The Blind Leading the Blind

The first person I saw for spiritual direction in Richmond was (and still is) legally blind.  I met her when I made my Cursillo weekend back in June 2006 at Mary Mother of the Church Abbey.  She was on the spiritual direction team.  Her faith and her terrific sense of humor inspired me.  Hearing the story about her giving her grandsons a lesson in charity was the clincher we have kindred spirits.  She, too, recognizes what great spiritual directors kids can be and is willing to learn from and be challenged by them.  

“If you have two of something, you should give one to the person who doesn’t have any,” she told her grandsons.   

“How many pairs of sunglasses do you have, Grandma?” one of the young boys asked her.

Since she was and still is a fashionista, she had several pairs.  That’s when she realized it would be wise to take the Spiritual Direction Institute (SDI) course developed and offered by Monsignor Chester Michael.  If you’re going to talk the talk, then you best walk the walk. 

Something that still cracks me up about my friend is that she always looks cute and is very much into fashion.  I’m pseudo-blind without my contacts in or glasses on, but most of the time I still choose comfort over cuteness when it comes to fashion.  Not this lady.  She watches shows like What Not to Wear, and she knows which of her friends to go shopping with or ask for suggestions of what to pair together in her closet.

She’s well-read, well-spoken, loves learning, laughing, and spending time with family and friends.  Without ever looking at me, she could really see me.  In one of her talks that weekend, she shared a story about knowing you’re loved and cared for even in the dark. 

When their firstborn was a baby, her husband went to work when it was light outside.  When he returned home in the evening, not a single light was on in the entire house.  He was worried something was wrong. 

It hadn’t occurred to my friend to turn any lights on.  Even though in the dark, their daughter knew she was loved and would be taken care of.  After that, my friend got in the habit of turning lights on for her daughter’s benefit.  That story and this woman really impressed me. 

During dark periods in our lives, we can become almost paralyzed by fear and worry.  We’re not sure which way to go.  We have no idea who or what is in the room.  It’s unsettling to say the very least.  Since we are God’s children, we don’t need to be afraid.  Even when it seems as though all of the lights are out and only darkness prevails, He is there with us.  Just like the Bible says: “In Him there is no darkness at all.  The day and the night are both alike.”

In the same way that my friend’s daughter rested in her mother’s arms and knew she was loved and would have her needs met even in the dark, we are invited to trust that God will lead us through difficult circumstances and periods in our lives. 

Do you trust your guide?

I remember playing the game with a partner where you each take turns being blindfolded.  The person leading had to talk the blindfolded friend through a walk outside, letting them know when to step up or down, move to the right or left, etc.  I worried I would get paired up with a jokester who would lead me into a patch of poison ivy or laugh hysterically as I fell down a set of stairs.  Fortunately, neither of those things ever happened (while I was blindfolded, anyway). 

We need to pick the people we follow and spend time with very carefully.  I felt comfortable trusting my friend as a spiritual companion, because she is a life-long learner, humble enough to know she doesn’t know everything and is still growing in the faith herself.  Her active prayer life, dedication to family and friends, and love of books made me feel that I could trust her. 

During my time meeting with her, she recommended a number of fabulous books for me to read that enhanced my spiritual journey and faith walk.  One she hesitated to recommend to me because she is friends with the author.  She feared I might suspect she was more interested in plugging her friend’s book than suggesting I read something that would really speak to where I was at that time.  She was wrong.  I knew I could trust her book recommendations would be authentic and honest.

Sabbath Presence is a beautifully written book based on the theme that was chosen for my Cursillo weekend “Be Still and Know.”  I am someone who always feels like I should be doing something.  I have often had to fight against the notion that my worth comes from what I have done or am doing rather than from God, who created me (and each one of us) in His image of love. 

This book changed my life.  It’s one of the very few books I read twice in a row, soaking up the wisdom and allowing it to sink in.  My first time through, I skimmed over the reflection questions, but I didn’t spend a lot of time with them.  My second time through, I took quiet time to journal and really meditate on each of the questions. 

I can’t think of a more perfect book for me to have read at that time. It’s very unlikely I would have come across it if not for a blind woman I saw for spiritual direction.  True sight into the soul is in the heart of those open to the Holy Spirit.  

Click here to read my book review of Sabbath Presence.  

Click here to read an interview with the author of the book.

Prayer: Lord, please help us become more open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit moving in and through us.  Guide us to a deeper awareness of and appreciation for Your Presence in others as well as ourselves.  Show us how to see beyond appearances to what truly matters and is of eternal value.  Give us the courage to face our own blind spots, accept Your forgiveness, and mercy.  Amen.

Questions for Reflection, Discussion, or Journaling: What do we block out or miss when we get caught up in appearances?  Have we ever judged incorrectly because we have made assumptions based on the way a person or situation looks?  How likely are we to ask questions and really listen to: a friend, a spouse, a child, a co-worker, God, or even our own inner voice of wisdom?  What can we do to become better listeners? 

Lost in the Labyrinth?

