The Ascension of the Lord
May 13, 2018 by Liz Estler
Filed under Ascension, Liz Estler, Solemnity
The Ascension of the Lord Pope Benedict XVI taught, in a 2009 homily on the Ascension at the Benedictine Archabbey of Monte Cassino, that this solemnity “invites us to contemplate the mystery of the Lord's Ascension…[wherein] we [are] urged to fix our gaze on our Redeemer: who died ‘for sins once for all' that he might bring us back to God, … [and who] ‘has gone into... Read More
How Our Lord’s Ascension Into Heaven Increases Our Faith
How Our Lord's Ascension Into Heaven Increases Our Faith* At Easter, beloved brethren, it was the Lord’s resurrection which was the cause of our joy; our present rejoicing is on account of his ascension into heaven. With all due solemnity, we are commemorating that day on which our poor human nature was carried up, in Christ, above all the hosts of heaven, above all the ranks of angels, beyond the... Read More
Lenten Melancholy Versus Easter Joy
May 7, 2018 by Fr. Bartunek
Filed under Easter, Fr. Bartunek, Lent, Spiritual Direction
I have a question: Why is it that during Lent I am so melancholy – and I don't seem to be getting [out] of it [like I were under attack] until Easter morning. It happens every year as long as I can remember – I am now 80. It would be boasting to say that I partake in my Lord's suffering … so what is it? You are not alone. This is not so uncommon a phenomenon as you may think. Not... Read More
How can We Celebrate the Easter Season More Fully?
April 26, 2018 by Fr. Bartunek
Filed under Easter, Fr. Bartunek
Dear Father John, The wonderful season of Easter is upon us. Lent has been a great time to prepare for the victory of the cross over death. Thank-you Jesus Christ, Holy Redeemer. What are appropriate things we can do to celebrate Easter, especially for the entire season? I love this question! Ever since I was ordained, I have been struck every year by the decrease in daily Mass attendance as soon... Read More
The Spiritual Joy of the Servants of God
April 18, 2018 by Charlie McKinney
Filed under Books, Charlie McKinney
The Spiritual Joy of the Servants of God Spiritual joy is, as its name denotes, the joy that the heart of man experiences in the possession and enjoyment of spiritual gifts. He is joyful because he knows that God has deigned to call him His friend and His child, that he lives under the protection of the Most High, and that he hopes soon to be united to God his Father in eternal bliss. All those who... Read More
Joy in Holy Communion
May 24, 2017 by Charlie McKinney
Filed under Books, Charlie McKinney, Communion, Eucharist
Joy in Holy Communion Holy Communion is the feast of the soul — that is to say, a source of deepest joys. As bread imparts to the body strength and a feeling of contentment, so does the Bread of Life bring peace and joy to your heart because of the wonderful fruits of grace it produces in your soul. St. Thomas Aquinas says, “This Bread of Angels, containing in itself all delights, satisfies... Read More
Joy in God’s Will
May 12, 2017 by Dan Burke
Filed under 30 Days T Lisieux, Anthony Lilles, Dan Burke, DI Radio, God's Will, Joy, Melissa Elson, Show Notes
Description: How can we find joy in God's will for us? Dan, Melissa and Dr. Anthony Lilles discuss the wisdom of St. Thérèse of Lisieux on the role of Our Lady in the spiritual life and the importance of humility. Topics/Questions covered in the show: Why would anyone look outside of the Church for spiritual sustenance? Why is St. Thérèse of Lisieux so important in our time? Why should anyone... Read More
Love of the Cross
September 14, 2016 by Dan Burke
Filed under Dan Burke, Feast Days, Suffering, The Cross
LOVE OF THE CROSS From a Meditation by St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross “We hear repeatedly that St. John of the Cross desired nothing for himself but to suffer and be despised. We want to know the reason for this love of suffering. Is it merely the loving remembrance of the path of suffering of our Lord on earth, a tender impulse to be humanly... Read More
When Joy is Wrong – According to St John of the Cross
September 1, 2016 by Matthew Leonard
Filed under Joy, Marriage Spirituality, Matthew Leonard
When Joy is Wrong According to St John of the Cross We’re all aware we shouldn’t take inordinate pleasure in earthly/temporal goods (which remains a problem for most of us). Affected by the original sin of Adam and Eve, we tend to focus too much on the things of this world. The clichés of women craving shoes and men drooling over cars is rooted in reality. We like stuff. Again, it’s not... Read More
Discernment of Spirits Rule 5
May 27, 2016 by Dan Burke
Filed under Consolation/Desolation, Dan Burke, DI Radio, Discernment of Spirits, Melissa Elson, Show Notes, Spiritual Warfare
This week Dan and Melissa discuss Saint Ignatius' Discernment of Spirits: Rule 5 – never change spiritual commitments while experiencing spiritual desolation. Topics/Questions covered in the show: Fifth Rule. “The fifth: In time of desolation never to make a change; but to be firm and constant in the resolutions and determination in which one was the day preceding such desolation,... Read More
