CSD Book Club – 33 Days to Morning Glory (Week 4 of 7)

A Kiss from His Sacred Heart Do we yet realize the mysterious link between the darkness we sometimes experience in our own lives and that of the Lord’s suffering?  Let us ponder Mother Teresa’s words on suffering that come from her own experience and so, like her, become better lovers of the Heart of Jesus: Suffering, pain, sorrow, humiliation, feelings of loneliness, are nothing but the... Read More

CSD Book Club – 33 Days to Morning Glory (Week 3 of 7)

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

Gethsemane’s Night and the Hope of Christian Prayer

Gethsemane: Those who enter into this hidden garden of prayer with fear of the Lord and right reverence are permitted to overhear part of the Son’s conversation with the Father in secret.  Extending the blessing He offered at the Last Supper, Christ offered perfect praise with bold confidence in the Father while cherishing everything about his human existence, especially His friends.  He... Read More

Blessings that are Difficult to Receive

When our prayer takes us to the Mount of Olives, we discover the mystery of the Cross in all kinds of trials.   Before that impending evil life throws at us, we often find our desires on a collision course with God’s desires.  Some of these trials come from “without” in the form of difficult circumstances.  This could be in the form of a grave injustice or natural catastrophe.... Read More

Spiritual Liberty in the Night

In order to secure our true liberty, even while we were enslaved to sin, Christ suffered the night of death and ransomed us by His blood.   This is why the Lord respects human freedom, even when it is the source of great sorrow.   Aware of our frailty, God does not overpower our freedom but delights to work through it in a very gentle and beautiful way.   As a result, it is easy to frustrate... Read More

CSD book club – the imitation of christ (week 7 of 10)

The Sweet Peace of Surrender Disciple: Lord, how often should I resign myself and what should I renounce? Jesus: Always and at all times; small things as well as great ones. I make no exceptions. I want to find you stripped naked of everything. Unless you outwardly and inwardly divest yourself of your will, how can you be Mine, or how can I be yours? The sooner you do this, the better off you... Read More

CSD Book Club – The Imitation of Christ (Week 2 of 10)

On Death When you rise in the morning, think that you will not see evening; and when evening comes, do not be too certain that you will rise in the morning. Be always ready, therefore, and so live that death may not find you unprepared. For many, death comes suddenly and unexpectedly; the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. When your final hour arrives you will view your past... Read More

CSD Book Club – Journal of a Soul (Week 8 of 12)

On Suffering   I think the Lord Jesus has in store for me, before I die, for my complete mortification and purification and in order to admit me to his everlasting joy, some great suffering and affliction of body and spirit. Well, I accept everything and with all my heart, if it is for his glory and the good of my soul and for the souls of my dear spiritual children. I fear my weakness in... Read More

CSD Book Club – Journal of a Soul (Week 5 of 12)

The Sorrows of Motherhood During this retreat, the Lord has been pleased to show me yet again all the importance for me, and for the success of my priestly ministry, of the spirit of sacrifice, which I desire shall from now on ever more inspire my conduct ‘as a servant and prisoner of Jesus Christ.’ And also I want all the undertakings in which I shall take part during this present year... Read More

CSD Book Club – Journal of a Soul (Week 4 of 12)

And what about all the other things which surround me? If God has given them to me they are extras: they have not been given to all, nor to all in equal measure. Their purpose is to serve man in the attainment of his end. Any other use I may make of them is bad, upsets the order of nature and lands me in deplorable confusion. My attitude towards them must be governed by that golden rule of detachment... Read More

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