If we wish to understand the power of Christ’s blood, we should go back to the ancient account of its prefiguration in Egypt. “Sacrifice a lamb without blemish”, commanded Moses, “and sprinkle its blood on your doors”. If we were to ask him what he meant, and how the blood of an irrational beast could … Read more
Another Version of Acts of Faith, Hope and Love* ACT OF FAITH: O my God, I firmly believe that Thou art one God in three Divine Persons, Father, Son and Holy Ghost; I believe that Thy Divine Son became man, and died for our sins, and that He will come to judge the living and … Read more
Does living a God centered life mean that you do nothing other than pray? Or can you have a hobby? Could it be God centered if you offer whatever your hobby is to God? How do you know when you are overdoing something or another? I know it sounds like an odd question, but the … Read more
Dear Father John, What do you do when the presence of God (I think that is what it is) is distracting? I have to continually reorient myself toward duties at hand. If He wants me to do X, Y or Z (as I believe He does), why does He make Himself so distracting throughout my … Read more
How Can I Learn to Pray More? Dear Father John, I am a young teenage Catholic currently discerning a vocation to the consecrated life as a nun or sister. Lately, I’ve been feeling a very strong urge to pray a lot and go to Mass every day and Adoration whenever possible. I want to … Read more
Dear Father John, I have been grappling a lot lately with spiritual progress, and I think what it boils down to is trust. The whole idea of believing God is with me throughout my day, and even more so, the idea (or need) to turn everything over to Him… But what does that actually look … Read more
The Presence of God: Struggling with the Idea of Practicing it: What should be done? Dear Father John, I have had a pretty regular prayer life for a few years, and have been going to confession regularly as well, and receiving Communion frequently. In my spiritual reading, though, I keep coming across the idea … Read more
Dear Fr. Edward, I have been considering becoming a third order Carmelite for some time and have taken some initial steps with them in that direction. However, I am in a weekly study that is very powerful to me. It is led by an Opus Dei woman. After hearing what she has to say, and … Read more
Dear Father John, I have been grappling a lot lately with spiritual progress, and I think what it boils down to is trust. The whole idea of believing God is with me throughout my day, and even more so, the idea (or need) to turn everything over to Him… But what does that actually look … Read more
For years, though I had been a committed Christian and enjoyed what many call a truly personal relationship with Christ, I had not really internalized the thought that God desired me; that he wants and longs for a relationship with me. The idea seemed odd that the great and holy God of our universe would … Read more
Dear Father John, The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that it is a grave sin to miss our Sunday Obligation unless excused for a serious reason (CCC 2181). Our parish priests and our RCIA team have always taught the same. However, recently I heard someone from the diocese say that it is never a … Read more
Dear Father Edward, I just came to realize through spiritual direction, prayer and many graces that my root sin in vanity!!! And I am having a very hard time knowing this fact. I feel like God is now leaving me alone (not feeling His presence) to test me and I am struggling with this fact. … Read more
Dear Dan, my spiritual director recently recommended I read a book by Fr. Anthony Demello, SJ. Are you aware of his writings? I am a bit concerned about what I am reading but I can’t put my finger on exactly what is making me so uncomfortable. Maybe I should answer a different question first. “What … Read more
Dear Father John, the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that it is a grave sin to miss our Sunday Obligation unless excused for a serious reason (CCC 2181). Our parish priests and our RCIA team have always taught the same. However, recently I heard someone from the diocese say that it is never a … Read more
Dear Father Edward, I am confused. The questioner in your post on discernment wrote, “I know God is not in the employment business, nor is he that concerned with how we make a living. His concern is for our soul.” Could you respond to this statement? If this is true, then it certainly seems as … Read more
Because I spend most of my time reading technical works of spiritual theology, my imagination suffers. Realizing this I decided to take up a work of fiction that I thought would help reignite some creative thinking. In my selection I believed that the author (Michael O’Brien) would help me achieve this goal while at the … Read more
Dear Father Edward, would you be willing to post the virtues to overcome the root sin of vanity and pride also? “Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!” That line from the Book of Ecclesiastes rings as true today as on the day it was written. Vanity is one of … Read more
Thank you, Father John, for your clarification. On the same topic, I find that some of the Christians around me seem to resent my “zeal”. They would rather I be less intense in my pursuit of holiness and living the Gospel; I make them uncomfortable. Sometimes I am tempted to dial this “divine obsession” back, … Read more
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