In today’s readings at Mass (Latin Rite), Saint Paul tells us about those who bring good news: But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim …
Tag Archives: Indonesian Art
Why Saints?
The saints do not need our honours and devotion. Evidently, then, our commemoration of them aids us, not them. For my part, I confess that I am inflamed with desire when I remember them: First, to enjoy their society and become their fellow citizens and companions… The saints want our company, and we disdain them! …
No Precept More Lovable
No precept could be more lovable. For this sacrament of the altar begets love and unity. Is it not the greatest proof of divine love that Christ gives himself as food? It is as though he were saying, “I love them so much, and them me, that I want to be within them, and they …
“But Take Courage: I Have Conquered the World”
Today in the Mass readings for the Latin Rite, we hear Jesus tell his disciples: “I have said this to you, so that in me you have have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage: I have conquered the world!” (Jn 16:33). The Paschal context of this statement of Jesus’ lends itself …
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Eucharistic Contemplation
To ask for the grace of Christian contemplation is to ask that the bandage of pride, which still covers the eyes of the spirit, may fall away completely in order that we may be able to truly penetrate and taste the great mysteries of salvation: that of the sacrifice of the Cross perpetuated by the …
Intimate Aridity
By means of spiritual aridity, God unites Himself intimately with the souls He loves in an especial manner… we see the milk of consolations give place to the more substantial food of afflictions; and this it is that enables them to bear the burden of the cross on their journey to Calvary’s Mount. Saint Alphonsus …
Delicately and Without Coercion
How should we correct others? How should we show them virtue? How should we speak to them about the truth? Saint Francis de Sales, Doctor of Love, writes to his friend Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, As much as possible, we must touch the hearts of others as do the angels: delicately and without coercion. …
Buddhist Iconography, Christian Iconography: Buddhist Spirituality, Christian Spirituality
The picture above was taken at Kun Iam Temple in Macau. I live in Asia. I know full well that not all Buddhist saints, all Taoist figures, all Hindu figures, all religious figures depicted in temples here, have the same look to them. There’s variety. There are different themes. There are different ideals. We must acknowledge …
The Graces of Contemplation and Trinitarian Life in the Seed of Baptism
All of our spiritual life, from Baptism to Vision, develops as a progressive ascension, more and more rapid, towards the Trinity. The Beatific Vision and, with even greater reason, all intermediate mystical states, even the highest graces of transforming union, are present, in seed, in Baptism… this Baptismal grace into which we must enter as …
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Retreat to the House!
After the Ascension, the Apostles of our Lord retreated to a house; they didn’t know for how long they would do so, but they stayed praying. In the end, after ten days, the Holy Spirit came down on them: it was Pentecost. These moments have a special meaning for Saint Catherine of Siena. The meaning …
Contemplative in the Mud 