“The Holy Spirit does not speak to a distracted, chatty soul. Through His quiet inspirations, He speaks to a focused soul — to a soul that knows how to be silent.” (Sister Faustina Kowalska) Is what Sister Faustina says here surprising? Certainly not! How can the Holy Spirit communicate with us if we are not […]
“ESCAPING CHATTER” Read More »
“My son, give me your heart, and your eyes will follow my ways” (Antiphon for the Feast of the Sacred Heart). When we accept this invitation from our Father, we literally become “clairvoyant,” because we will then be better able to recognize and follow His ways. If our heart belongs to God, we enter into
“SEEING THROUGH GOD’S EYES” Read More »
In the passage we meditated on yesterday, St. Paul emphasized that it was not the Law that saved him—even though, as a devout Jew, he had always strictly observed it—but rather the undeserved gift of faith in Jesus Christ. In the following verses, he reiterates this point: Phil 3:9-21 Not having a righteousness of my
Living with our eyes fixed on the goal Read More »
After reflecting on the passage from the Letter to the Philippians yesterday, the Apostle Paul goes on to speak with great affection about his colleague Timothy, whom he regards as a son in Christ and whom he wishes to send to the community in Philippi. The warmth of these verses (Philippians 2:19–22) is striking and
Phil 2:12–18 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or
The Apostle’s sacrifice Read More »
“In order to prevail in this battle, it must be an army that strives for holiness.” (Inner Word) This inner word goes back to St. Joan of Arc. She speaks of a “holy army,” even for our time. It likely refers to the “army of the Lamb,” that is, those who follow the Lamb wherever
“THE FATHER FIGHTS FOR US” Read More »
Phil 2:1-11 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any incentive of love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than
“Imitating Christ” Read More »
“Five wise virgins took their lamps and brought jars of oil with them. But in the middle of the night, a cry rang out: ‘Behold, the bridegroom!’” (cf. Mt 25:4b, 6). With these words of Jesus, I conclude the series of reflections that has accompanied the short videos featuring sacred chants by Harpa Dei. It
“WATCHFUL READINESS” Read More »
Phil. 1:21-30 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If it is to be life in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far
Everything for the Gospel Read More »
Phil. 1:12–18 I want you to know, brethren, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ; and most of the brethren have been made confident in the Lord
THE LETTER TO THE PHILIPPIANS: “The Apostle’s priority” Read More »
