Click here to download this classic work.
Today marks the second to last post from Catherine of Genoa and our rich and edifying exploration of what is needful for living, giving, serving, and loving generously from her Life and Doctrine and Spiritual Dialogues.
As we mature in our journey, we can worship the gifts of God and forget about God. Let me explain.
The reason we must recall His benefits is to remind ourselves where they came from. Sadly, most Christians take steps, God blesses them, and then they get comfortable, fat, and happy.
The forget that the benefits came from His providence. Instead they as if they produced the good themselves.
Don’t let this be you. Pause today to worship God. Acknowledge nothing else but Him as the Giver of all good gifts. And resolve not just to enjoy them but to take steps to grow in your sharing.
His grace will about to you in the measure you move toward maturity. You’ve got this. God’s got you.