Dear Carmelite Sisters, I feel like I am stuck somewhere in mansion one or two. Is this normal? Where do most people get stuck in the journey through the mansions and is there any common way you can suggest that we get unstuck? Maybe I am just impatient. I feel like I should be growing … Read more
Can praying for spiritual growth indicate being self absorbed? I am troubled by my intercessory prayer. I pray quite a bit for others but, I also pray a lot for myself. I pray that I grow in faith, that I love and see others as Christ sees them, etc. Still, I wonder if I am too focused … Read more
I have an admission to make; I (Dan) really like to pray alone. Several of you have indicated the same preference. Because of this and other human factors, a few have also decided that this will always be the case in your marriage. However, if you have followed this series, you know that, in and … Read more
So, if you are back for more I think it is safe to assume that we agree that we are our spouses “keeper.” The challenge now, is where to start. The best place, once we understand that we have fallen short, is always the sacrament of reconciliation. We must have the grace of God provided … Read more
Dear Father John, you used the phrase “spiritualized capital sins” in your post on consolation and desolation. I have never heard this idea before. What are spiritualized capital sins and how do they “attempt” to re-conquer the soul as we mature? We have to remember that here on earth we are members of the Church … Read more
Though monarchies are rare these days, my wife is actually the daughter of a very wealthy King. One of the great benefits of this relationship is that he has expressed in no uncertain terms that he loves me and my family and that we will always be welcome in his care. The challenge is that … Read more
When my wife and I were going through marriage preparation our mentor couple said something to us that we have never forgotten, “your primary role in marriage is to help one another to heaven.” It was a striking comment that seems so obvious now, but at that time, it was a completely new thought. It’s … Read more
Dear Dan, I was inspired by Fr. John’s post on spiritual reading a while back. A friend has recommended “The Cloud of Unknowing” to me but I am worried about slipping into Catholic books that claim to be Catholic but that promote New Age thought through centering prayer and mixing Catholic prayer with non-Christian prayer … Read more
My recent post encouraging directees to respond in gratitude to their directors met with a firm rebuke in the com box that I have decided to address. The post was, “Should I pay my spiritual director?” Here is what one reader had to say, “You are wrong, wrong, wrong Dan Burke. Paying for spiritual direction … Read more
Spiritual Warfare & Screwtape Letters: What the Devil Doesn’t Want You to Hear With Halloween just around the corner you might be turning your attention to thoughts of spiritual warfare and those dark realities of our fallen world and the spiritual realm. If you have never read the Screwtape Letters, there is no better time. … Read more
Dear Father John, I still struggle with keeping things in perspective. Would you therefore kindly explain what is the essence of authentic Catholic spirituality, i.e., irrespective of whatever tradition one follows (Ignatian, Carmelite, Opus Dei, etc.), and also what are the essential elements of the spirituality. Also what is the relationship between Catholic morality and … Read more
Dear Father John, I still struggle with keeping things in perspective. Would you therefore kindly explain what is the essence of authentic Catholic spirituality, i.e., irrespective of whatever tradition one follows (Ignatian, Carmelite, Opus Dei, etc.), and also what are the essential elements of the spirituality. Also what is the relationship between Catholic morality and … Read more
Dear Dan, how does one become a spiritual director? Are there any courses or programs or certifications required? I really believe I am supposed to help people in their faith but how can I make sure that I am really called to do something like this? When thinking about spiritual direction my mind is drawn to … Read more
Dear Dan, our women’s Regnum Christi team no longer meets and some have left the movement entirely. After having been in Regnum Christi for 10 years, the faith, fellowship and friendship really meant a lot. However my husband and I came across a local lay-Carmelite movement this year through a priest who invited his entire congregation one Sunday … Read more
Dear Father John, I am a newly ordained priest. Before and during my seminary years I enjoyed very much having a spiritual director. Since graduation I haven’t been able to find a spiritual director. I was wondering what books would you recommend for spiritual reading to a diocesan priest. I also would like to know … Read more
Question: Do you have a question about the spiritual life? Dear Friends – Because so many of you have asked, I have made it easier to find out how to submit a question to us. You will find the link in the top of the middle column for now. Thank you for you constant interest … Read more
What’s the Difference between Spiritual Guides, Spiritual Directors, and Spiritual Mentors? Good question! Depending upon the source of training of the spiritual director, there are different types or titleds of those who offer spiritual direction. For instance, a number of movements in the Church offer training for lay people so that they can provide … Read more
There are three stages in our love for God: servile love, mercenary love and filial love. The word servile derives from “servant”. A servant (or employee) does his master’s will out of fear of punishment. Likewise, beginners in the spiritual life do God’s will, obey the Commandments, avoid sin, and go to Mass on Sunday, … Read more
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