Abandonment XIII – God Revealed in Ordinary Circumstances

The written word of God is full of mystery. His word expressed in the events of the world is not less so. These are two sealed books, and of both it can be said, “the letter killeth.” God is the center of faith. All that emanates from this center is hidden in the deepest mystery. … Read more

Abandonment XII – Finding the Will of God

If we are able to greet each passing moment as the manifestation of the will of God, we will find in it all our heart can desire. What could there be more reasonable, more perfect, more divine than the will of God? Could any change of time or place or circumstance alter or increase its … Read more

Centering Prayer (i.e. Keating, Menninger, Herington)

Though this blog is primarily dedicated to positive teachings the spiritual life, from time to time there are issues that must be addressed that are not so positive. For in your in-depth review, we have provided links to several articles that address the challenges with “Centering” prayer. Though many attest that they have benefited from … Read more

Abandonment XI – Recognizing God’s Hand by Faith

Those who are enlightened by faith judge things in a very different way from those who have only their senses to guide them and ignore the inestimable treasures they conceal. He who knows the king in disguise treats him very differently than another who, judging by appearances alone, fails to recognize his royalty and treats … Read more

Contemplation – Fire Within – Book Recommendation

Fire Within: St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and the Gospel-On Prayer by Father Thomas Dubay, S.M., retreat master and spiritual director. Fire Within is a wise and accessible work of synthesis and systematization of the thought of St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross on authentic mystical contemplation. One caution – … Read more

Abandonment X – God’s Hand Present Everywhere

All creatures are living in the hand of God. The senses perceive only the physical causes, but faith sees God’s hand in all things. Faith believes that Jesus Christ lives in all things and that His divine operation continues to the end of time; that every passing moment and the tiniest atom contain a portion … Read more

Abandonment IX – Holiness Made Easy

I believe that if those who are seriously striving after holiness were instructed as to the conduct they ought to follow they would be spared a good deal of trouble. I speak as much of lay persons as of religious. If the former (i.e., lay persons) could realize the merit concealed in the actions of … Read more

Abandonment VIII – Who is the Most Holy?

The will of God gives a supernatural and divine value to everything for the soul submitted to it. All the duties His will imposes, all those contained in it, all the matters it touches, become holy and perfect, because the will of God is unlimited in power and it makes everything it touches divine. But … Read more

Recommendation: Fr Thomas Dubay’s “Fire Within”

Fire Within: St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and the Gospel – On Prayer by Father Thomas Dubay   Fire Within by Father Thomas Dubay, S.M. is a fantastic and engaging work synthesizing and systematizing the thought of St. Teresa of Avila (Teresa of Jesus) and St. John of the Cross on mystical … Read more

Abandonment VII – Attaining Lasting Peace

The soul who is not committed solely to the will of God will find neither its satisfaction nor sanctification in the various methods – not even in the most excellent devotional exercises. If that which God Himself chooses for you does not satisfy you, from whom do you expect to receive what you desire? If … Read more

The Fulfillment of All Desire – Book Recommendation

The Fulfillment of All Desire: A Guidebook for the Journey to God Based on the Wisdom of the Saints By Ralph Martin The Fulfillment of All Desire discusses the spiritual journey that results from serious spiritual progress through what is termed the purgative, illuminative, and unitive ways, ultimately ending with the beatific vision. This journey, unique … Read more

Abandonment VI – The Limited Use of Intelligence

The mind with all its powers would like to hold first place among all the instruments employed by God, but it must, like a dangerous slave, be reduced to the lowest place. It might be of great service if made use of in a right manner, but it can do much injury if it is … Read more

Seeking Spiritual Direction – Book Recommendation

Seeking Spiritual Direction – How to Grow the Divine Life Within By Father Thomas Dubay, S.M. Seeking Spiritual Direction: How to Grow the Divine Life Within by Father Thomas Dubay, is a book which has been written as a practical guide for Christians who are considering spiritual direction or who are already engaged in the spiritual … Read more