Tag: Mystical

Authors Introduction: This is the third of a series of meditations based on the Lenten Votive Masses of the Passion of Jesus that have been prayed throughout the history of the Church in various usages. Some have their origin in early medieval times and were used in various places in Europe and in particular religious… Continue reading Lenten Meditation: The Holy Shroud of Our Lord

If you haven’t already failed in your Lenten sacrifices, we offer you some (tongue-in-cheek) ways to further undermine any attempts to grow in prayer… 1. Be sure to bite off more than you can chew.  If you are not a morning person and are not used to getting up early, set your alarm for 4… Continue reading 5 Fool-proof Ways to Sabotage Your Prayer Life this Lent

Reflecting on last week’s Ash Wednesday Masses it is possible to observe an unusual and puzzling sight. On this day, almost every priest looks out into a congregation that is barely recognizable. To be sure there are many familiar faces of those who regularly attend. But almost half (!) or more of the congregation is… Continue reading Ash Wednesday Catholics: What are They Saying to Us?

Man: His Good In discussing the nature of human acts, those deliberate acts which a man performs in the quest of an end which is known and desired by him, we have used the word good in speaking of a particular good and of the universal good. It appears to be desirable (and therefore good!)… Continue reading Christian Social Principles – Sr. Mary Consilia O’Brien

Jesus, if you knew who I was, you wouldn’t let me touch your feet. Yet it is because you know who I am that you let me touch your feet. (ref. Luke 7:36-47) Mary Magdalene had a past. Although Jesus absolved her sins and healed her, she still had memories and shame to deal with.… Continue reading This Lent, Give up Stoic Suffering

Dear Brian, Your last letter affected me greatly.  I am sorry to hear of your recent struggles with anxiety and how paralyzing it is for you at times.  To say that this is a heavy cross would be an understatement!  Of all the things you have shared with me over the years, this seems to… Continue reading Letters to Brian: Disarming Anxiety

St. Cyril of Jerusalem St. Cyril was born in Jerusalem in AD 315, a few years before the outbreak of the Arian heresy. He lived to see its suppression by the Edict of Theodosius, 380, and to take part in its condemnation by the Council of Constantinople in the following year. He became bishop of… Continue reading The Antichrist – Fr. Vincent Miceli

True gratitude is a grace, or gift, from God. It proceeds from a humble and transformed heart. We do not render thanks merely because it is polite or expected, or because God commands it but because it flows naturally from a profound experience of gratitude. The “command” of Scripture to give thanks is not a… Continue reading Lenten Assignment: Be Grateful! – SpiritualDirection.com

Growing up Protestant, Lent just was not much of a thing in my home. I saw banners for the Friday Fish Fry at the local Catholic Church, and McDonald’s would advertise their fish sandwiches, but since I didn’t enjoy seafood it was easy for Lent to pass me by. When I entered the Church as… Continue reading Three Ways to Live Lent as a Family

My Lent started in December of 2021.   This may sound strange, but since then I’ve been fasting constantly.   Some would call it a diet, but a diet is temporary.  I’m calling it a lifestyle change of fasting with Jesus. This is something I had felt the Lord calling me to and giving me the grace… Continue reading Fasting as the Beginning of Inner Restoration