Come Away By Yourselves

Humility is a crucial virtue for the Christian life.  Living it demands some courage given our tendency to prop ourselves up and to protect our self-esteem.  Admitting our sinfulness and even our nothingness before God, however, is ultimately liberating and fruitful.  Our humility must be accompanied by a deep sense of God's reality and his love for us.  If it is, we will experience that "he who humbles himself will be exalted."

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Jesus' visit to Martha and Mary contains great insights for our Christian life.  Mary's attention to our Lord is a great act of appreciation and love.  Jesus' correction of Martha is not owing to her being busy serving, but more for her being distracted and worried.  Love, which includes prayer, is the one thing necessary.   And love unites our attention, giving focus and purpose to all that we do.

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Moses describes God's law as "near" to the people of Israel.  God's Word is also very near to us.  Thanks to Jesus, we know what it takes to live life well and enter eternal life.  The problem is actually wanting to do it.  Like the scholar of the law, we wish to justify ourselves by overthinking, by making excuses, by hiding our basic unwillingness to love and obey.   God's grace can change our unwillingness to willing submission and all of our obstinate "no's" into loving "yes's."

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King David's fall into adultery and murder is a lesson in how sin happens and how we can respond to it.  David's sin is preceded by idleness and sloth.  Once fully aware of his sin, however, he appeals immediately to God's mercy.  Our first response to sin should always be a radical trust in God's mercy and, when necessary, a prompt recourse to confession.  In addition to trust in God's mercy, we should be resolute in our struggle against sinful habits.  

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On the Feast of St. Josemaria, we reflect on Jesus's presence in our ordinary lives and work.  

Originally published 2020.

On the Feast of St. Josemaria, we reflect on Jesus's presence in our ordinary lives and work.  

The "Bread of Life" Discourse in John Chapter 6 is a treasure trove of spiritual insights.  Faith in Jesus's person is paramount for the Christian life.  This faith is tested by the audacity of his claims for the Eucharist as well as by the trials and difficulties of our personal Christian vocation.  Jesus promises spiritual satisfaction, eternal life, and, most amazingly of all, intimate communion with him for those who receive the Bread of Life in the Eucharist.  

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The Trinity is the deepest mystery of our Faith, revealing to us the secrets of God's inner life.  This mystery transmits to us God's transcendence, his intimacy with us, and the importance of charity in the Christian life. 

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The Holy Spirit is a powerful agent of spiritual renewal and transformation.  The virtue of docility and the gift of counsel are needed to tap into the motions of the Spirit which always accompany and surround us.  The Sanctifier will sculpt the image of Christ in us provided that we are humble and willing to follow his lead. 

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After telling her "I am the resurrection and the life" Jesus asks Martha point blank, "Do you believe this?"  What is the caliber of our faith in Christ? Do we believe all that he tells us about himself and his relationship to us?

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Recorded live May 17, 2022.  

On preparing for the coming of the Holy Spirit.  Docility is key to fostering a deeper relationship with the Paraclete.  Where do we find his inspirations? What does he want us to do? How do we know if we are lead by the Spirit? Questions like these will help us be ready for Pentecost.