When I read this passage last week, as one of the Responsorial Psalms to the first Scripture reading at daily Mass, I quickly associated the “commit to God and get help” with my tendency to question my own worthiness in receiving God’s help. I understood the grace of God as being freely given to anyone […]
“Nothing can come between us and the love of Christ, even if we are troubled or worried, or being persecuted, or lacking food or clothes, or being threatened or even attacked. These are the trials through which we triumph, by the power of him who loved us” (Romans 8: 35, 37). Positivity in rain or […]
Jesus said to His apostles, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31). I was asked a question about Lectio Divina, which I had mentioned in a recent reflection about my new life as a Lay Carmelite. To clarify, Lectio Divina, a Latin term meaning “divine reading”, has roots […]
With a growing interest in the Carmelite saints and traditions, I learned there were groups of Lay Carmelites in the Atlanta area, where I was working in the fall of 2015. I found online the name of a representative of the Holy Family Lay Carmelite Community, associated with Holy Family Catholic Church in Marietta, GA. […]
This is a story I have not shared before now, but I wanted you to know the importance of my spiritual journey to Carmel. I believe we are each called as believers to seek a deeper, more profound walk with Jesus, to better understand His will, purpose and direction for our lives, ultimately pursing life […]
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts […]
“Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 3:3). Recently, I heard a radio preacher reference a date in 1955 when he was “saved”, meaning the day he said he accepted Christ as his personal savior. This is common, where evangelical Protestant […]
“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). As the new year approaches, I have almost on queue begun to take inventory of what changes I should be considering for 2019, you know, making things better in […]
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of […]
Now it happened that as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, “Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” (Luke 1: 41-42) The simple, yet majestic […]