WEEK 1: “Is Self-expression Always Wrong?”
- To know the world we must first look inside ourselves before we look outside, for God created the world and He created us in His own image.
- In order to express what is true we need to repress what is false.
listen
think
Self-expression takes time to cultivate, since we need to have self-knowledge and understanding of who we are as people. When we express things about the people around us, do we express the good or the bad? How should we better express ourselves for the good? We must understand that in order to express ourselves we need to repress the bad. In order to properly express virtue we need to repress our vices. We need to stay sober and avoid what prevents us from doing good. We shouldn’t aim for shallow things. God created us to be the best version of ourselves. This means we should desire the higher things, rather than the lower things in life.
pray
Prayer for my heart
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like Your heart.
Mary, Mother of God, show Yourself a Mother to me.
Saint Joseph, protector of the Holy Family, protect me in all dangers.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul.
Resource
“True Knights Christian Husbands, Fathers and Son: Combat Training Daily Prayers
For Purity” Compiled and Edited by Kenneth Henderson and Jesse Romero (Pg.
27)
act
- Find the true expression of things
- Understand that the difference of all things lies in the intentions behind them
- Know the states of your self-expression Do you pervert things? Do you discipline yourself for the sake of discipline?
- Do you know yourself, and do you understand the limits and pain in the things that you need to repress?
Meet Isaac, Our Spiritual Guide for these Reflections
My name is Isaac Padriga. I was born in the Philippines and came to the states in 2006. One of my favorite daily activities is practicing filipino martial arts or Eskrima (fencing). It is basically shadow boxing with a stick 🙂 I enjoy the thoughtless flow of motion while performing and executing the various movements . My catholic faith is an important aspect of my life for it is the truth, mystery and guidance that helps me navigate through the ongoing uncertainties and challenges of the secular world. I also have two dogs, one mixed maltipoo/shih tzu, named Molly, and a mixed australian shepherd/labrador, named Copper. And finally, I also like to put two shots of espresso in my lemonade. -_-
Cal Poly Pomona Catholic Newman Club 