In my Facebook Group Authentic Contemplative Prayer some discussions recycle every few weeks. One is whether we need a spiritual director. Another is whether contemplation is necessary for holiness. Misunderstandings on these topics have the same root. They rest on a misunderstanding of norms versus extraordinary workings of grace. St. Therese and spiritual direction For …
To enter the Kingdom of Heaven, we must become like little children. The Little Way of Spiritual Childhood set forth by St. Therese is popular among Catholics. But are we really willing to be little? Over the last few days, I’ve been meditating on a section of Luke we heard recently at Mass: “He who …
Before we return to studying Interior Castle, I’d like to return today to St. Therese and her little way. So far in our study of St. Therese of Lisieux we have learned that God is our loving Father, in whom we can have complete trust. We have learned that great deeds are not necessary …
Before we discuss St. Therese of Lisieux’s teaching on Purgatory, I want to put that teaching into context. Her teaching is daring. Some of the nuns she lived with in the Carmelite monastery were scandalized by it, thinking it presumptuous. The last thing St. Therese (or I) would want is for people to interpret her …
Dear readers, how is your spiritual life? Is your heart at peace? Do you have a deep, abiding joy? Is your faith stronger than ever? Is your prayer flourishing? Or is your heart full of anxiety? Do you fear for the future of your loved ones? Do you doubt God’s goodness? Are you on the …
Suffering. Ever since the Fall of Adam, it’s an unavoidable part of life. We suffer daily in little ways. The alarm clock rings too early. We spill coffee all over our work clothes. The kids are disobedient. We get stuck in traffic. These little things are a reminder that all is not right with …