     I have a confession to make: I managed to get off-track doing a labyrinth walk (aka Jerusalem Mile).  I can’t bring myself to tell Kevin, yet, as he already loves to hassle me mercilessly about my uncanny ability to get ridiculously lost.  I will never hear the end of it if I explain to him what happened when I was doing the journey inward (to the center) part of the labyrinth.  I don’t have to worry about him finding out by reading my blog.  As is the case with many if not most of my family and friends, that’s rarely something they’re inclined to do on their own.  (At least, Kevin doesn’t check it much since I typically read to him what I’m going to post.  He’s actually the most supportive person in my life about my writing and my blog, and I consider that a tremendous blessing!) 

     After the others had left Richmond Hill at the conclusion of our Cursillo team overnight, I took the opportunity to spend some quiet time alone in their garden.  I made my way to the labyrinth walk, something I’ve had an affection for ever since my first encounter with it when we went on our pilgrimage to Ireland.  The weather was gorgeous that day.  No one else was in that part of the gardens.  I could walk and contemplate in silence, looking out over the city, and have some much-needed downtime before Kevin came to pick me up.

     I must have gotten off-track at some point on my inward journey because I never ended up in the middle when I started from the outside going in.  When I got back to the beginning without ever having made it to the very center as intended I just walked straight to the center and did the outward journey correctly. 

     How perfect an analogy for my life!  Only I could get lost on a labyrinth walk.  Oftentimes, I’m much more concerned about my inner journey than I am about my outreach.  And sometimes, I have to go straight back to the center (God) without any twists or turns.  At least I know enough to go back to the center and begin again when I realize I’m off-track.

     God doesn’t expect us to be perfect and polished inwardly before He sends us out to serve others.  Part of our outward journey is sharing our inner wisdom as well as gleaning wisdom from our interactions with others. 

     Lord, help us to be open to the interior formation and transformation You know that we need most in order to be more effective vessels for the many blessings You wish to give others through us.  Amen.

The Need for Ongoing Conversion & Sanctification

Sanctification by Association

     I’ve known for a while now that I need to be better about designating time for personal prayer.  I mentioned to John that we miss having him living nearby, because his prayer practices so often inspire Kevin and me to go to daily Mass more frequently and have a more Christ-centered focus in general.  We’ve been to Mass with him three out of the four days he’s been home from seminary for Thanksgiving.

Nanny Nudges

     Another very powerful nudge has come from being Godparents and nanny to the girls.  The other day, I came down from putting one of the twins to bed, and saw Vivi crossing herself and finishing up with “and the Holy Spirit” before continuing to eat her fruit snacks.  That warmed me, made me smile, and reminded me that children are such sponges.  On a yet another day when things were so hectic at lunchtime with three small children that I didn't remember to say grace with them, Vivi stopped mid-afternoon snack to bless herself without being prompted.  That afternoon when all three of them were napping, I prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, inspired to be a person lifted up in love and grounded in prayer, especially when responsible for nurturing little bodies, minds, and souls. 

Inspiration & Accountability

     I know I can’t and shouldn’t rely on others to inspire or motivate me to maintain a solid prayer life.  I can be open to having spiritual mentors and friends help keep me on track if I am willing to open myself up to their suggestions and correction.  It does help immensely to have loved ones who genuinely want God to be first in their lives, because that desire and approach to life does where off and affect others.  Ultimately, if I look to someone other than Christ, then I will not always be fed, nor will I be filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit so that I can serve others with love and compassion.

Taking It to the Top

     When I ask and am open to the answers, the Lord can be pretty specific with me about what I need to do.  I must admit that I wish I considered this more of a blessing and a lifeline than a scary reality check.  Sometimes the message is short and insistent: TRUST. Other times it’s a list of different aspects of my life that I need to put in God’s hands and leave them there (all of them), then a reminder to check back in regularly to listen for further instructions.     

Making Prayer a Priority

     It was sometime between 3^rd and 5^th grades that I began praying an Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a Glory Be every night before falling asleep.  I would get up early, usually before my mom and sisters woke up, to pray in high school.  I would often pray the Rosary to reflect on the highlights of Christ’s life.  I also read some spiritual books and found some other prayers that really spoke to me at that time in my life.  I would pray quite a bit throughout the day as I walked from one class to another.  I had lots going on in my family at that time, so it was usually pretty heavy on my heart to pray and ask for God’s help and strength.

Prayerful Vocation Discernment

     I struggled and prayed quite a bit about what God intended for my relationship with Kevin long-term as our big age difference, my family’s concerns, and a myriad of other issues kept me clinging to the Lord as I discerned whether marriage or the consecrated religious life would be my main vocation.   When I was dating Kevin and praying, pleading, begging for his conversion or rather reversion to the Catholic faith in which he was raised, I prayed frequently and fervently.  I knew that was the best way to be open to how God might work in and through me to show Kevin His love. 

