In this episode we conclude our reflection on the Examen prayer by contemplating steps 4 and 5; asking forgiveness and looking forward to the next day.
 
 We begin by exploring what the Catechism teaches regarding forgiveness.
 We walk through the Psalms and Canticles in the Liturgy of the Hours as they relate to mercy and forgiveness.
 
 We realize that approaching God with a humble and contrite heart pleases God.  God wants to forgive us, but we must do our part and ask for His mercy.
 
 Part 5 is where we conclude the Examen by looking forward to the next day.  What can I do better?  Where can I grow in holiness and be more conformed to Christ?  How can I do better in thought, word, and deed?  How can I carry on the process of On-Going Conversion.
 
 I hope you have enjoyed this series on the Examen.  It is one of many beautiful devotions and practices that have developed over the centuries.
 
 The beauty of the Catholic Church is that there are so many ways to be Catholic, one is not necessarily better than the other.  Find what devotions and practices speak to you and are suitable to your unique individual person and soul.
 
 May the Lord grant you His peace!
 
 David Seitz, OFS
 david@tauministries.com
 
 Tau Ministries Web Site

In this episode we continue our reflection on the practice of the Examen.  The third step is to review our day.  This is where we get to "Know our sins and to rid ourselves of them."

We begin by having a discussion on the uncomfortable topic of sin.  Sin is mentioned over 750 times in the scriptures, and so, we must take sin seriously.  Sin, we discover, is a breach of our relationship with God.  We reflect on the story of the first sin in the garden.  We learn that God, even in the midst of our sins, calls out to us to heal that breach of relationship.  The goal of the Examen is to help us deepen our relationship with God, to conform oursleves more closely to the person of Jesus.

Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J., insturcts us to examine oursleves in the light of the beatitudes.  He says meditation on the beautitudes helps us to get to know the heart of Jesus.  Our goal is to conform our hearts to His.

We end this reflection by quoting St. Pope John XXIII.  "I often persuaded men to pray, to ponder the gospels, to reform the morals of the world by first reforming themselves."

We continude to build ourselves into strong "living stones", the foundation of the Church, which will, in the end, be a witness of Christ to the world, drawing souls to heaven.

May the Lord grant you His peace.

David Seitz, OFS
david@tauministries.com

Tau Ministries Website

As we continue to explore the Examen Prayer, we delve into Thanksgiving.  As you recall, the first part of the Examen is to call on the Holy Spirit to guide us.  Step 2, we examine our day and give thanks to God for all He has done for us. 

We will Explore:
1. The Scriptural Roots of Thanksgiving
     The Psalms of Thanksgiving
     Old Testament Examples of Thanksgiving
    Thanksgiving in the Liturgy and Prayers of the Church

2.  We will explore how living a life of Thanksgiving affects our Mental and Physical well being.
     Emotional
    Social
   Peronality
   Career
   Physical Health
   Thanksgiving and Recovery

There is an excellent article on 28 benefits of Thanksfulness that can be found at the website
Positivepsychology.com and you can read the article by clicking the link to the site.

For more information on the book I referenced "Finding True Happiness" by Fr. Rober Spitzer, S.J.  go to Ignatius Press.  I highly recommend this book.

For more information on Franciscan Dave and Tau Ministries visit our website Here.

May the Lord grant you HIs peace.

David Seitz, OFS
david@tauministries.com

In this episode we introduce the "Examen".  Developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, (1471-1556), the Examine is a part of the spiritual exercises.  The practice of a daily Examine is part of the formation and life of those in the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits.
 
 The Exame  consists of 5 parts:
 
 1. Ask God to send his Spirit
 2. Give thanks for the day
 3. Review the day
 4. Ask for forgiveness
 5. Pray for the next day
 
 In this episode, I discuss Step 1, Asking God to send the Holy Spirt.  I talk about 12 aspects of the Holy Spirit that lend themselves to our Examen.  While these 12 are not all encompassing of the Holy Spirit, I believe they give a good understanding of what the Holy Spirit can bring to help us make a good and thorough Examine of our day.
 
