How can I get a copy of Navigating the Interior Life?

Q: Dear Dan, is your book available to buy now? If not, when are you aiming to release it? A: Because so many have asked about the availability of Navigating the Interior Life, we have created the web site www.NavigatingTheInteriorLife.com to provide more information and to give you the opportunity to receive a free advance, signed copy simply by making a donation to Catholic Spiritual Direction. Dan has decided to take... Read More

I am stuck in my spiritual growth… how do I get unstuck? This is frustrating! Part I of II

Q: Dear Sister Carmen, I feel like I am stuck in mansion somewhere in mansion one or two. Is this normal? Where do most people get stuck in the journey through the mansions and is there any common way you can suggest that we get unstuck? Maybe I am just impatient. I feel like I should be growing but I am not. A: Teresa posits conformity to God’s will as the first principle of spiritual growth In her Way of Perfection: Chapter... Read More

What can I do to increase the strength of my will to resist temptation and grow in holiness? – Part II of II

Q: I would like to ask you for a piece of advice. Since my will is not so strong as it should be; what are the exercises to practice that important element of spiritual formation? A: In our first post we talked about some of the foundational ideas required to begin an effective effort toward strengthening our will. In this post we will talk about a few secrets and tips to making solid progress. The Secret of a Schedule The... Read More

How can I increase the strength of my will to resist temptation? – Part I of II

Q: Dear Father John, I would like to ask you for a piece of advice. Since my will is not so strong as it should be; what are the exercises to practice that important element of spiritual formation? A: I am so encouraged to see that you recognize a need to develop your willpower! The first job the Holy Spirit has is to show us our need for God’s grace, so you are obviously in tune with the Holy Spirit! And that’s the... Read More

What reading and spiritual discipline might you recommend specifically for the nourishment of a priest?

Q: Dear Father John, I am a newly ordained priest. Before and during my seminary years I enjoyed very much having a spiritual director. Since graduation I haven’t been able to find a spiritual director. I was wondering what books would you recommend for spiritual reading to a diocesan priest. I also would like to know what spiritual practices would you recommend any diocesan priest to incorporate as part of his daily... Read More

Stages of Love in the Spiritual Life

There are three stages in our love for God: servile love, mercenary love and filial love. The word servile derives from “servant”. A servant (or employee) does his master’s will out of fear of punishment. Likewise, beginners in the spiritual life do God’s will, obey the Commandments, avoid sin, and go to Mass on Sunday, etc, because otherwise they fear and expect God’s anger and punishment. This is a necessary step... Read More