Somewhere deep inside, Beneath my titles, My work, My relationships, My words, and If I'm being honest, My own noise ... There is a flame burning. I did not kindle it. It was given as a gift. It was fostered by saints, (and, oddly, some sinners too). I tended to it by Sacrament and Silence (not nearly enough ... yet!) And it has never once been extinguished ... Ever! This is the great, joyful secret of my life (it could be yours too, by the way). God is not far away. The ligh

The Fathers describe how demons sow evil thoughts. What's truly frightening is that someone near us Can do their bidding using a human voice. At the table, On the phone, In the pew beside us During times of sadness and dread Even moments of joy and laughter. But the absolute worst comes when we are at our weakest. Their words become our thoughts. Their sounds become our cries. Their actions lead us into temptation. They accomplish this by watching and waiting Until that very

Find it within. Find it without. Discover God's will. Follow it with hope and joy. Be a light to others, even though there is so much in the world that we can grumpy, angry, and sad about. Be anointed and healed so that you may be of help to everyone around you. Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the 4th Ecumenical Council If you have a question or prayer request, please reach out here. If you can donate, please click here.

We are not alone! On this day of Pentecost, we are reminded that God ... the Holy Spirit ... lives amongst us and leads us to live the lives we were meant to live. This mystical relationship is given to us out of pure love, through the sacraments, and by our deep desire to repent and be close to Him. So, go into your room ... be alone in your spiritual mind and spiritual heart ... seek God ... hope for an eternity with Him! Pray in peace, and for peace. Celebrate today and fo

The relationship within the Trinity, as well as the relationship between the Trinity and us is so deeply mystical, so deeply personal, and so deeply loving, that it is almost impossible to describe. That is why we must experience it too. During His earthly life, Christ interceded for the sick, the suffering, the unbelieving, even the dead. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit do that for us, in our times too. So let us encourage each other to be personally vigilant when i

A cool breeze Moves through the Late afternoon like a Generous thought. Unhurried Unannounced Loosening the hold of the new Heat, which waits patiently To take on everything and Everyone. Never asking, just arriving and Demanding summer. But the wind, sudden and full, Spills out from the ocean and Stretches across the sky Insisting on spring and lots of laughter The most human of sounds. Unguarded, contagious, and Committed to briefly abolishing All the seriousness of life. R

Each week I send a short reflection to help you deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit. Read: "If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit who dwells in you" (Romans 8:1). Ponder: As we fast approach Great Lent, Holy Week, and Pascha, it may seem odd to be told to start thinking about Pentecost. But it makes perfect sense. First, it is important

St. Seraphim, You stood in the winter forest with Motovilov, and The light of the Spirit shone from your face like the sun. You spoke so simply: The whole aim of life is to acquire the Holy Spirit. Not knowledge about Him, Not rituals performed correctly, but Him The living God, dwelling within. Sadly, I wonder How often I have mistaken the means for the end? I have prayed as though prayer itself were the goal. I have fasted and felt virtuous. I have done good works and count

God reveals Himself to us in a deeply personal way. He comes to us in love and invites us to love Him in return, to call upon Him, and to learn how to truly love ourselves and others. In other words, we are called to accept the divine invitation ... to spend our days praying for the wisdom to know His will ... to live it freely ... to joyfully help others encounter the Holy Spirit who is with us each and every day ... to seek eternity. If you have a question or a prayer reque

Each week I send a short reflection to help you deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit. If you have a question or a prayer request, please reach out here . Read : "By the Holy Spirit all creation is renewed and thus returns to its first state" (Matins, Antiphon 2, 7 Dec 25). Ponder : How much do you reflect on the past and present? Do you wish things were different? Does that make you feel regret? How often? Daily? Weekly? Think about it. If you are like most people, y