In this season, one of the things I’ve become more aware of is expectations – of myself, of others, of life. And how those expectations often stem from a false sense of control, as I seek to fulfill the genuine longings of my heart – for security, for peace, for recognition, for approval, for significance, for a sense of worth and so on…
In his autobiographical work, Augustine of Hippo tells the honest story of the restless searching of his heart for fulfillment in various ways over a long period, which many have identified with their own search for happiness.
Without humiliating anyone, without becoming a symbol of denial for anyone, Brother Roger believed that it is possible to embrace within oneself the attention to the word of God so profoundly lived in the Reform tradition, the treasures of the spirituality of the Orthodox tradition, and all the charisms of communion of the Catholic Church, all the while, daily putting one’s trust in the mystery of faith.
The new pope is…like the son of Jacob who, meeting with his brothers, showed them the tenderness of his heart and, bursting into tears, said, “I am Joseph, your brother.” Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, seventy-seven years old and newly installed as Pope John XXIII, surprised the crowds gathered for his coronation Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica when he spoke these words directly to them. Rarely had a pope used such personal language before.
As we prepare to observe the ‘Week of Prayer for Christian Unity’ in the Northern Hemisphere from Jan.18th-25th, it’s a good time to remember the legacy of a Catholic pioneer, who worked for unity in the ‘Body of Christ’ – Fr. Paul Courtier.
The word “righteous” has acquired some uncomfortable baggage in our times. It tends to be associated with self-righteousness, with an egotistical belief that one is better than those around them. But in the Bible, righteousness is deeply connected with love and mercy, together with moral uprightness. Today, as we approach Christmas, I reflect on Joseph, the adoptive father of Jesus, who beautifully demonstrates this quality of righteousness.
When even good things become a burden! The other day I was chatting with a friend who’s spent a lot of time and effort in decorating his place for Christmas. He made this interesting comment: It’s become an addiction! I can’t stop thinking about it and wanting to do more. What makes me vulnerable to
We’re all aware from time to time, of the deep longings of our heart – for love, significance, recognition, a sense of worth, belonging, freedom and so on. But what many of us are not aware of, are the ways in which the Bible speaks about this area. And how it’s such a crucial area of our hearts to which we need to pay attention, if we want to develop an intimate relationship with God.
If I take this step of obedience and give the little time, energy, money or material possession that God is calling me to give, will He take care of my needs? Can I trust him to come through for me? Have you ever asked yourself this question? The answer to this is a 100% ‘yes’,
Today the Catholic Church celebrates Ash Wednesday and the beginning of a fresh season of Lent, in preparation for the remembrance of Jesus’ Passion and the celebration of his Resurrection at Easter. Holy Week & Easter remind us of the great love of God, seen in Jesus’ birth, suffering, death and resurrection for us –
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