Category: Mystical

Pentecost is upon us with its emphasis on the Holy Spirit’s action in the world. But what about His action in my heart? As the soul comes to know its Creator, its eyes open little by little to knowing and understanding as God knows and understands. For those who have accepted and are living the… Continue reading The Eyes of the Heart: On Authentic Christian Prayer

There is much to marvel at in God’s creation, but the bond between mother and child is chief among them. In marriage, the two become one flesh. In motherhood, what begins as one flesh proceeds, through a nurturing and protective process, as a new being that grows into full maturity. The process of pregnancy and… Continue reading Our Blessed Mother – SpiritualDirection.com

Pentecot is one of the three major feast of the Church’s liturgical calendar in that it is next to Easter and before Christmas in prominence. Fifty days after Easter and ten days after Jesus ascended into heaven, now the Father and Son send the Holy Spirit, who descends in tongues of fire (Acts 2) and… Continue reading What the Holy Spirit Does for Us on Pentecost

There is something in the name of Jesus that is awesome and fascinating. Hence, the quiver of an intercessor cannot be complete without it. The name of Jesus is the seat of authority. St. Paul highlights the power that is intrinsically connected with this name when he says: “Therefore God has highly exalted Him and… Continue reading The Mighty Power of the Name of Jesus

If there’s one virtue I struggle with, it would be hope. In part because of my melancholic nature, my inner pendulum swings more toward pessimism.  I see the difficulties before they arise, sigh with the weight of anticipated woes, expect disappointment around every corner, and wait for the other shoe to drop. At times, it… Continue reading What if it’s Wonderful? Preparing our Hearts for Pentecost

Anthony Lilles Anthony Lilles, a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, completed his graduate and post-graduate studies in Rome at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas. He and his lovely wife, Agnes, are blessed with three children and live in California, where he is the Academic Dean, and Associate Professor of Theology, St. John’s Seminary,… Continue reading The Bread of Life and the Need of the Human Heart

The other day, I took a walk with a friend. I don’t get together with Dee as much as I did when we were in the thick of raising children, so we chatted happily, catching up on family news. Back at her house, I sat at her kitchen table, and we continued our conversation. I… Continue reading A Little Spiritual Guidance for Moms: Let Yourself Be Mothered

My dad died when I was sixteen. Nine days later, I turned seventeen. I don’t remember much about that year. The days passed in a haze of grief, though at the time, I didn’t know to call the hollowed-out feeling I lived with “grief.” Nor did I know that the constant exhaustion I felt was… Continue reading Meeting Jesus in the Eucharist

James was a severe alcoholic. After a serious illness that almost took his life, James stopped drinking. He vowed to return to his faith after having lapsed for a decade. However, when he started going back to the Catholic Mass, he began to have strange reactions. He blacked out several times while engaged in religious… Continue reading Exorcist Diary: Generational Curses – SpiritualDirection.com

There’s a cluttered cabinet under the sink calling your name. A closet of disorganized chaos that smacks your conscience when you open the door. And how about all those clothes you know you’ll never actually wear? They need to be gathered up, and washed, and prepared for donations. Even if the bag just sits in… Continue reading 13 Tips For Catholics Dealing With Anxiety