We are not to be afraid.
When we fear, we cling to who we are and what we have; we see ourselves as the threatened center of a hostile universe. Fear is the “original sin” of which the Church Fathers speak. Fear is the poison that was injected into human consciousness and human society from the beginning.
Continue reading “Be Not Afraid”
One of the most psychologically and spiritually insightful remarks from Jesus in the New Testament is not to judge, lest you too will be judged in the same manner — “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (Matthew 7:1) Let’s face it: a favorite pastime of most human beings is criticism of others.
Continue reading “Understanding Myself”
The call of the spiritual life is to live in the balance of our strengths and weaknesses, integrating our body and mind with our spirit. This process leads us to our best self and to living a good life. We bring heaven on earth as we align our wills with God’s purpose for us.
Continue reading “Faith Over Fear”
Do you accept others as they are or deep down, do you wish they would change?
Continue reading “Unconditional Love”
Are you seeking to grow spiritually? Healing and spiritual growth are the result of an education that is open to all of us each day. Opportunities to awaken our spirits continue throughout life. It is the journey of living a well-lived life.
Continue reading “A Well Lived Life”
As Americans, we celebrate our freedom today. Freedom gives us a sense of hope and helps us feel optimistic about our lives. But with freedom comes responsibility.
Continue reading “Love. Life. Liberty.”
A tree is known by its fruits. In the fifth chapter of his Letter to the Galatians, Paul makes this very specific and tells us that the fruits of the Holy Spirit are “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] self-control,” implying that the Spirit’s presence in one’s life can be read from its radiance in these soul-expanding qualities.
Continue reading “My Soul Made Great”
Our modern culture is like a 24/7 convenience store. We can get anything we want 24/7 and at the push of a button. We can end up thinking that everything about life should be easy, be it marriage, self-discipline or even our salvation. The illusion of ease shouldn’t fool us. Working toward our salvation is challenging work.
Continue reading “The Time I’m Given”
What is it that makes our lives heavy and weighed down? Precisely the burden of our own egos, the weight of one’s own self. When I am puffing myself up with my own self-importance, I’m laboring under all that weight. Jesus asks us to become like a child, take the weight off your shoulders. He says, “Put on the weight of my yoke of my obedience to the Father.”
Continue reading “Lightening the Load”
We are called to be reconciled with one another. The role of forgiveness in repairing our broken relationships is like a rule of physics. When God lays the need for forgiveness on your heart and you realize that you need to forgive someone (or be forgiven by someone), go and do it. Go get reconciled.
Continue reading “Called to be Reconciled”
Smitten With Goodness 