Anxiety remains well after the election

Q:  Dear Fr. John, I am deeply distressed by the outcome of our election. I am beyond myself when I consider that more than 40% of Mass-going Catholics committed mortal sin (or something close depending on their knowledge) by voting for someone who will continue to support Planned Parenthood and abortion. I know it has only been a matter of days but I just can’t shake my anxiety over all... Read More

How were Jesus and Mary able to remain perfect even during great anguish and sadness?

Q: Dear Father John, In responding to questions on this forum, you’ve often said something like, “the interior turbulence that the situation is causing you is most likely not from the Holy Spirit”. I think St. Ignatius says something similar when discussing the discernment of the spirits. Since Jesus and Mary were perfect, how would you explain the great anguish and sadness that Jesus felt... Read More

Anxiety and Contemplation

…too many people are distressed [have anxiety] because they are not contemplatives. They do not take the time to nourish their own hearts and return them to peace by gazing with love upon Jesus. In order to resist fear and discouragement, it is necessary that through prayer – through a personal experience of God re-encountered, recognized and loved in prayer – we taste and see... Read More

I need peace, I need your prayers…

Dear Mother Luisita, I am deeply troubled by things that seem so trivial and I can’t seem to shake a sense of impending doom. My anxiety is constant. I need peace, I need your prayers. My beloved child, Accept my loving greeting and my prayer for you to be what God wants you to be. What about your soul? Is it taking little steps toward heaven or is it flying there? Be very united with Our... Read More

Advent Anxiety… What do I do? – Part I of III

Q: Dear Father John, I am looking forward to Advent and Christmas this year with a little bit of enthusiasm and a lot of anxiety. I know it should be the other way around: a lot of enthusiasm and a little bit of anxiety. What am I doing wrong? How can I reverse the proportion? A: Progress on the path of holiness requires sincerity with God and sincerity with ourselves. How can we move forward... Read More

Ignatian Examination of Conscience on Faith, Hope, and Love

If there is one part of the spiritual life that St. Ignatius stressed, it was the daily–and even twice daily–examination of conscience. As we read the Spiritual Exercises, we may be overwhelmed by the minute detail of St. Ignatius’ treatment of what he calls the particular examination of conscience. At the same time, he is careful to provide, “Some Notes on Scruples.” It... Read More

47. Why Do We Doubt? (Matthew 14:22-36)

“If I try by myself to swim across the ocean of this world, the waves will certainly engulf me. In order to survive I must climb aboard a ship made of wood; this wood is the Cross of Christ. Of course, even on board ship there will be dangerous tempests and perils from the sea of this world. But God will help me remain on board the ship and arrive safely at the harbor of eternal life.” –... Read More

18. Worry Right (Matthew 6:24-34)

“Keep the word of God… Let it pierce deep into your inmost soul and penetrate your feelings and actions. Eat well and your soul will delight and grow. Do not forget to eat your bread or your heart will wither, but let your soul feast richly.” - St. Bernard of Clairvaux Matthew 6:24-34: ‘No one can be the slave of two masters: he will either hate the first and love the second,... Read More