When I was a child, I thought I was about as good as I could be. Now that I'm older, I've had experience of children much better than myself. The virtue of a child I have been observing children all my life, from my own childhood to those of my niblings (nephews and nieces). What … Continue reading Good Children
Love
Faith and Miracles
He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 8:48 So often in the Gospels, Jesus says that the faith of a sick person (or the faith of their friends) caused the miracle of healing. What is the connection between miracles and faith? Faith and Miracles What troubles you and … Continue reading Faith and Miracles
Christmas Mercy
The shepherd I always loved the shepherd in the creche scene who carries a lamb on his shoulders. He does this to keep it close to him, to prevent it from getting lost, to bring it to a better place. He is a symbol of Christ the Good Shepherd. According to the Prophet Isaiah, He … Continue reading Christmas Mercy
Give Out of Poverty
Sometimes, acting out of love is easy. This is when God showers us with an abundance of grace. The grace fills us so much that it overflows into every interaction. Everyone who breathes the air we breathe experiences that grace on some level. Other times, nothing is smooth. We have trouble getting out of bed. … Continue reading Give Out of Poverty
Time Redeemed
"What was the matter with Niggle? His heart was in the right place.""Yes, but it did not function properly," said the First Voice. "And his head was not screwed on tight enough: he hardly ever thought at all. Look at the time he wasted, not even amusing himself!"Leaf by Niggle, J.R.R. Tolkien Time Redeemed Time is … Continue reading Time Redeemed
Seat of Wisdom
Seat of Wisdom is one of the titles of Mary. It is a significant title to me, because it reminds me that someone, at least, has achieved the perfect balance between wisdom and love. Balance When I was young, my life was balanced. I lived in the present. I was growing in wisdom, but just … Continue reading Seat of Wisdom
Restless Hearts
You have made us for Yourself, [O Lord,] and our heart is restless, until it rests in You. Confessions, St. Augustine of Hippo St. Augustine lived in the 4th century in North Africa. This quote from the beginning of his spiritual autobiography makes two bold statements: "You have made us for Yourself" and "our heart is … Continue reading Restless Hearts
The Problem of Melancholy
Rosalind: They say you are a melancholy fellow. Jacques: I am so; I do love it better than laughing. Rosalind: Those that are in extremity of either are abominable fellows. Shakespeare's As You Like It I have always known that I am partly melancholic. Melancholics are deep thinkers and feelers; they look for happiness in the worth and truth … Continue reading The Problem of Melancholy
Faith
Therefore, we are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16 ____________ Faith Faith is trust. Trust in One Who knows better than we do. It is humility in action. Riches I am rich. The Lord has blessed me abundantly. He has … Continue reading Faith
The Inefficiency of Love
This culture [of death] is actively fostered by powerful cultural, economic and political currents which encourage an idea of society excessively concerned with efficiency… The first to be harmed are women, children, the sick or suffering, and the elderly. The criterion of personal dignity—which demands respect, generosity and service—is replaced by the criterion of efficiency, … Continue reading The Inefficiency of Love
