The "Rule" of Our Lady and the Scapular Confraternity - VI

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J.M.J

Sixth Day of Novena to the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel

Attend to My law... - "Once we realize that God is merciful love, we go to Him with confidence. In its turn, 'confidence,' [says our dear "Little Therese"] leads to love.'" (Fr. Francis of the Immaculate Conception, C.D., "Mieux connaitre St. Therese") And "love alone," teaches St. John of the Cross, "can repay Love." Now, "whoever desires to love God as He deserves to be loved must reject everything that might impede or weaken that love. For we love God truly only when we love Him alone and love Him with all our [mind, heart, soul and strength]; furthermore, any love we have for creatures [that is, our self, our loved ones, possessions, and even spiritual goods] must be centered in Him and be for Him. To this law there is no exception. .. In consequence of original sin, we find in ourselves a tendency to seek ourselves in all things [that is, to our honor, our ease, comfort, and pleasure]. It is this inordinate self-love that pulls us here and there and prevents the full unfolding of our love of God AND OUR GROWTH IN CHRIST. That is why [our Beloved] demands of those who wish to be His disciples that they deny themselves" (Fr. Francis, C.D., ibid.). If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me (Mt. 16.24).