By Br Eric Wandrey
About seven miles off western coast of Ireland, a lonely island looms out of the sea, the tip of a massive oceanic mountain. 54 acres and 715 feet high, Skellig Michael is home only to a colony of Northern Gannets, but there was a time when this remote outcropping hosted more than seabirds. For over 600 years, it was home to Irish monks who sought complete solitude and close communion with God. More…
Tag Archives: spirituality
The Theophany After the Baptism of the Lord, Part II: The Opening of the Heavens 4
by Fr Jason Smith
The Baptism of the Lord was accompanied by one of the most stunning and remarkable events found in Sacred Scripture: The rending open of the heavens, the visible descent of the Spirit like a dove, and the Father’s audible voice. More…
3 Ways to Know That God Is Talking to You in Prayer 9
Three ways to know that God is talking to us in prayer: More…
The Theophany After the Baptism of the Lord, Conclusion 3
By Fr Jason Smith
Today we conclude our reflection on this event as found in the Gospel of Luke, 3, 21-22, which offers powerful insights into the life of Christ and our faith in the Triune God.
“When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” More…
An Advent Resource from Fr John Bartunek 9
Reblogged from Roman Catholic Spiritual Direction
2 Cents Worth 12
Just another Sunday Gospel Reflection…
“Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.”
My friend Brent — we’ll call him — used to work for a local newspaper in a small Northeastern town. He had a peculiar relationship with the paper’s editor, who always made it a point to tell people, “Pray a lot.” More…
Our Hearts are Battle Ground States 9
Gospel Reflection on Mark 10, 17-30, by Fr Jason Smith LC
They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves,”Then who can be saved?”Jesus looked at them and said,”For human beings it is impossible, but not for God.
All things are possible for God.”
It struck me this morning while celebrating Mass that we ask God for mercy eight times. Are we really that bad? More…
What Is Christian Meditation? 10
In this short video, Fr John Bartunek skillfully answers this question.
3 Approaches to Jesus in the Year of Faith 17
By Fr Edward Hopkins
Fr Edward Hopkins
This week the Church begins the “Year of Faith” called by Pope Benedict. October 11 marks the 50th anniversary of the 2nd Vatican Council. Why a year of Faith?
The Pope reminds us that we need to rediscover our journey of faith, which includes rediscovering a taste for feeding ourselves on the word of God. In his words: More…
Will the Real St. Francis Please Stand Up? 26
Giotto — Saint Francis receiving the Stigmata
I am a worm, not a man. — Psalm 22:6
Everyone loves Saint Francis. Catholics, non-Catholics, non-Christians… It doesn’t matter. You don’t need to be a Franciscan to have a statue of the austere, rustic, peace-loving, animal-loving St. Francis in your lawn or garden, like this one. More…
