There is nothing like being at our home in the forest that reconnects me with God. Studies show that leaving the city and grounding ourselves in nature can do wonders for our mental health.
Continue reading “Lost And Found”Lost And Found
Tag: Virtue
Spiritually Satisfied
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”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
The Cracks of Life
How well do you know yourself? Can you honestly say you are beautiful and broken? Much of my life I have run away from the broken and shadow parts of myself. I’m learning there are seeds of goodness even in the broken parts of myself. Perfectionism, a shame based facade, makes room for grace to fill the cracks of my life.
Continue reading “The Cracks of Life”Clinging to Christ
Christ’s promise at the Last Supper—“Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father and I will make our dwelling with him”—is all that we need to be happy.
Continue reading “Clinging to Christ”A Protective Shield
Today is the annual commemoration of blessed Dymphna, who is an example for us of chastity and fortitude during distressing times. We see through her life how God’s protection was her shield and shelter, rescuing her from the plaque of the life she in which she found herself.
Continue reading “A Protective Shield”Inspiring Our Faith
Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima when a large group of people witnessed the sun “dance” on October 13, 1917 near Fatima, Portugal, however three shepherd children did not see the miracle.
Continue reading “Inspiring Our Faith”Sanctify Your Work
Today is International Workers’ Day and the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker. Do you think about the spiritual dimension of your work?
Continue reading “Sanctify Your Work”Invitation to Something More
Recently I was meditating on the following reflection from Ron Rolheiser OMI that I wanted to share:
Here’s an example of an invitation that lies at the very heart of the Sermon on the Mount. At one point, Jesus invites us to a “virtue that goes deeper than that of the scribes and the Pharisees.” It’s easy to miss the point here because, almost without exception, we tend to think that Jesus is referring to the hypocrisy of some of the scribes and Pharisees. He isn’t.
Continue reading “Invitation to Something More”Dirty Feet And All
“So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.”
—John 13:14-15
Imagine sitting around the dinner table with people you love. The dining table is scattered with the remains of a meal enjoyed by all there. Your hands are on your belly, and you’re feeling full and satisfied. The food and wine were savory and sweet.
Continue reading “Dirty Feet And All”
Smitten With Goodness 