Catechism – Vocal Prayer – 2700
Through his Word, God speaks to man. By words, mental or vocal, our prayer takes flesh. Yet it is most important that the heart should be present to him to whom we are speaking in prayer: “Whether or not our prayer is heard depends not on the number of words, but on the fervor of our souls.” About Dan BurkeDan is the founder of Roman Catholic Spiritual Direction and author of the award winning book, Navigating... Read More
155. Praising and Pondering (Luke 2:15-21)
December 27, 2011 by Fr. John Bartunek, LC
Filed under Meditations, The Better Part
“God made himself small so that we could understand him, welcome him, and love him.” – Pope Benedict XVI Luke 2:15-21: ‘Now when the angels had gone from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they hurried away and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw the... Read More
Sometimes prayer is so frustrating I just give up… what can I do?
December 26, 2011 by Sister Carmen Laudis OCD
Filed under Carmelite Spirituality, Difficulties, Prayer, Q and A
Q: Dear Sister Carmen, in the Second Mansion of the Interior Castle, St. Teresa strongly emphasizes the need for perseverance. Can you help me understand how this works in a practical way? I really struggle to keep a consistent prayer time and to stay focused when I pray. Sometimes it is so frustrating that I just give up. I know this doesn’t help but what can I do? A: Many doors have a sign over their entrance. If... Read More
Father Barron on Christmas
December 21, 2011 by Dan Burke
Filed under Advent, Seasonal Meditations
About Dan BurkeDan is the founder of Roman Catholic Spiritual Direction and author of the award winning book, Navigating the Interior Life - Spiritual Direction and the Journey to God. Beyond his “contagious” love for Jesus and His Church, he is a grateful husband and father of four, the Executive Director of and writer for EWTN’s National Catholic Register, a regular co-host on Register Radio, a writer and... Read More
154. The Promise of Peace (Luke 2:1-14)
December 21, 2011 by Fr. John Bartunek, LC
Filed under Meditations, The Better Part
“He does not want to overwhelm us with his strength. He takes away our fear of his greatness. He asks for our love: so he makes himself a child.” - Pope Benedict XVI Luke 2:1-14: Now at this time Caesar Augustus issued a decree for a census of the whole world to be taken. This census – the first – took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria, and everyone went to his own town to be registered. So Joseph set out... Read More
Can God speak to me in my dreams?
December 20, 2011 by Fr. John Bartunek, LC
Filed under Mystical Experience, Q and A
Q: I never had dreams like this before. Only now that I have grown closer to Him in recent months He has spoken to me in other ways like at prayer. And He often confirms what I heard in prayer by people, articles, etc. If these dreams bring me closer to Him then surely they are from Him right? They have been such wonderful sources of consolation for me! Oh please enlighten me! A: Surely “if these dreams bring you closer... Read More
As 2011 draws to a close – a profound thanks to you
Dear Friends, In our recent “Blog Around the World” annual update we told you about the amazing things we have been able to accomplish this year because of you. As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment and thank you: Thank you to all those who pray for us and this apostolate: Without you, we would not have the special protection, wisdom, energy, resilience, and grace that God provides in abundance when we... Read More
Sayings of Light and Love #25
December 15, 2011 by Dan Burke
Filed under John of the Cross
Withdraw from creatures if you desire to preserve, clear and simple in your soul, the image of God. Empty your spirit and withdraw far from them and you will walk in divine lights, for God is not like creatures. Saint John of the Cross More ”Sayings of Light and Love” About Dan BurkeDan is the founder of Roman Catholic Spiritual Direction and author of the award winning book, Navigating the Interior Life - Spiritual... Read More
151. The Greatest Yes (Luke 1:26-38)
December 14, 2011 by Fr. John Bartunek, LC
Filed under Meditations, The Better Part
“Therefore, though it is God who takes the initiative of coming to dwell in the midst of men, and he is always the main architect of this plan, it is also true that he does not will to carry it out without our active cooperation.” – Pope Benedict XVI Luke 1:26-38: ‘In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the... Read More
Having John Paul II over for Christmas…
December 12, 2011 by Fr. John Bartunek, LC
Filed under Resources
If you are a fan of Blessed John Paul II, or if you know a fan, here’s an idea for a Christmas gift. Last October, in anticipation of the first feast day of the newly beatified John Paul II, CCC of America released a special edition of a 4-DVD set on the papacy of John Paul II. Originally produced by renowned Italian journalist Alberto Michelini, this English language edition includes ten, 30-minute documentaries with... Read More
