HOLY SILENCE

James and John asked Jesus an impertinent question: can we sit at your right and left hands? St. Mary of Egypt asked one too: can I enter the kingdom without changing who I am and what I do? This Sunday, we are challenged to ask ourselves the most pertinent questions of all: who am I ... really? Do I love and live for God? Do I know my vocation? Do I live it fully? We all have to learn to be more honest about ourselves and to follow God with our whole mind, our whole heart, a

A short reflection to help you deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit. Read : "If the Holy Spirit is peace of soul ... as He is in reality, and if anger is disturbance of heart, as it actually is ... then nothing so prevents His presence in us as anger" (St. John Climacus, The Ladder of Divine Ascent , Step 8: On Freedom from Anger, #14). Ponder: Anger is a killer that destroys our relationship with God, self, and others. Here are a few steps we can take to reduce or e

Bleak winters and Bright Summers Falls that are crisp and Springs that brighten the spirit. There's never a time that Lacks love, save the hearts that Cry for help and souls that Search the dead. Even so, the barren ground still Holds the colorful promise That under a cold silence New green is being kept. And we, like the seasons, Return and returning, To find something deep within. A warmth, a light A sprig of peace Watered by the tears that Wash away the fear, and Give birt

What a trio they've been Taking their turns Denying their actions Reframing events Misdirecting priorities Dread-inducing tirades Demanding obedience Plotting an ignominious decline. It all began so simply, so quietly Feelings dismissed Thoughts doubted Mind questioned Heart damaged Love twisted Loyalty muddled Priorities confused. Then it worsened Belittling continued Apologies demanded Never valued Second guessed Future scrapped Confusion reigned Evidence destroyed. Their p

A short reflection to help you deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit. Read : " Illumination : 'That you may declare the wonderful deeds of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light' (1 Pt. 2:9). " Understanding : 'I bless the Lord who gives me counsel' (Ps. 16:7), for the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of guidance and understanding. " Knowledge of the principles of truth : This is one of the essential attributes of the nature of the Holy Spirit and it is

Heavenly Father ... Through the life of St. Anthony the Great, You reveal the beauty of Complete surrender. He heard Your call, Left everything behind, and Sought You alone In the silence of the desert. Though tempted and Tested by the enemy, His heart remained fixed on You. Grant us, O Lord, Even a measure of his courage, To release our attachments To embrace simplicity, and To trust in Your provision. May his example kindle deep within us A deeper hunger for prayer and Stil

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

We tend to take for granted that we are a people called to the heavenly kingdom by God through His love, mercy, joy, and desire for our salvation. Thus, we are reminded today to have faith in the Holy Trinity, to believe in Christ, and to seek the Holy Spirit. And this is how we live like we mean it: pray intimately with God every day in order to know His will, and to love and sacrifice for Him (and His people) with all our mind, all our heart, all our soul, and with every la

Each week I send a short email to help you deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit. If you have a question or a prayer request,...

To love and be loved is The greatest gift In Heaven and on Earth. It's like this... Looking at someone Looking at you with Eyes that see...