Forsake Not the Discipline
February 26, 2013 by Anthony Lilles
Filed under Ascent, Catholic Spirituality, Conversion, John of the Cross, Lent, Meditations, Scripture, Seasonal Meditations
“Forsake not the discipline” These words are reported as among the very first and very last teachings of St. Antony of the Desert by his spiritual son, St. Athanasius. The Christian life is not something we master – but it does give us everything we need to master ourselves in the new and unrepeatable circumstances each day, each moment, brings. Every day we must choose... Read More
The Wounds of a Savior
February 23, 2013 by Ariel McKinney
Filed under Prayer, Rosary, Suffering
I was resting my head on the stiff airplane seat, exhausted from having woken up so early to get on my flight. As my New Year’s resolution, I had decided to initiate a strictly spiritual commitment, having felt the urge to jump-start my prayer life. I promised myself to recite the rosary once a day, in honor of my consecration to Mary, as well as to meditate on the mysteries of the rosary.... Read More
Can I trust Thomas Merton?
January 2, 2013 by Dan Burke
Filed under PsuedoSpirituality
Q: Dear Dan, I read your post on the Holy See’s concerns about Anthony de Mello, and I wondered as well about Thomas Merton. Some of his writings are helpful to me, but some make me very uncomfortable. Do you recommend his spiritual writings? A: Dear Friend, I am grateful to hear you are investing so much energy into your spiritual reading. You will find immeasurable rewards in your efforts... Read More
Video – Difference between meditation and contemplation?
October 16, 2012 by Dan Burke
Filed under Contemplation, Meditation, Prayer, Videos
Father John Bartunek and Dan Burke discuss the difference between meditation and contemplation. 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,... Read More
Video – What is Christian Meditation?
Father John Bartunek and Dan Burke discuss Christian Meditation: What is Christian meditation? How is it distinct from non-Christian eastern meditation? How is it different from vocal prayer? What are the most important things to understand about Christian meditation and developing a personal relationship with Christ? About Dan BurkeDan is the founder of Roman Catholic Spiritual Direction... Read More
Video – The Better Part and The 4 “Cs” of Meditation
September 29, 2012 by Dan Burke
Filed under Meditation, Prayer, The Better Part, Videos
In this video, Fr. John helps us understand how to use the “Four Cs” of meditation, Concentrate, Consider, Converse, and Commit. To learn more about this method and to dig deeper in your relationship with Christ through Christian meditation, please consider purchasing Fr. John’s fantastic book, The Better Part – A Christ Centered Resource for Personal Prayer. To learn... Read More
CSD Book Club – Journey of a Soul
September 25, 2012 by Vicki Burbach
Filed under Book Club
Mortification – A Bad Word? As much mortification as possible, especially of the tongue. I must always be ready to humble myself, especially when things go badly. Bodily mortifications are to be few but constant, and without excessive obligation. I will give up salt altogether; I will never eat fruit in the evening, and never drink more than one glass of wine. As a general rule, I will... Read More
Affective Meditation – Navigating the Interior Life Spiritual Dictionary
August 30, 2012 by Dan Burke
Filed under Meditation, Mental Prayer, Navigating, Prayer, Spiritual Dictionary
AFFECTIVE MEDITATION: Often the result of discursive meditation, affective prayer occurs when the heart and mind are engaged, with and beyond the intellect, with the object of the meditation. This Spiritual Dictionary Term is an excerpt from the Glossary of Dan’s book Navigating the Interior Life – Spiritual Direction and the Journey to God. To learn more, click here About... Read More
Meditation – Navigating the Interior Life Spiritual Dictionary
August 28, 2012 by Dan Burke
Filed under Meditation, Mental Prayer, Navigating, Prayer, Spiritual Dictionary
MEDITATION: Reflective prayer. It is that form of mental prayer in which the mind, in God’s presence, thinks about God and divine things. While the affections may also be active, the stress in meditation is on the role of the intellect. Hence this is also called discursive mental prayer. The objects of meditation are mainly three: mysteries of faith; a person’s better knowledge... Read More
Mary vs. Martha – Part II of II
August 27, 2012 by Fr. John Bartunek, LC
Filed under Spiritual Life
Q: Dear Father John, It has always been my nature to do, do do. I volunteer and serve whenever, wherever I can and have always found I felt closer to the Lord when doing this. As I grow older, there is a lack of connection in my spiritual life and simply serving. While I do not want to give up all the volunteer time, I do want to try and slow down in order to find that spiritual connection... Read More
