Today.
God’s timing is perfect.
Continue reading “Every Moment Holy”Tag: Inspiration
The Gift of Temptation
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”Love Despite Sorrow
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”Finding Sacred Rest
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”The Source of Joy
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”Pathway to 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”To Be A Good Tree
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”Where Is Your Heart?
“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
Finding Compassion
Each year, the Holy Father asks for our prayers for a specific intention each month. You are invited to answer the Holy Father’s request and to join with many people worldwide in praying for this intention each month.
Continue reading “Finding Compassion”Knowing God
Are you a friend of Christ or a slave to the world? As the Spirit opens my eyes, I see there is no middle ground. This is the narrow path that we hear about that few are able to walk.
Continue reading “Knowing God”
Smitten With Goodness 