Suffering Leads to Seeking God’s Will

     Watching those I love suffering brings me to my knees.  When I see others in pain—be it physically, emotionally, or spiritually—I’m much more willing to let God use me however He wants to alleviate their heavy burden.  I no longer place limits on what I will do or go through so that the person I love will be comforted, receive healing, and be drawn closer to the Lord.  Though I often do it with fear and trepidation, I rededicate my life: mind, body, and spirit to the Lord.  I ask Him to “plant His will in my heart and make it my deepest desire and most fervent longing” something the Holy Spirit inspired me to write in one of my prayer journals years ago. 

Here are some other posts, articles, and resources you might find helpful for ongoing conversion and sanctification:

True Conversion One Heart at a Time

Cardinal Dolan’s November 2012 address to the USCCB general assembly

The Evangelization Equation

Holiness is for Everyone

On Prayer

STOP: The Complaint Box is Full!

     Quite honestly, I can only take so many complaints and criticisms at a time, and, right now, my inbox is full to overflowing.  For one thing, I am my own harshest critic, so I have several slips of paper that are permanently stacked on the inside of the complaint box taking up a good quarter, maybe even a half, of the space that’s in there.  Chances are pretty good that many of the judgmental things you want to say to me are already in the box, so let’s not waste paper and be redundant restating things that have already been said.

     Okay, that’s not quite fair.  You don’t really know which complaints are already in there, so I’ll give you a smattering of some of the most popular ones and/or those most frequently repeated: “You’re not a good listener…You’re always so negative…You don’t take criticism well…You’re selfish…You need to slow down…You worry too much…You’re too serious…You’re too sensitive…You spend too much time reading…You spend too much time on the computer…You’re too critical…You need to remove all the “shoulds” from your vocabulary…You need to lighten up…You ought to relax…You need to stop being so hard on yourself!”
     That last one is one of my favorites, since it seems to be the most important to remember when others are so quick and thorough in reminding me of all the ways I’m a failure. 
     I’m not saying that I disagree with the criticisms above.  Many, if not all, of them are probably true, at least to some extent.  What I’m saying is that I get it.  I’m not who you want me to be.  Here’s a newsflash for you: I’m not who I want me to be either.  Actually, we agree on much of this, so there’s no need to stage a full-out attack.  We’re on the same side.  
     In the past couple weeks, I’ve been thinking, praying, and writing to process things.  This is some of what I have been considering: Is it enough that God loves me?  Yes, I believe that deep down that is enough.  When I’ve been stripped of anything and everything I once saw as strengths or admirable qualities, I’m left only with a certainty in His love for me, not because I feel loved or lovable, but because He’s blessed me with a knowing that I am even when everyone around me and the many lies inside of me seem to scream that’s not the case. 
     There are times when it feels like my life is useless, but when I ask God if that’s the case, the answer that comes to me is always: “No, not at all.”
     I know I am more to God than the sum of my useful abilities and actions.  Gifts given to me by God which I offer back to Him in service of others can be made useful, holy, and, through God’s grace, bring others closer to Him. 
     It shouldn’t matter to me what others think as long as I’m carrying out God’s will and using my abilities as He wants, for whom He wants, when and how He wants. 
     Lord, help me turn to You to get an accurate view of who I am.  I can be so easily confused, hurt, and discouraged by my own thoughts and feelings as well as those of people closest to me.  You alone know everything about me, yet you love me unconditionally.  Help me be better about accepting that love and mercy, correction and guidance, so that I am a better vessel of it for others.  Amen.

Saint Ignatius Loyola: The Spiritual Writings

I learned quite a bit from reading Saint Ignatius Loyola: The Spiritual Writings and highly recommend the book to those who are interested in a solid overview of the saint’s life, how the the Society of Jesus (aka the Jesuits) began, and what defines and explains their main spiritual training and practices.  I had in my mind only a brief summary of Saint Ignatius’ life when I began reading these excerpts written by the founding father of the Society of Jesus’ and annotated author Mark Mossa, SJ.  I have found this man’s life and philosophy of how to live out the teachings of Christ quite fascinating. 

     
Over the years, I’ve heard a number of people, Catholic and Protestant, who have done The Spiritual Exercises written and propagated by St. Ignatius.  I have not yet embarked on them, but my interest in learning more is piqued, and I could be easily persuaded to take on such a program for spiritual growth. 

    

I didn’t realize how much of modern day spirituality and prayer practices came from this particular saint and his prescribed methods of growing closer to the Lord.  Now that I have read excerpts from his memoir as well as his letters within the context of explaining certain passages of The Spiritual Exercises, I have a far greater appreciation of the wealth of wisdom he provided through his writing. 

     

Saint Ignatius Loyola: The Spiritual Writings is proof positive that there is a great deal we can learn from the lives of the saints and apply to our present circumstances and daily challenges to offer all that we are, have, and do for the Lord’s greater glory in time and eternity. 

     

A reminder that we need to have a measure of balance in our religious practices and spiritual lives is one important principle that this saint explores at length.  It’s not a new concept to me that spending hours in prayer daily without devoting any time to works of mercy or studying can actually go against what would be best for us. 

     

I have gotten into trouble far too often in the past when I have assigned greater value to one form of prayer or activity done for the Lord than I’d give to something else that is also part of the work I do for Him. 

