A mother’s plea… Why does God delay in answering my prayers? – Part II of II

Q: Dear Father John, Two of my college educated sons have been out of work for several years, fortunately both wives work. What happens typically is that our hopes get raised when they get called in for an interview, are asked to come back, and then another invitation follows for additional meetings. Then the news comes saying they chose someone else. The emotional roller-coaster is brutal. My... Read More

A mother’s plea… Why does God delay in answering my prayers? – Part I of II

Q: Dear Father John, Two of my college educated sons have been out of work for several years, fortunately both wives work. What happens typically is that our hopes get raised when they get called in for an interview, are asked to come back, and then another invitation follows for additional meetings. Then the news comes saying they chose someone else. The emotional roller-coaster is brutal. My... Read More

How can I learn to trust?

Q:  Dear Father John, I have felt a great desire to enter religious life for a few years now, but keep hitting an invisible wall so-to-speak. After attempting the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, the Lord helped me to see that I am not ‘indifferent’ and have to rebuild my foundation of a personal relationship with Him. In particular He helped me see my utter inability to surrender... Read More

What does it really mean to give your life to Christ and to trust God? – Part II of II

Q: Dear Father John, I have been grappling a lot lately with spiritual progress, and I think what it boils down to is trust.  The whole idea of believing God is with me throughout my day, and even more so, the idea (or need) to turn everything over to Him… But what does that actually look like?  How do you get there?  I still have to go through the steps/tasks of life as a wife, mother,... Read More

What does it really mean to give your life to Christ and to trust God? – Part I of II

Q: Dear Father John, I have been grappling a lot lately with spiritual progress, and I think what it boils down to is trust.  The whole idea of believing God is with me throughout my day, and even more so, the idea (or need) to turn everything over to Him… But what does that actually look like?  How do you get there?  I still have to go through the steps/tasks of life as a wife, mother,... Read More

How can I begin to see God as a loving Father?

Q: Dear Father John, I tend to have a perfectionist personality combined with the cross of scrupulosity.  My family of origin does love me but it wasn’t the best environment growing up so I really lack in understanding of a loving father figure hence having trouble seeing God as a loving and forgiving father.  I am pretty sure that I have made peace with my past and have forgiven those who... Read More

33. Eternal Reassurance (Matthew 10:26-33)

“All my nothingness is drowned in the sea of your mercy. With the confidence of a child, I throw myself into your arms, O Father of mercy, to make up for the unbelief of so many souls who are afraid to trust in you.” – St. Faustina Kowalska Matthew 10:26-33: ‘Do not be afraid of them [your persecutors] therefore. For everything that is now covered will be uncovered, and everything... Read More

28. The Healing Touch (Matthew 9:18-26)

“Nothing can come but that which God wills. And I feel very sure that whatsoever that may be, however bad it may appear, it shall indeed be the best.” – St. Thomas More Matthew 9:18-26: While he was speaking to them, up came one of the officials, who bowed low in front of him and said, ‘My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her and her life will be saved’.... Read More