Consolation and Desolation… What does it really mean?
Q: Dear Father John, I know you wrote before about consolation and desolation in the spiritual life. But I have a follow-up question. When we experience some kind of desolation, how do we know where...
View ArticleHow much should a priest own?
Q: Dear Father John, I am a Catholic priest. Because I am in studies and do not have a rectory to call ‘home’, I’ve temporarily moved all my personal belongings back into my parent’s house. Looking...
View ArticleSayings of Light and Love #25
Withdraw from creatures if you desire to preserve, clear and simple in your soul, the image of God. Empty your spirit and withdraw far from them and you will walk in divine lights, for God is not like...
View ArticleDetachment – Navigating the Interior Life Spiritual Dictionary
DETACHMENT: In asceticism the withholding of undue affection for creatures for the sake of the Creator. When mortal sin is involved, detachment is imperative for salvation. Detachment from creatures...
View ArticleCSD Book Club – Spiritual Combat – Walking the Line in a Material World
…we must remember that we can hardly offer ourselves to Heaven, if we are bound to earth by worldly attachments. Therefore, if we perceive ourselves to bound by the slightest earthly affection, let us...
View ArticleCSD Book Club – Spiritual Combat Conclusion – Introducing Trustful Surrender
It occurred to me that I actually had two posts to put together for today – one to sum up the book we’re reading and one to introduce our new book. That could make for a lot to read in one day, so I...
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CSD Book Club – Journey of a Soul
Mortification – A Bad Word? As much mortification as possible, especially of the tongue. I must always be ready to humble myself, especially when things go badly. Bodily mortifications are to be few...
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CSD Book Club – Journal of a Soul (Week 4 of 12)
And what about all the other things which surround me? If God has given them to me they are extras: they have not been given to all, nor to all in equal measure. Their purpose is to serve man in the...
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CSD Book Club – Journal of a Soul (Week 8 of 12)
On Suffering I think the Lord Jesus has in store for me, before I die, for my complete mortification and purification and in order to admit me to his everlasting joy, some great suffering and...
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CSD Book Club – The Screwtape Letters (Week 3 of 7)
As long as he retains externally the habits of a Christian he can still be made to think of himself as one who has adopted a few new friends and amusements but whose spiritual state is much the same as...
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Freedom
The 4th of July, for the United States, is a day to celebrate independence, liberty and freedom. But, what really is true freedom? God created us in His image and likeness and gave us free will....
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CSD Book Club – The Screwtape Letters (Week 5 of 7)
Time’s a Tickin’! Men are not angered by mere misfortune but by misfortune conceived as injury. And the sense of injury depends on the feeling that a legitimate claim has been denied. The more claims...
View ArticleSayings of Light and Love #22
A bird caught in birdlime has a twofold task: It must free itself and cleanse itself. And by satisfying their appetites, people suffer in a twofold way: They must detach themselves and, after being...
View ArticleHow much should a priest own?
Q: Dear Father John, I am a Catholic priest. Because I am in studies and do not have a rectory to call ‘home’, I’ve temporarily moved all my personal belongings back into my parent’s house. Looking...
View ArticleCSD Book Club – Spiritual Combat Conclusion – Introducing Trustful Surrender
It occurred to me that I actually had two posts to put together for today – one to sum up the book we’re reading and one to introduce our new book. That could make for a lot to read in one day, so I...
View ArticleClik here to view.
CSD Book Club – Journey of a Soul
Mortification – A Bad Word? As much mortification as possible, especially of the tongue. I must always be ready to humble myself, especially when things go badly. Bodily mortifications are to be few...
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From Here to Eternity
The Secret Diary of Elisabeth Leseur (Week 5 of 12) People in the world do not realize that one can be very detached from all human things and live a keen spiritual life, and yet find sweetness in the...
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Sayings of Light and Love #22
A bird caught in birdlime has a twofold task: It must free itself and cleanse itself. And by satisfying their appetites, people suffer in a twofold way: They must detach themselves and, after being...
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Sayings of Light and Love #23
Those who do not allow their appetites to carry them away will soar in their spirit as swiftly as the bird that lacks no feathers. Saint John of the Cross More “Sayings of Light and Love” About Dan...
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Sayings of Light and Love #25
Withdraw from creatures if you desire to preserve, clear and simple in your soul, the image of God. Empty your spirit and withdraw far from them and you will walk in divine lights, for God is not like...
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