     

For example, if a student were to neglect his studies in favor of spending all of his time in prayer, then this would likely go against what God intended for him.  In the same light, if a mother of young children offers to God the cooking, cleaning, teaching, and nurturing she does as part of her vocation of raising her family, then that is admirable and advised, even if it means that she is not able at that particular time in her life to devote as much time to study, personal prayer, or corporal works of mercy outside the home. 

     

Saint Ignatius Loyola: The Spiritual Writings is a wonderful introduction to this great saint and Jesuit spirituality and/or serves as a wonderful refresher on this man’s life and proposed prayer practices.  For more information, or to order your own copy, click here.       

Holiness for Everyone: The Practical Spirituality of St.Josemaría Escrivá

What is your purpose in life?  Just in case you’ve forgotten, it’s to become a saint.  Through the teachings of St. Josemaría Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei, we are reminded why, how, and for what greater mission we are called to holiness.  This Spanish saint lived at a time when many people compartmentalized religion and daily life.  Also, it was a period when many believed that it was solely the responsibility and possibility of those called to religious life to lead holy lives that were devoted to serving the Lord. 
     
St. Josemaría asserts that each and every layperson, not just those called to religious vocations, is called, given the grace, and the opportunity to be sanctified.  Any and every part of our days, no matter how mundane, can be offered to the Lord.  When chores such as changing diapers, doing the laundry, washing dishes, preparing meals, weeding the garden, cleaning the house, are done with the mindset that we are serving and loving God by doing these necessary tasks, and doing them well, these become acts of prayer and sacrifice that help bring about our sanctification.
     
I have read some of the works by St. Josemaría Escrivá, but there are quite a few, and I could only seem to dissolve and absorb so many golden nuggets of his wisdom at a time.  I enjoyed this book, because author Eric Sammons weaves in some of the most powerful and prominent observations and revelations the Spanish saint had, particularly in regards to God’s plan for our sanctification. 
     
There have certainly been a number of times in my life when I’ve fallen into the thinking that the little things of daily life don’t matter all that much in the grand scheme of things.  St. Josemaría helps remind us that in the seemingly small, unseen ways we live our lives each day, especially when trying to be a model of Christ to those around us, we can become holy and lead others closer to the Lord.
       
At the end of each chapter, there are suggestions for further reading, meditation questions, prayer petitions, and contemplation questions.  The suggested supplementary reading is available for free through the following website Escriva Works. 
     
Whether you’re a student,  a high-powered executive living a fast-paced life, single, married, called to a religious vocation, or you’re working and raising a family, Holiness for Everyone is a magnificent reminder that we are each here to glorify the Lord, be sanctified through our unique position and circle of influence, and become like Christ for others. 
     
To find out more about Holiness for Everyone or to order your own copy, click here.

Catechism of the Catholic Church

I honestly never thought I’d write a review of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, but here I go.  I selected this complete and updated edition of the tome because I figured this is one book along with the Bible that every Catholic ought to read from cover to cover at least once.  I presumed the commitment to writing a review of it would help motivate me to read through the 846-page paperback even if the academic dryness I suspected it would have bored me at times. 

    
Imagine my complete and utter astonishment upon discovering this summation of the Catholic faith, as it has been handed down to us through Sacred Scripture, Divine revelation, the apostles, and the saints, is a fascinating read.  I looked forward to diving into the Scriptural texts and tenets of the faith, because they are presented with such brilliance.

     
My heart rejoiced in reading the explanations and explications of the Creed, the Our Father, the proclamation of the Word of God, and the foundations for the celebration of the Liturgy of the Eucharist.  This passionate portrayal of the faith handed down to us by God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit blends the elements of Catholicism I have read about, experienced, and come to understand through prayer in a way no other book has.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church beautifully explains the basic beliefs, moral and ethical teachings, as well as the eternal Truths professed by the Church.  Along with the Bible itself, it is the perfect reference for any questions regarding the history of Christianity and present application of the principles of it.

     
Want to rediscover Catholicism or really grasp it for the first time?  Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

    
I wrote this review of Catechism Of The Catholic Church for the free Catholic book review program, Tiber River. Tiber River is the first Catholic book review site, started in 2000 to help you make informed decisions about Catholic book purchases. I receive free product samples as compensation for writing reviews for Tiber River.

Marriage 911: How God Saved Our Marriage (and can save yours, too!)

I was intrigued by the description of Marriage 911: How God Saved Our Marriage (and can save yours, too!).  It was written by a couple that’s been married for over twenty years and has seven children.  I wasn’t quite sure what it was these two individuals would consider an emergency marriage situation, but I know their approach to turn everything over to God is the right one. Greg and Julie Alexander were living the secular American dream perfectly.  They both worked hard, had very successful, lucrative jobs, were blessed to have one boy and one girl, a big house, a boat, luxury cars, and nice vacations.  They were in the elite social circles and kept rising in the ranks.  The higher they climbed in their careers the further they drifted from God, each other, and their children.  They both concluded their unhappiness sprang from having married the wrong person, and they decided to get a divorce. 

