Topics of inspiration, celebration of God’s love in ourself and others.
We know that terrorism and extremism don’t resolve conflict but fuel hatred, violence, revenge and cause suffering. Let’s pray for the Middle East, the Israelis and Palestinians who do not need war but peace, a peace built on justice, on dialogue and on the courage to be fraternal.
Continue reading “Not War But Peace”
In our beautiful and broken world, we see hostile situations arise daily, whether it’s a new war between countries or conflict in our homes. As Christians, we are given God’s gift of peace. This is a choice to always turn to peace and we need to nurture and grow this within ourselves. Our peace directly impacts our families and those we encounter each day, bringing light into the world. This is creating a culture of mercy and compassion which calls for a constant state of forgiveness. Without forgiveness, there is no peace.
Forgiveness adds dignity.
As Pope Francis recently said, “forgiveness takes away nothing from you but adds dignity to the person, it makes us lift our gaze from ourselves towards others, to see them as fragile as we are, yet always brothers and sisters in the Lord. Brothers and sisters, forgiveness is the wellspring of a zeal that becomes mercy and calls us to a humble and joyful holiness.”
Thank you, Lord, for helping us see that Your peace is the missing ingredient in our hearts.
Our hearts are heavy with the weight of the world right now. I’m realizing what Pope St. John XXIII meant “When the family suffers, the rest of society crumbles.” We are definitely living in times where the walls of society feel like they are tumbling down.
Continue reading “Seeking Peace and Justice”
Priorities, we all have them. I don’t know about you, but I know when mine are out of whack. At times, I used to race from one thing to another barely having time to go to the bathroom. I bought into the lie that my worthiness was defined by my productivity.
Continue reading “Who God Meant Me To Be”
The more I wake up to living life, I feel a steady barometer for my well-being is my state of peace. Peace is a gift we are given by God but it is a hard one to fully receive.
Continue reading “Receiving Peace”
Recently I’m seeing how my self-sufficiency has colored the lens of my life, especially stunting my capacity for spiritual growth. My mindset was one of sacrifice that hardened my heart rather than of one of soft desire to live a life of love. But through my constant willingness to surrender to God’s plan, I’m learning that obedience is better than sacrifice. The stains from the lens with which I’m viewing the world is adjusting to a more loving view of the world.
Continue reading “Stained Glasses”
Festive fall decorations and pumpkin spiced lattes seem to be everywhere I turn. As we start to enjoy a respite from the summer heat, a change in season is a good time to reflect on the goodness from the gift of your life.
Continue reading “Fall Is In The Air”
If we let it, suffering can transform us into who God created us to be. Taking us out of our comfort zone, usually striking fear in us and calling us to strength we usually have not relied on before.
Continue reading “Spirit of Compassion “
One thing Thomas Keating advises about Centering Prayer is to spend twenty minutes a day in silence. When you are busy, spend another twenty. I used to think this was crazy but I realize this is pretty profound advice.
Continue reading “Silence + God = Peace and Clarity “
Kevin Vost, PSY.D in The Gifts of the Holy Spirit says “Virtues allow us to become excellent – more fully and perfectly human – by disposing us to perform good acts, to perfect ourselves, and to give the best of ourselves. When we possess the virtues, it becomes easier and more natural and enjoyable for us to do the right things. We’re able to maximize our human powers. Virtues make us and our actions good.”
Continue reading “Good Virtue”
Smitten With Goodness 