1. “LIVE + JESUS”
Union with God

2. The goal:
All of our life and its actions should be aimed at uniting ourselves with God.

3. Scriptural References
Mt 11: (Union between Jesus & the Father)
Mt 26: (Agony in the Garden)
Jn 17: (That they may be one)
Mt 16: (Doctrine of the Cross)
Mt 22: (the great Command)

4. Union with God Unique way to achieve sanctity
The spiritual characteristic of holiness
exitus, reditus
God’s desire

5. The Incarnation Because we sinned or because it was always God’s will?
To unite humanity with divinity
To serve as our model & companion on Earth
God’s kiss on Creation

6. Totality of this Union All is done for this end
The occupation of every second
Sole preoccupation
Beginning & end of our life and actions
Giving everything w/o reservation to God

7. Totality of this Union (II)
Total fidelity: consecrating all
Everything & everyone speaks to this union
Always will to act with God
Life becomes a doxology

8. Union: a habit Union doesn’t mean continual thought of God
Rather, it consists in an habitual disposition of the soul to obey and please God in all things
The more we try, the more it becomes a habit
Perfection consists not in being perfect, but in trying to be perfect
Doing all with God’s grace and light

9. Application: How? Fidelity to State in Life Leading Virtuous life
Giving good example
Avoiding sin
Mastering the passions, pride, self-love, anger, sensuality (the eros)

10. Daily Union
Union in prayer, at Eucharist, in daily sacrifices, in the difficulties, daily cares, at work, in the ordinary
Doing the ordinary, extraordinarily well

11. Mindset of this Union
At every moment set about doing the actual will of God
Makes meaningful & sacred the mundane secular
Follow the Savior step by step

12. Union: Beyond Human Capacity
God does the greater part
“Into your hands, I deliver my spirit.”
Trust, letting go, abandonment
Intimacy (interiority)
Allowing God to work in us
Union of wills & hearts

13. Guidance along the way
We ask the Holy Spirit to guide us daily to discern the will of God, to ask for the grace to set about achieving this union, and to do it with devotion

14. Devotion: is true love of God
Doing God’s will
Daily
Faithfully
Lovingly
Willingly
Carefully
Promptly

15. Union with God: Summary
It’s the essence of our Universal Call to Holiness
It’s our dignity
Requires fidelity to State in Life
Awareness of God’s presence
Focus on the Present Moment
Directing our Intention to God

16. Restlessness
“Our hearts are restless until they rest in you, O God.” (St. Augustine)
It’s the holy longing (Rolheiser)
It’s the unfinished symphony; the insufficiency of everything attainable (Rahner)