Eighth Sunday after Whitsun

Largíre nobis, quǽsumus, Dómine, semper spíritum cogitándi quæ recta sunt, propítius et agéndi: ut, qui sine te esse non póssumus, secúndum te vívere valeámus. Per Dóminum nostrum Iesum Christum, Fílium tuum: qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitáte Spíritus Sancti Deus, per ómnia sǽcula sæculórum. ℟. Amen.

Grant to us, Lord, we beſeech thee, the Spirit to think and do always ſuch things as be rightful; that we, who cannot do any thing that is good without thee, may by thee be enabled to live according to thy will, through Jeſus Chriſt our Lord. Amen.

Keynote: Right Understanding

Life seldom presents to us a clear-cut issue, and it is not always easy to know what is the right thing to do. We may earnestly desire to do the right thing, and yet, by an error of judgement, do untold harm. Again, out own subconscious desires may mislead us until we "rationalize" our actions so that our judgement concerning right and wrong fits in with our desires.

How are we to know what is "God's will" - the spiritual principle which governs the situation? Only by putting aside all personal feelings in the matter, and attuning ourselves to the Spirit of God.

In order to do this, let us first read awhile in the inspired writings of those who themselves were in tune with God. Their outlook will guide us and their spirit will influence us. By their companionship and counsel out hearts will insensibly be brought into that spirit which is in tune with God and we shall "judge righteous judgement".

Then, laying on the altar all our personal desires and prejudices in order that at whatever cost we shall do the right thing, we may pray to God to "Grant us the spirit to think and to do always such things as are rightful, and that you will enable us, who cannot do anything that is good without you, to live according to your will." Then, if we have "kept back no part of the price," we shall find the wisdom of God speaking in the still small voice of the higher self and our path will become clear and our souls will be at peace.

[Dion Fortune, Mystical Meditations on the Christian Collects]