Hello, again, and God bless!

In this episode of the Mystical Jesus podcast, we hear and discuss the Third Conversation by Brother Lawrence (as recounted by the Cardinal's envoy) about his complete and total devotion to the love of God and how practicing that simple devotion forever changed his life-- and is still changing lives today. One of the more interesting things that Brother Lawrence came to realize back in the 1600s was that acts of penitence were not nearly as effective as surrendering yourself to the love of God. That being bathed in the love and light of God was a surer way to remember God and follow His Will than any act of self-flagellation or penance could accomplish. To Brother Lawrence, the whole point of seeking penance was to be forgiven and find the love of God again, but it was much simpler (and more productive) to go directly to God than get stucking on some in-between (but unnecessary) step. Just the mere trust in God will bring down great and unexpected graces. 

Hello, again, and God bless!

In this episode of the Mystical Jesus podcast, we hear and discuss the Third Conversation by Brother Lawrence (as recounted by the Cardinal's envoy) about his complete and total devotion to the love of God and how practicing that simple devotion forever changed his life-- and is still changing lives today. One of the more interesting things that Brother Lawrence came to realize back in the 1600s was that acts of penitence were not nearly as effective as surrendering yourself to the love of God. That being bathed in the love and light of God was a surer way to remember God and follow His Will than any act of self-flagellation or penance could accomplish. To Brother Lawrence, the whole point of seeking penance was to be forgiven and find the love of God again, but it was much simpler (and more productive) to go directly to God than get stucking on some in-between (but unnecessary) step. Just the mere trust in God will bring down great and unexpected graces. 

In the Second Conversation from the Practice of the Presence of God, we hear the 17th century Carmelite monk named Brother Lawrence talk about how his practice of trying to perform each and every task he performed each day completely and only for the love of God utterly transformed his life and those who witnessed the purity of his dedication. This chapter also provides practical advice about how to dispel worrisome thoughts when trying to pray and meditate on the unconditional love of God. 

May God bless you and keep you always. 

In the Second Conversation from the Practice of the Presence of God, we hear the 17th century Carmelite monk named Brother Lawrence talk about how his practice of trying to perform each and every task he performed each day completely and only for the love of God utterly transformed his life and those who witnessed the purity of his dedication. This chapter also provides practical advice about how to dispel worrisome thoughts when trying to pray and meditate on the unconditional love of God. 

May God bless you and keep you always. 

In this inaugural episode of the Mystical Jesus podcast, we discuss why looking at Jesus' message of love and compassion from extra-canonical sources (that is, sources outside the Bible is an important and worthwhile endeavor). We begin the series in detail by quoting and discussing a short, simple book called The Practice of the Presence of God by a 17th century monk named Brother Lawrence. Brother Lawrence made it his life's mission to do every single act of every day dedicated to God and the power of God's love. In doing so, he transformed his own life and the lives of most everyone else who encountered him. Indeed, this abbreviated tome has been much loved and enjoyed for centuries precisely because of the purity and simplicity of its message of love and dedication. 

Brother Lawrence began his life in France by another name where he had stints both in the army and as a footman, but chose eventually to dedicate his life to a God who's love had changed him forever many years before simply by happening upon a barren tree in winter. He worked in the kitchen of his monastery thereafter for several decades cleaning the pots and pans where he lived simply, and always for God. In his book, Brother Lawrence writes "[m]en invent means and methods of coming at God's love, they learn rules and set up devices to remind them of that love, and it seems like a world of trouble to bring oneself into the consciousness of God's presence. Yet it might be so simple. Is it not quicker and easier just to do our common business wholly for the love of Him?"

What would our lives be like if we did the same? If we constantly acted like God was in our very presence all the time (as, indeed, He is)? How would this transform us and our world? It seems a recipe for perfect happiness. 

In this inaugural episode of the Mystical Jesus podcast, we discuss why looking at Jesus' message of love and compassion from extra-canonical sources (that is, sources outside the Bible is an important and worthwhile endeavor). We begin the series in detail by quoting and discussing a short, simple book called The Practice of the Presence of God by a 17th century monk named Brother Lawrence. Brother Lawrence made it his life's mission to do every single act of every day dedicated to God and the power of God's love. In doing so, he transformed his own life and the lives of most everyone else who encountered him. Indeed, this abbreviated tome has been much loved and enjoyed for centuries precisely because of the purity and simplicity of its message of love and dedication. 

Brother Lawrence began his life in France by another name where he had stints both in the army and as a footman, but chose eventually to dedicate his life to a God who's love had changed him forever many years before simply by happening upon a barren tree in winter. He worked in the kitchen of his monastery thereafter for several decades cleaning the pots and pans where he lived simply, and always for God. In his book, Brother Lawrence writes "[m]en invent means and methods of coming at God's love, they learn rules and set up devices to remind them of that love, and it seems like a world of trouble to bring oneself into the consciousness of God's presence. Yet it might be so simple. Is it not quicker and easier just to do our common business wholly for the love of Him?"

What would our lives be like if we did the same? If we constantly acted like God was in our very presence all the time (as, indeed, He is)? How would this transform us and our world? It seems a recipe for perfect happiness.