The most profound call to repentance is experienced as we go before the Cross this Lenten season, as we kneel there along with our Blessed Mother, as we gaze upon our loving Savior who gave entirely of himself for love of us—even though we are sinners.
Making More Out of Lent: The Way of Beginners and The Prayer Garden
The Catholic spiritual tradition has defined three categories reflecting particular degrees of spiritual advancement. These are 1) The Purgative Way; 2) The Illuminative Way; 3) The Unitive Way. To begin, let’s enlist the help of St. Teresa of Avila and her analogy of a gardener cultivating a garden that the Lord will find pleasing.
Christ: I Have Come to Set Fire On Earth
The Christian life is necessarily a countercultural life; it cannot be otherwise. For the only alternative is to live for the spirit of the world rather than for the love of God.
Ash Wednesday: What’s The Big Deal With Ashes?
Ash Wednesday often draws crowds to Mass, rivaling Christmas and Easter. What’s so attractive about getting ashes smeared on one’s forehead?
Finding Consolation in Understanding the Limits of the Pope’s Power and Authority
The Church is suffering from a terrible crisis. How bad is it? Catholic historians and theologians think it is perhaps the worst it has ever been. Can it be traced, in part, to a misunderstanding of the pope’s authority?