 1. A Spirit of Life
 2. A Spirit of Glory
 3. The Spirit as Comforter
 4. A Spirit of Wisdom
 5. A Spirit of Truth
 6. A Spirit of Revelation
 7. A Spirit of Right Judgment
 8. A Spirit of Prophecy
 9. The Spirit of the Father
 10. The Spirit of Christ
 11. A Spirit of Holiness
 12. The Spirit as Advocate
 
 You may not practice the Examen daily, as to the Jesuits, however, even a weekly, or monthly Examen is worth the effort as it will help you orient your life towards a life centered on God.
 
 May the Lord grant you His peace.
 
 David Seitz, OFS
 david@tauministries.com
 
 www.tauministries.com

Want to learn more?  Check out the book

The Spritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola: With Points for Personal Prayer From Jesuit Spiritual Masters  by Fr. Sean Salai, S.J.

For a more in depth study of the Holy Spirit Check out the book, The Sanctifier: The Classic Work on the Holy Spirit

In this episode David shares insights into what he has learned by the masters of the spiritual life.  What has he found in common?  There are 7 commonalities that seem to resonate with those saints we hold up as heros and teachers of the faith.  David summarizes these 7 common traits.

1. Eucharistic Focus
2. Frequent Confession
3. Live a Life Centered on Prayer
4. Sacrifice / Redemptive Suffering
5. Humility
6. Put on the Armor of Christ (Eph 6:10-19)
7. Be Fervent

You can download a summary document by visiting the following link at the Tau Ministreis Website.  Prayers (tauministries.com) and opening up the 7 Guidepost document.

As always, we pray that you found this reflection helpful and encourage you to share and recommend to others who you feel may find it inspiring.

May the Lord grant you His peace!

David Seitz, OFS
david@tauministries.com

Tau Ministires

In Episode 1 of Season 2, Franciscan Dave talks about how we are called to share the good news of the Risen Lord.  What happens after Easter?  We Rejoice and we tell the good news.  Faith comes by "hearing".  It is not enough to simply live a good life, we must go forth and witness to the good news of the Gospel.

1. What not to do.
2. Always be ready to offer a reason for the hope in you.
3. What is the main message of the Gospels?  Why did Jesus come?
4. What did Jesus command us to do?
5. What it means to live out our baptismal commission to be prophets?
6. What price are we willing to pay for spreading the Gospel?

Franciscan Dave is a production of Tau Ministries, rebuilding the Church by helping the "living stones" grow in faith and a life of holiness.

You can reach Franciscan Dave at:  david@tauministries.com

May the Lord grant you His peace.

David Seitz, OFS

In this episode we are joined by Felician Sr. Mary Bernadette, CSSP and Br. Al Mascia, OFM.   Sr. Bernadette is the program director for the Maryville Retreat Center, Holly, Michigan.
 Br. Al  Mascia is a professional musician and singer songwriter.

What is the value of taking time out from our busy and noisy life by spending time at a retreat center?

How can music draw us closer to Jesus and deepen our relationship with him?

What brought these two evangelists and ministries together?

If you can come to Mid-Michigan on March 30, 2022, mark your calendar.  The Maryville Retreat Center is hosting a one man musical play, performed by Br. Al which will teach us, through song, the life and lessons we can learn from Blessed Solanus Casey.  This will be the premier of this exciting new musical production.  Reserve your seat now by visiting the registration page.

If you are not in Mid-Michigan, you will still benefit from hearing about the ministries of Sr. Bernadette and Br. Al, and following the link to Blessed Solanus Casey, where you, too, can learn about a Hero of the Church.

May the Lord grant you His peace!

David Seitz, OFS
david@tauministries.com

Tau Ministries Website

This episode was presented to the Immaculate Conception Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order in Mishawaka, IN on February 19, 2022.

Have the events of the past two years robbed you of Joy and Peace?
Can we have joy in our hearts with all that is going on in the world today?
How has Satan contributed to stealing our peace and joy?
Have you experience your joy being impacted by the divisions in our politics, Church and families?
What did St. Francis of Assisi teach about Joy?
What does Sacred Scripture teach us about Joy?
How can you cultivate "Perfect Joy" in your life?

May the Lord grant you His peace.

David Seitz, OFS
david@tauministries.com

Tau Ministries Website