No More Passion for Life

Q: Dear Father John, Ten years ago my husband left me after 25 years. We had been together since we were 15 and had three boys. But one day he just said he wasn’t happy, met someone else, got remarried and had two children. One of my sons is in a job full of serious risks. I get sick to my stomach with worry about him, along with feeling terrible confusion about my life in general. But... 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

What does it mean to “offer it up”?

In this video, Fr. John Bartunek and Dan Burke talk about what it means to join in the redemption of Christ through suffering. If you are alive, you are suffering in some way. With this video you will gain perspective on that suffering and how you can use it to grow in your relationship with Christ and to aid others in their redemption. About Dan BurkeDan is the founder of Roman Catholic... 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 – Imitation of Christ (Week 5 of 10)

Bearing Trials Patiently    You should keep in mind the grave sufferings of others so that you could more easily bear the trifling sufferings that are yours. And if they do not appear to you to be insignificant, then maybe it is your unwillingness to suffer them that makes them so great. But whether they be slight or serious bear them all with patience. – The Imitation of Christ,... Read More

CSD Book Club – The Imitation of Christ (Week 3 of 10)

My Dearest Reading Friends, Welcome Back!!!  I hope each of you enjoyed a beautiful and Christ-filled Christmas season full of family and friends.  I took a little break from The Imitation over the holidays to read brief meditations on Christmas here and there, and I finally refocused and finished the reading assignment by reading the final chapter in Book II last night.  Sometimes I think... Read More

Does emotional suffering hinder spiritual growth?

Q: Dear Dan, since many people may suffer from some level of emotional immaturity due to childhood experiences, what effect does this have on becoming spiritually mature? Problems such as shyness, depression, lack of self-confidence, sensitivity to criticism, etc. affect trust in God and being able to benefit from spiritual direction.  What advice would you give those are in such a situation... Read More

A Reflection on All Souls and Our Souls

All Souls’ Day makes us mindful not only of the death of our dear ones but also of our own. Death is a punishment, bringing with it, of necessity, a feeling of pain, of fear, of uncertainty. The saints experienced it, and Jesus Himself willed to undergo it. Thus the Church puts before us passages from scripture most suited to encourage us: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord…... 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 – 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

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