     
They saw it as a blessing when they found out that they’re new parish priest worked for the Tribunal, the office that handles annulments.  They weren’t at all prepared for the three key questions the priest asked them.  They completely rocked their world.  In seeking the answers to these most pertinent questions, which every married couple needs to know, they discovered what God’s plan is for marriage and opened themselves up to His will for their lives.    
     
Greg and Julie Alexander share both sides of their story with candor, openness, and honesty that will speak to all married couples regardless of the current state of their marriage.  They point to the most essential element to make marriage work: putting God at the center. 
     
I read the Marriage 911 all the way through, and now my husband and I are going through it a second time together and discussing the questions at the end of each chapter in addition to the big three.  We both agree it’s a remarkable story and magnificent evidence of how nothing is impossible with God.
     
This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Marriage 911. They are also a great source for a Catechism of the Catholic Church or a Catholic Bible.

Caterpillars, Cocoons, Butterflies, and Band-Aids

Children and nature are two wonderful sources for reminders of how to hope in the Lord, have faith like a child, experience new growth, and marvel at all God has created.  As you can see, I love the caterpillar into butterfly analogy as it has been applied to a person's transformation.    Reading the non-fiction book When the Heart Waits: Spiritual Direction for Life’s Sacred Questions by Sue Monk Kidd a few years back changed my way of thinking about dark spiritual times as being those periods in our lives when we are inside the cocoon or chrysalis. 

In the book, Kidd talks about how we go through many chrysalis phases over the course of our lives and how God knows just when we're ready to emerge.

     

In essence, the times when we feel stuck, fall down in the mud, and could use a spiritual Band-Aid, of sorts, are periods of time when we’re in the chrysalis being healed and transformed from the inside out. 

     

I highly recommend When the Heart Waits: Spiritual Direction for Life’s Sacred Questions as well as the practice of being open to getting "spiritual direction" from kids and nature!

     

Check out this post by Kate Wicker, wife, mom and journalist which also highlights butterflies and children as two wonderful reminders of God's attention to detail, beauty, and transformation. This beautiful reflection Kate Wicker is part of the extremely insightful series being hosted by Jennifer Fulwiler at Conversion Diary which features guest writers who have each taken one word from the “Our Father” prayer and written a reflection on it.  Check out the whole series over at (Our Father, Word by Word).

Secrets of the Vine for Women

Yet again, God has seen fit to have me pick out and read a book at the perfect time.  This week, the Gospel readings for Mass include sections from John 15 about how the Lord is the vinedresser, Christ is the vine, and we are the branches.  I consider it a God-incident that I picked up Secrets of the Vine for Women which is about Divine Pruning and finished it during this week, not knowing until yesterday morning that the Scripture readings and the topic of this book overlapped.

     
I read The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson, Darlene Marie Wilkinson’s husband, when back in college and have fond memories of it, since it’s such an amazing book, was inspiring to me, and the first spiritual book my then boyfriend, now husband read upon my recommendation.  Upon my spouse’s suggestion, we began praying The Prayer of Jabez daily, over the phone when we were dating and miles apart, and now together as we say goodnight just after turning out our bedroom light.

     
It’s been a number of years since I read Bruce Wilkinson’s Secrets of the Vine, which also resonated with me.  His wife’s insights into how the Lord cares and prunes us in order that we produce an abundance of fruit for His Kingdom are straightforward and easy to follow.  The pocket-sized book is a quick read complete with study guide questions ideal for personal reflection or small group sharing. 

      
I would definitely recommend Secrets of the Vine for Women.  To order your copy, click here.  

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Christ Renews His Parish, yet again!

It’s hard to believe that I didn’t know these women last year at this time. They were smiling faces among the thousands of people who attend our parish until a day and a half last February gave me the opportunity to meet and spend time getting to know some amazing women of faith.
    
Though I haven’t had the chance to get together with everyone as often as we did when our team was in formation, we have had some great times together recently. One CRHP sister had a really fun Halloween costume party. We gathered for Christmas festivities at a local library, and many drove over the river and through the woods to a really fun Epiphany party.
    
Last Sunday, one of our team members got up at Mass to give the ten reasons to make a Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) weekend. I couldn’t help but smile when she said that you could sign your spouse up for the retreat. That’s what I did last year, and Kevin not only went on the weekend, but he also served on the formation team after that and is giving a talk on this upcoming Men’s weekend as well.
    
She then asked all of us in the congregation who had attended a CRHP weekend to stand. We did, and she invited all of those who had not yet made a weekend to ask us about our experiences. I looked around and saw many men and women in our parish who I know would get so much from (and give so much to) those on the retreat.
    
This evening we met in the upper room of Martin’s for a time of quiet prayer, lectio divina and reflection, then followed it with our usual food, fellowship, and laughter. We talked about the meal we’re going to make and serve for the upcoming Women’s CRHP weekend.
    
Hopefully enough people will sign up for both the Men’s and Women’s weekends, so the formation teams who have been working so hard for months will get to put on the retreats they’ve prepared.
    
