CSD Book Club – 33 Days to Morning Glory (Week 3 of 6)

The Power of Humility We’ll close these reflections on the wonderful benefits of Marian consecration by letting St. Louis describe how this way is also a secure path, meaning that, as we walk it, we’re particularly protected from and defended against evil: Mary puts herself around [her true children], and accompanies them “like an army in battle array” (Cant. 6:3). Shall a man who has... Read More

Can evil spirits be good?

Q: Dear Father John, Since bad spirits are very manipulative by nature is it possible for bad spirits to present themselves as good in certain circumstances in order to fulfill their plan and if so, what are some ways to distinguish that representation?  A: Yes indeed, evil spirits are experts at deception. Our Lord, speaking of the devil, pointed this out: “When he [the devil] tells a lie,... Read More

CSD Book Club – Navigating the Interior Life (Week 3 of 6)

Spiritual Reading As part of any spiritual growth program, the seeker must be prepared to focus energies toward the preeminent goal of dynamic union with Christ.  One critical aspect of this journey involves intellectual formation through spiritual reading and study, leading to a more mature ability to discern truth from error.   A life-habit of regular spiritual reading and study is a key... Read More

Am I experiencing intellectual gluttony? – Part III of III

Q: Dear Father John, There is just too much to read! I feel like I should be reading more about my faith and the spiritual life, because I want to grow more. But I am so frustrated, because even if I would spend all day reading, I feel like I would barely be scratching the surface. So I get tense, confused, and then I don’t do anything. What’s going on with me, and what I should... Read More

Am I experiencing intellectual gluttony? – Part II of III

Q: Dear Father John, There is just too much to read! I feel like I should be reading more about my faith and the spiritual life, because I want to grow more. But I am so frustrated, because even if I would spend all day reading, I feel like I would barely be scratching the surface. So I get tense, confused, and then I don’t do anything. What’s going on with me, and what I should... Read More

Am I experiencing intellectual gluttony? – Part I of III

Q: Dear Father John, There is just too much to read! I feel like I should be reading more about my faith and the spiritual life, because I want to grow more. But I am so frustrated, because even if I would spend all day reading, I feel like I would barely be scratching the surface. So I get tense, confused, and then I don’t do anything. What’s going on with me, and what I should... Read More

How do you help someone who suffers with severe anger?

Q: Dear Father John, I am a priest providing spiritual direction to a young man suffering with anger problems. He has recently returned to the sacraments. He is frustrated with God that he has asked him to take away this hurtful anger but God has not answered his prayer. Can you offer advice about how to overcome severe habitual challenges with anger? A: Anger is the most complex of the human... Read More

CSD Book Club – Spiritual Combat – Battling Despair

The Evil one even uses virtue to tempt us to sin, inflating our egos with exaggerated self-esteem and complacency to the point where we succumb to vainglory. Thus we must be ceaselessly vigilant, cognizant of our own nothingness, our sinfulness, our appalling inadequacy, and ever mindful that we deserve nothing but eternal perdition. Let this remembrance be to us as a sword with which we defend... 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

Halloween, Witches, Demons, and the Occult

by Kathryn Marcellino, OCDS With Halloween right around the corner, we might ask ourselves if demons and evil spirits are real? The Church gives us an authoritative answer in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CC 414) which says, “Satan or the devil and the other demons are fallen angels who have freely refused to serve God and his plan. Their choice against God is definitive. They try... Read More

Next Page »