It took me awhile to understand the grace of fasting and what a valuable tool it is to help sanctify my life. Fasting gives us new skins for the new wine of the kingdom of God.
Continue reading “Why Fast?”Why Fast?
Tag: Virtue
Make. Every.Effort.
Winnow not in every wind, and do not start off in every direction (Sirach 5:11).
Distractions are a real thing in our world. I find the “noises” vying for my attention can be overwhelming if I’m not grounded and firm within my connection with God.
Continue reading “Make. Every.Effort.”Gods Love
The commitment to imitating Christ is the triumph of God’s love that takes hold of a man and demands of him every possible effort in the service of this love, while at the same time he stays fully aware of human weakness. — St. John Paul II
Continue reading “Gods Love”Finding God
During this Lenten season, we again return to the Lord with our whole heart, entering into the Divine relationship of love.
Could you use the spark of romance or adventure in your life?
Continue reading “Finding God”Clearing the Clutter
Lately, I’ve been drawn to the idea of “stuff is not your friend.” Not in the minimalist way but in the fact that it is a distraction. It occupies space in my heart and mind requiring time, attention, and care, leaving less time for what really matters.
On a pilgrimage to Assisi a few years ago, Saint Francis encouraged me to live simply.
Continue reading “Clearing the Clutter”The Gift of a Daughter
I’m so lucky one of my favorite humans is also my daughter. Twenty-eight years ago I was given a gift. Little did I know that as I unwrapped the layers of this precious gift, it would make me a better person.
Continue reading “The Gift of a Daughter”Wholeness is Freedom
I recently came across the concept of the cosmic egg and have been contemplating this idea. This concept is a great visual of the transformation Christ is drawing us into. It is the path of the mystic or someone in a personal, intimate relationship with the divine. The person who lives within the total cosmic egg is the mystic, the prophet, the universal human, the saint, the whole one living in Christ.
True transcendence frees us from the tyranny of I am, the idolatry of we are, and the scapegoating of they are. When all four stories are taken seriously, as the Bible shows us very well, we have a full life—fully human and fully divine. – Richard Rohr
This path is what is meant by “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” The path of discipleship is the path of self-sacrificing love, and that means the path of suffering.
And the great paradox: “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the Gospel will save it.” Put that over on your screensaver. There is no better one-line guide to the happy life.
Ultimate Happiness
The word beatitude refers to a state of deep happiness or joy. The beatitudes are taught by Jesus as the foundation for a life of authentic Christian discipleship and the attainment of ultimate happiness.
Continue reading “Ultimate Happiness”A Lively Faith
Faith is a gift as well as a virtue. It’s a gift of God in that it’s a light infused by him into our souls. But it’s a virtue in that our soul must exercise itself to practice it.
Continue reading “A Lively Faith”Mystery of Relationship
Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day where we honor our love relationships, whether a spouse, trusted friend or child. As you prepare your cards, gifts or make reservations for a special dinner, have you taken the time to reflect on the quality of the relationship you are celebrating?
Relationships are not to be understood and fixed and solved. They are the mysteries of life to be enjoyed and help us grow.
How are your relationships helping you stretch and grow into the best version of yourself? If not, where is the love?
Smitten With Goodness 