If you had the chance to invest a day and a half to grow closer to God and thereby become a better parent, a better spouse, a better friend, would you take it? Yes. Then sign up for a local Christ Renews His Parish retreat!  Here are two examples of parishes that have used the CRHP program for a number of years: St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church and St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.
      
Links to two great articles for general info about Christ Renews His Parish are: here and here.
      
If there are no nearby parishes with CRHP, a formation team can be requested through the CRHP national office:

CHRIST RENEWS HIS PARISH P. O. Box 19100 Cleveland, OH 44119
Office: (216) 731-7903 (voice mail)
FAX: (216) 481-1666
Evening: (440) 338-8469
E-Mail: CRHPFW@aol.com

Who Is Jesus Christ?

I’m usually someone who devours books instead of reading a chapter at a time, writing down answers to the reflection questions in my spiritual/prayer journal, and occasionally only reading one chapter in a day. Who Is Jesus Christ?: Unlocking the Mystery in the Gospel of Matthew by Eric Sammons was a good read that I digested over a longer period of time than I normally spend on one book.
    
There are several Scripture passages quoted throughout the book, and each chapter ends with its own set of reflection questions that could be used for personal reflection or group discussion.
Some of the questions, which could very easily be ones a spiritual director would ask, inspired me to write several pages in my spiritual/prayer journal. Others made me stop and think, then pray for a bit.     
I love how Sammons tied together Old Testament and New Testament readings in order to show how Jesus Christ is indeed the fulfillment of the many prophecies made in the Old Testament. Examining each of the names of Christ for each chapter did provide a good mélange of who the Son of Man was in a variety of situations.
    
Oftentimes, I’ve felt closer to God the Father, the Holy Spirit, and have felt Jesus is a bit at a distance, except of course, in the Eucharist. I was intrigued by this book’s title for many reasons. No matter how many books I’ve read, songs I’ve heard, prayers I’ve prayed, God continues showing me new things about Himself. By looking at the names of Jesus that others called Him and what He called Himself, I have felt a bit closer. 
    
This is a good read that even avid readers who tend to speed through books like I do can slow down to let the wisdom of the Word sink in.
     
This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Who Is Jesus Christ? Unlocking the Mystery . They are also a great source for first communion gifts and baptism gifts.

Already There - Letting God Find You

Sometimes it’s wonderfully satisfying to be proven wrong. This was one of those times. To be honest, when I chose Already There - Letting God Find You based on the title and brief summary listed on the website, I assumed the “weird” connections the author makes between spiritual/religious things and pop culture might be corny and rather loose, but still moderately effective in getting the attention of young adults more steeped in modern culture than the Catholic faith tradition.
    
My assumption was completely wrong. Not only are the connections between pop culture and spirituality/fundamentals of the human condition
well thought out and thoroughly explained, but they also serve as profound models of basic human truths, needs, and longings evident throughout the Bible.    
    
It is truly a God-incident that I chose this book and began reading it when I did, as I’ve spent quite a bit of time recently looking at how my past experiences have in many ways created and/or contributed to my current fears when it comes to being vulnerable before God and others. So many of the thoughts and questions that have come to my mind regarding God’s love and mercy, especially as they relate to my past, present, and future, are found in this book.
    
Fr. Mark Mossa invites the reader to recognize God in everyday living and more importantly, in who we are and who He calls us to be. The portrait of a spiritual life isn’t painted with profane or shocking, yet irrelevant associations to pop culture. If anything this book provides more of an inspiration and some wisdom to paint or envision then live out a spiritually enriching life, one in which we glorify God by using the unique palette of talents He’s given us in order to draw others closer to Him.
    
Instead of prescribing each person follow an elementary paint-by-number approach to finding God within and building that relationship, the author as artist shows us the complex canvas on which he depicts his own story, blends in popular movies, TV shows, music, etc. with in-depth Scripture reflections, and very moving insights from well-known saints. Regardless of what genre of art typically resonates with you, you’re likely to see in this work the unmistakable beginnings of a masterpiece: a life lived for God.
    
I appreciated the personal stories, deep insights about what it means to be human, and the acknowledgments time and again that we are each special and irreplaceable. God has given us different gifts and our spiritual journey to Him might vary considerably from another’s though the motivation to love and be loved by God and others flows from the same source.
    
I only have two qualms about this great read. The first is that it’s marketed mostly for a young adult audience when people of all ages will be able to relate to the fundamental truths contained in this treasure of a book. The second is that there are numerous typos and missed copy edits bound to bother the average English major, journalist, and/or editor at least a little.
   
I highly recommend reading this book to discover or rediscover how God is already there...in your heart, in the people around you, in your past, in your present, and in your future.
    
This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company for more information on Already There - Letting God Find You and be sure to check out their great selection of Mary statues while you are there. I receive free product samples in exchange for an honest review.

Maurice & Thérèse: The Story of a Love

After having read books and articles about Thérèse of Lisieux, I was interested in reading her personal correspondence knowing that letters show a window into the soul that other forms of communication often lack. Even approaching this book expecting to be moved, I couldn’t fathom the intimacy and agape kind of love that a “saint among saints” and a seminarian who eventually becomes a priest and missionary would express for God and one another.
    
