Nazareth, a Model
The Feast of the Holy Family. Nazareth is a kind of school where we may begin to discover what Christ’s life was like and even to understand his Gospel. [From an address by Saint Pope Paul VI]
Reflections
Reflections on life, spirituality, religion and more by various Carmelite and Catholic authors.
Love in the Heart of the Church
Today we celebrate the feast of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. May we one day be able to say with her: “Yes, I have found my place in the Church and it is you, O my God, who have given me this place. In the heart of the Church, my mother, I shall be love. Thus I shall be everything, and thus my dream will be realized.”
[Excerpt from Story of a Soul by St. Thérèse of Lisieux]
On Weak Christians
God is faithful. He does not allow you to be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
[Excerpt from a sermon on pastors by Saint Augustine.]
The Stages of Contemplation
The whole of the spiritual life consists of these two elements: When we think of ourselves, we are perturbed and filled with a salutary sadness. And when we think of the Lord, we are revived to find consolation in the joy of the Holy Spirit. From the first we derive fear and humility, from the second hope and love.
[Excerpt from a homily by Saint Bernard.]