We will never be free of trials and temptations as long as our earthly life lasts. Job said it well: “Is not the life of human beings on earth a drudgery?’ (Job 7:1). We should always be on our guard against temptations, always praying that our enemy, the devil, ‘who never sleeps but constantly looks for someone to devour.’ (1 Pet 5:8), will not catch us off guard. No one in this world is so perfect or holy as not to have temptations sometimes.
Continue reading “The Gift of Temptation”
Today is the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul the Apostles. It serves as a reminder to us of their pivotal roles in the early Church: Peter as the “rock” upon which the Church was built and Paul as the great missionary who spread the Gospel message. It draws us to consider how we are better together.
Continue reading “Better Together”
Throughout her lifetime, Mary embodied a profound love for Christ, submitting herself to God’s will in cheerful obedience despite difficulties. Dedicated to honoring the interior life of the Blessed Mother, the devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary which we celebrate today, reflects upon her heart of love for God, celebrating her joys, sorrows, and virtues.
Continue reading “Love Despite Sorrow”
The Sacred Heart represents protection and forgiveness. It is Christ’s Divine love and compassion and one of the five wounds of Christ from the crucifixion. This serves as a mystical vehicle for union with the Divine and for reparation.
Continue reading “Finding Sacred Rest”
How can we be full of joy in times like these? It seems we are truly walking through the valley of tears as we watch the shadowlands of humanity play out on the world stage. We are called not to loose hope, to take heart and find joy. This is the spiritual maturity we are called to pursue with fear and trembling. We cancel our focus on the fleeting joy the world offers and gravitate to the joy found in the moments of God’s presence.
Continue reading “The Source of Joy”
This reflection by Dr. Barbara Holmes on joy and resilience from Richard Rohr’s daily meditations is too good not to share in its entirety. It describes how we can find joy through practice and surrender:
Continue reading “Pathway to Joy”
I have always loved the beauty of trees. My time in the forest usually gives me time to slow down, breathe and contemplate the important things in life. Recently, I combined a work conference in Fort Collins, CO with an opportunity to spend some time at the Benet Hill monastery, in Colorado Springs. This is the home of my Spiritual Direction Certification program.
Continue reading “To Be A Good Tree”
I’ve always been drawn to this beautiful prayer called Anima Christi or Soul of Christ, a 14th century prayer usually said after communion.
Continue reading “Make Us Like You Lord”
Does it bother you that so many people are no longer being fed? We see the need daily on a physical level but what about on the spiritual? Today is the Feast of Corpus Christi, we are invited to meditate on the desire the Lord has to feed His people and the shocking indifference we are to this fact.
Continue reading “Spiritually Satisfied”
“For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” Think about our hearts like a bank vault, a place where you store your most valuable possessions, your treasure. To wake up and be aware of how much value we put on our treasure, both earthly and heavenly, we need to regularly discern what it is we love and what we would do if we lost it.
If wealth was taken away, would we keep our faith in God’s providence? If we lost our health or the health of a loved one, would we continue to hope in God’s goodness? If any of our less tangible earthly treasures (reputation, relationships, social standing) were compromised, would we walk in justice, prudence, fortitude, and temperance as God’s trusting child, forgiving and giving to those who oppose us?
We are presented with a sobering teaching to help us discern if we are on the narrow road that leads to life (cf. Mt 7:13-14). Jesus, the light of the world, leads the way to all treasure, both earthly and heavenly. Can we honestly say we are following Christ through the narrow gate with all our heart? Are we loving with a selfless love always willing the good of the other?
Lord, I lift up my soul it is in you I trust. Make me know your ways, teach me your paths. Guide me by your love and fidelity. Teach me, for you are God my savior. Amen
Smitten With Goodness 