A very small excerpt from one of these letters which a brother in Christ e-mailed me when he was reading the book before lending it to me, has remained in my mind and drawn me closer to the Lord.  I could never have imagined the affection that developed between a dying cloistered nun and a young man who during the course of their correspondence went from being a struggling seminarian to a suffering priest.
    
I’m not sure why I was struck that someone with the profound humility and desire to save souls that St. Thérèse possessed would not only correspond with, but also be a source of hope and encouragment for Maurice Bellière while “the Little Flower of Jesus” was facing the advanced stages of tuberculosis and her imminent death. Of course someone so united to the Source of all Love, who aspired “to be Love in the heart of the Church,” would agree to uplift through prayer and writing a stranger seeking guidance and consolation. It makes more sense to be amazed rather than surprised that St. Thérèse would be a conduit of familial love, hope, and inspiration while going through a dark night of the soul and in the midst of intense physical pain.
    
The author, Patrick Ahern, who is said to be one of the top experts on the spirituality of Thérèse, has done an amazing job of putting the letters together and connecting them with valuable historical and spiritual information and insights. It would be far too easy to miss some of the significant lessons St. Thérèse shares with Maurice if Ahern weren’t so adept at pointing out the elements of the “little way” in his commentary in between each of the letters.
    
The only thing that disappointed me was reading about Maurice’s rather sad and tragic life once St. Thérèse died. I’m not sure if it’s that Maurice’s life seems rather pitiful after delving into the legacy of his spiritual sister, or if the lack of more detailed information about his emotional and spiritual state in his ministry instead of just at the end of his life makes his life seem melancholic and insignificant for someone who had the lessons, love, and prayers of a great saint behind and within him.
    
Maurice & Thérèse is an incredibly powerful love story that illustrates the deep bonds that can form between a man and a woman centered on God.  You can purchase this book here.
   
I wrote this review of Maurice & Thérèse for the Tiber River Blogger Review program.  Tiber River is the first Catholic book review site, started in 2000 to help you make informed decisions about Catholic book purchases.  I receive free product samples as compensation for writing reviews for Tiber River.

Interview with the author of Sabbath Presence & Meal Stories

Brief Bio: Kathleen (Casey) Ferguson is a cradle Catholic who went on Encounter with Christ in college and made her Cursillo in 1998 at Mary Mother of the Church Abbey in Richmond, VA. She has since served on a number of Cursillo teams and also completed the Spiritual Direction Institute (SDI) program with Monsignor Chester Michael. She has written two spiritual books: Meal Stories and Sabbath Presence. She has two adult children and belongs to St. Gabriel parish where she participates in group reunion, is on the Feast Team, and serves as a Eucharistic Minister.  She works as a Speech Language Pathologist in Richmond, VA.

Note: I conducted the below interview, and it originally appeared in The Rooster Review August 2006.

How did you come to write Sabbath Presence?
I was part of a Jubilee Committee, and Sabbath was the first of the Jubilee values. It was simple, clear cut, important, but the invitation to observe Sabbath was not well-received in the parish.

What writing process do you use?
I mostly used Lectio Divina which has four parts: read, recite, respond, rest. I read Scripture, meditated on it, had a conversation with God, and then did twenty minutes of centering prayer at the end. I used different types of Lectio Divina and my prayer journal to write both books. My first one was Meal Stories. I wrote both books because God instructed me “pray, read Scripture, and write your experience.” So I wrote to be obedient. A series of coincidences brought about the publication of the first one. I thought that was all God had in mind for me to do. The publisher called to ask if I was writing another one, and I said, “No, I’m a therapist, not a writer.” When asked if I was currently working on anything, I said I was preparing a retreat on Sabbath and that it could in no way be expanded into a book.

What was your experience writing this book?
It has been an awakening of dissatisfaction and holy longing. It was much more disturbing to write this one than Meal Stories. I finished it almost because I couldn’t do it anymore.

What spiritual books would you recommend?
The Gift of Being Yourself by David G. Benner
True Self/False Self by Richard Rohr
Why Not Be a Mystic? by Frank X. Tuoti
Street Spirituality by Robert J. Wicks
New Seeds of Contemplation by Thomas Merton

