What are attachments and how do they hinder my spiritual life? Part II of II

Q: Dear Sister Carmen, in your recent series on getting stuck in spiritual growth (which was very helpful  by the way) you mentioned the idea of “attachments.” I think I understand this as I have read a bit of St. John of the Cross. However, I would be grateful if you could help me understand it a bit better and for any practical advice about identifying attachments and then shedding them.... Read More

What are “attachments” and how do they hinder my spiritual life? Part I of II

Q: Dear Sister Carmen, in your recent series on getting stuck in spiritual growth (which was very helpful  by the way) you mentioned the idea of “attachments.” I think I understand this as I have read a bit of St. John of the Cross. However, I would be grateful if you could help me understand it a bit better and for any practical advice about identifying attachments and then shedding them.... Read More

Attachment – Navigating the Interior Life Spiritual Dictionary

ATTACHMENT: An emotional dependence, either of one person on another, or of a person on some real or illusory object.  Attachments play an important role in spiritual development, since the first condition for progress in sanctity is some mastery over one’s inordinate attachments. This Spiritual Dictionary Term is an excerpt from the Glossary of Dan’s book Navigating the Interior Life... Read More

Consolation & Desolation… What are “spiritualized capital sins”?

Q: 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? A: We have to remember that here on earth we are members of the Church militant. We are in the midst of a battle. As we grow... Read More