There many other things that can be said about Divine consolations, especially about the reasons why God decides to give them to us in the first place, but I believe that the most essential treatment that needs to be made here concerns how we ought to respond to them. I say that because Divine consolations will come to many us for whatever reason God deigns, but it is how we respond to them is what is most crucial to know.
Archive for Category: "On the Spiritual Life"
Also Approach Lent as a Season to Give More, Not Less
Traditionally, Christians have approached Lent as a time to ‘give something up’ , but in conjunction to that it might be beneficial for you to examine your life to see where you could ‘give some more’, because that is precisely what Jesus Christ did – gave more – gave all of Himself. Therefore, let’s imitate Him more fully this Lent!
Faith Tears Down Barriers (Reflection on the Readings at Mass)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Today’s Gospel Reading at Mass comes from Matthew (15:21-28): At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” But Jesus did not say a [...]
If You Can’t Do it with Jesus then Don’t Do It At All (Reflection on the Readings at Mass)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Today’s first reading at Mass comes from Isaiah (55:1-3): Thus says the LORD: All you who are thirsty,come to the water! You who have no money, come, receive grain and eat; Come, without paying and without cost, drink wine and milk! Why spend your money for what is not bread; your wages for what [...]
Justification is a Process (Reflection on the Readings at Mass)
Brothers and sisters: We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined [...]
Feast of Mary Help of Christians
Historical Background The feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians, was instituted by Pope Pius VII. By order of Napoleon I of France, Pius VII was arrested on June 5, 1808, and detained a prisoner for three years at Savona, and then at Fontainebleau. In January, 1814, after the battle of Leipzig, he was brought [...]
We Shall Return Love for Hate
We Catholics in English, Spanish, and Italian speaking countries do experience some forms of persecution, but what we go through yearly is nothing compared to what our brothers and sisters are going through on a daily basis nearly everywhere else in the world. We don’t have to worry about someone coming in and blowing up [...]
Concerning Gossip
I recently spoke with a woman who hated the fact that she always seemed to get caught up in gossiping about other people. Because she is in the entertainment industry and usually around people who have no interest in becoming saints, she finds herself in bad company that is doing their best to corrupt her [...]
On Taking Steps Towards Holiness
My daughters wanted me to come to their high school football game last Friday, so I decided to walk there. Ever since I got out of prison I have walked and rode the bike everywhere – I love it. I suppose that I am still fascinated with not being caged in anymore. My Grandmother, Minnie, [...]
A Short Treatment on Desolation
The feeling of being spiritually desolate is one of the most natural of the unnatural states that the soul can experience in this life. I say ‘natural’ because it is one of the most important tools that God uses to draw us ever so deeply into the divine reality of His life. In that way, [...]
A Short Treatment on Humility and Simplicity
I was talking to someone near and dear to me yesterday who was so angry about their present life. They went on and on about how things could have and should have and would have been so much better if just this or that decision by someone other than them had different. This person, whom [...]
The Memorial of Saint Monica
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saint Augustine’s Confessions was a difficult read for me. I found it to be much less interesting than his City of God, which I could hardly put down after I began reading it. For my part, the most interesting part of Confessions were the praises that Augustine heaped up his mother Monica. For, his [...]
On Finding Jesus in Your Life
There is a very interesting pattern that emerges from sacred Scripture where it concerns the call of the first disciples and their decision to follow Jesus. The Gospel of John narrates it the best of all the Gospel accounts. According to The Gospel of John, one day while John the Waymaker (the Baptist) was baptizing [...]