The Very Hungry Caterpillars Crawl Again

     Lately, many kids at school have spent the majority of their time on the playground searching for caterpillars. Because some 3-5 year olds aren’t as gentle as others, we began to enforce a look but don’t touch rule. Each time someone spotted one crawling along, he or she shouted to everyone to come and see. One teacher began saving the caterpillars the children found by moving them on a paddle, piece of mulch, or a stick to a tree outside of the sandbox and just slightly above the reach of curious little hands.
     Sparked by the kids’ curiosity and my newfound fascination with the process of a tiny caterpillar hatching from a little egg and in a matter of weeks going through several stages of transformation that lead to a magnificent butterfly, I went to the library and checked out some books on the life cycles of butterflies.
     I brought one of the books to school that has a easy caterpillar comparison page, so we could try to identify the type of caterpillar crawling all over the play area. At circle time one day, I explained the life cycle of a butterfly to the kids and showed them the wonderful photos included of each stage leading up to the emergence of the butterfly. By the end of story time, the kids and I had narrowed our guesses about what is probably populating our playground down to three different types of potential butterflies.
     I was thoroughly impressed when a four year old came up and showed me the drawings he had done of a butterfly’s life cycle. Interestingly enough, the only thing missing was a picture of the caterpillar crawling on a tree, the very part of the life cycle he and others sought out each afternoon. I mentioned this, and he quickly went and drew one, then we spread the drawings out, and he put them in order with an extra page on the front and back so I could staple it for him, which in his mind is all it takes to make it into a book. I was so excited that he actually got it that I started showing other teachers and students the book he’d done.
     One of the great things about working with children is that they get really excited about the things adults so often overlook. I don’t think I’ve ever spent so much time examining caterpillars as I have recently, simply because they are so fascinating to the kids at school. The patterns on some of them are really intricate and beautiful. They’re very agile, acrobatic even.
     I’ve often been able to see God in the splendor of nature, but it’s usually a sunset, a flower, a tree, or a butterfly that makes me smile in awe and His creation. I’m grateful that the enthusiasm of little ones has brought me to an appreciation of the magnificence of nature in all its stages. Children have again proved to be very good little spiritual directors for me.  (Originally posted May 2, 2009 on my former blog).

The Interior Castle

How appropriate that after months of wanting to read this book I found a copy of it at my mother's house amidst the many classics of the Catholic faith she's read over the years. Again, God led me to read The Interior Castle at just the right time. After spending more time in silent prayer, especially during Holy Week and the Triduum, I was drawn closer to Christ.
    
I love how Teresa of Avila talks about the vast possibilities for greater intimacy with God.  Her humble and endearingly candid style combined with her profound devotion to Our Lord give the reader a sense of the sublime.
    
The underlying message throughout is let go, and let God do amazing things in your soul. The more you submit to His Will in every detail, at every moment, the more He will glorify Himself in and through you.
    
So often we seek God outside of ourselves. This book is a wonderful reminder that the Lord wants to meet us and commune with us in the inner sanctuary of our souls. He has indeed made His home within us as Psalm 87 suggests. God wants us to recognize and rejoice that He is present in the very core of who we are, and that He is now, was then, and ever shall be with us.
     
St. Teresa's descriptions of the spiritual journey aren't perfectly organized or neatly polished, but that seems to be fitting when expounding upon the ways in which the Lord, Our God, reveals Himself to us how, when, and for what purpose He chooses.
    
Perhaps one of the most significant messages in this masterpiece is that we can't reach the later of the seven mansions on our own. There's only so much we can do to put ourselves in the best place spiritually--the rest is completely up to God.
     
The graces and spiritual blessings St. Teresa refers to are only ones God grants to certain souls, generally those who are most acutely aware of how little they deserve such consolations from the Father.
     
I highly recommend this book for anyone who is serious about spiritual growth.
     
Lord, I am not worthy to have You under my roof, yet You have made Your home at the center of my heart. Help me to make Your dwelling place into a more fitting sanctuary. Amen.
   
You can purchase this book here.  I wrote this review of The Interior Castle for the Tiber River Blogger Review program. Tiber River is the first Catholic book review site, started in 2000 to help you make informed decisions about Catholic book purchases.  I receive free product samples as compensation for writing reviews for Tiber River.

Go Ahead, Rock the Boat

     Jesus rocked the boat quite a bit by identifying two commandments that sum up the Big Ten and supersede all the others in the Torah He knew so well. "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments." Matthew 22: 37-40 NAB
     It was very profound that a Jewish man well-versed in the numerous laws laid out in the Torah would say that there are two that mean more than all the rest. He shocked even His closest friends by following these two commandments even when doing so meant being condemned and publicly ridiculed, humiliated and brutally beaten, wrongly accused and crucified.      Even today, God sometimes calls us to say and do things that require an unbelievable amount of faith, courage, love, trust, and strength, because we know they will bring judgment on us, that we will suffer from having to bear the disapproval of those closest to us, and that for a time, we may have to stand alone. By alone, I mean without family and friends, not without God.
     Below is a prayer I wrote as one of the Lenten reflections the Richmond Diocese Young Adult Ministry e-mailed to people around the world to accompany the Readings 2 Kings 5:1-15ab; Luke 4:24-30

     Lord, so often we seek the approval of our spouse, our family, our friends, our colleagues, and society, and are easily swayed by their opinions. Please help us have courage enough to turn to You when we need guidance, and put Your view of us, Your wishes for our future, and Your thoughts about our words and actions, above those of the people around us.
     You alone know our hearts completely. You alone know what is ultimately best for us. Inspire us to spend more time listening to You so it is easier for us to separate Your will from our own and those of the people closest to us. Protect us from despair and disillusionment by arming us with the truth, the strength to do Your will, and the wisdom to submit everything we are and have to You.

Originally written and posted on my former blog March 11, 2008.