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Volume 1 of The Complete Ascetical Works of St. Alphonsus de Liguori is titled Preparation for Death, or Considerations on the Eternal Maxims. Authored by St. Alphonsus Liguori, an 18th-century Italian bishop, Doctor of the Church, and founder of the Redemptorists, this work is a cornerstone of Catholic spiritual literature. It focuses on preparing the soul for death and eternity through meditations on mortality, sin, judgment, and salvation.
Key Content:
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Meditations on Death and Eternity: The book comprises a series of 36 meditations, each addressing spiritual truths such as the certainty of death, the uncertainty of its timing, the brevity of life, and the reality of eternal consequences (heaven, hell, or purgatory).
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Eternal Maxims: It emphasizes core Christian principles, or "maxims," such as the importance of repentance, detachment from worldly goods, and devotion to God’s will.
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Practical Spirituality: Each meditation includes reflections, prayers, and resolutions to help readers internalize the lessons and live a life oriented toward salvation.
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Theological Foundations: Drawing on Scripture, Church teachings, and examples from the lives of saints, St. Alphonsus presents a balance of God’s justice and mercy, urging readers to seek forgiveness and grow in holiness.
Structure:
The volume is divided into three main parts:
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Considerations: Short reflections on death, judgment, and eternity.
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Meditations: Structured exercises for personal or communal prayer, often with points for reflection and concluding prayers.
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Additional Devotions: Prayers and practices to foster spiritual growth, such as acts of contrition and aspirations for a holy death.
Purpose and Tone:
Preparation for Death is written in St. Alphonsus’s pastoral and accessible style, designed to awaken readers to the urgency of spiritual preparation. While sobering in its focus on mortality and sin, it is infused with hope, emphasizing God’s mercy and the possibility of salvation through repentance and grace. It is particularly suited for personal reflection, retreats, or Lenten reading.
