See, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves, so be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves.Matthew 10:16 I decided a long time ago to believe the best of people. It is a matter of innocence, So it is difficult to defend. Even in Our Lord's advice quoted above, the innocence … Continue reading Believe the Best
Virtue
Innocence
O God, the restorer and lover of innocence,direct the hearts of Thy servants unto Thyself:that being enkindled with the fire of Thy Spirit,they may be found both steadfast in faith and fruitful in deed.Catholic Collect Innocence is a confusing topic to me. On the one hand, many want to protect innocence, such as that of … Continue reading Innocence
Vocation
St. Therese of Lisieux dreamed of serving Jesus as a missionary in Vietnam. Jesus had other plans. As she was lying on her deathbed, her sister Celine (Sister Genevieve) said to her, "Since you want to go to Saigon, perhaps when you are in heaven, I shall go in your place to complete your work, … Continue reading Vocation
Spiritual Warfare II: Warlike Strengths
If we are aware of Spiritual Warfare raging around us, we need the best training. The Lord himself trains us for war. All the Children of God have the opportunity to develop warlike strengths--virtues to aid us in battle.
Spiritual Warfare I: The History
For all the saints who from their labors rest, who thee by faith before the world confessed, thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest. Alleluia! Alleluia!Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might; thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight; thou, in the darkness drear, their one true light. Alleluia! Alleluia!O may thy … Continue reading Spiritual Warfare I: The History
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
False Humility
About myself I will not boast, except about my weaknesses. Although if I should wish to boast, I would not be foolish, for I would be telling the truth. But I refrain, so that no one may think more of me than what he sees in me or hears from me because of the abundance … Continue reading False Humility
The Patience of a Saint
I talked about the social vice known as arrogance. A social virtue that hits closer to home for me is patience. I desire that patience lead me to put the greater good above the good of being understood. This is the prayer of St. Francis. This is the patience of a Saint. A simple portrayal of … Continue reading The Patience of a Saint
Vanity VS Pride
Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves; vanity, to what we would have others think of us. Thus from Mary Bennet in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. It is not a helpful distinction … Continue reading Vanity VS Pride
Assume a Virtue
Let’s look at what we said last week from another angle: Shakespeare. Queen: Oh Hamlet, Thou hast cleft my heart in twain. Hamlet: O throw away the worser part of it, And live the purer with the other half. Good night, but go not to mine Uncle’s bed, Assume a virtue, if you have it not. Refrain … Continue reading Assume a Virtue
A Grain of Salt 