Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was hungry.Matthew 4:1-2 The Spirit Jesus received in Baptism led Him into the desert to fast and be tempted. In our own Baptisms, we have become eligible … Continue reading Temptation
Moral
Complaining
If a climb discouraged the butterfly, she would never be high enough to catch the breeze. Complaining In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.1 Thessalonians 5:18 I always thought it would be strange to give thanks in all circumstances. If I'm having a bad day, … Continue reading Complaining
A Christmas Sneeze
We humans do many things we don't mean to do, some of us more than others. But I have known no man who has escaped the Sneeze. Though it comes in various forms--the Sneeze of Suspense, the One That Sneaks Up On You, explosive, silent, painful, relieving--all sneezes are uncontrollable. You can learn to yawn … Continue reading A Christmas Sneeze
Gossip
Anyone who will gossip to you, will gossip about you. Unknown Gossip When we think of gossip—idle talk, speaking about someone when we shouldn't—we usually concentrate on the worst kind: defamation. To defame is to speak evil of another. One person may defame another for the sake of comparison; he may want people to think … Continue reading Gossip
What People Think
When contemplating an action, should we care what people think? It is a question we all ask ourselves. Because we are relational beings, we need each other. We have a natural desire for unity. We want everyone to agree all the time, so we often find ways to compromise. Compromise is good and healthy, but … Continue reading What People Think
Fairy Tales
I have a soft-spot for fairy tales. They are an authentic way to tap into the stories of my Anglo-Germanic heritage. When people compare life to a fairy tale, they are asking whether or not it measures up to some beautiful ideal. But really, fairy tales are more often stories of fear, death, and magic … Continue reading Fairy Tales
Arrogance
[Bingley said,] "But there is one of her sisters sitting down just behind you, who is very pretty, and I dare say very agreeable. Do let me ask my partner to introduce you.'' "Which do you mean?'' and turning round, [Mr. Darcy] looked for a moment at Elizabeth, till catching her eye, he withdrew his own … Continue reading Arrogance
Excessive Prudence
Prudence What is Prudence? The word "Prudence" comes from the same root as "provident": to foresee. Prudence is the habit whereby we try to act as if we can see the future. There are three steps in trying to act as if we know the future. First, you investigate the circumstances, try to know all … Continue reading Excessive Prudence
The Reason in Emotion
Anger and the ax When I was young, anger was my most powerful emotion. At slight provocation, it would pour into me like molten metal. It would burst through my meager defenses and spew across my family like lava from a volcano. After years of practice and prayer (mostly my mother's prayers...), I was able … Continue reading The Reason in Emotion
Gracefulness
"Hail, full of grace!" Luke 1:28 ____________ Gracefulness Grace and gratitude It is interesting that the words "grace" and "gratitude" have similar etymologies. They derive from the Latin word gratus, which means both pleasing and thankful (pleased). This reveals a practical way of understanding John Paul II's description of mercy as "bilateral", or two-sided: An act of … Continue reading Gracefulness
