Reflections on life, spirituality, religion and more by various Carmelite and Catholic authors.
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.]
No other sacrament has greater healing power than the Eucharist; through it sins are purged away, virtues are increased, and the soul is enriched with an abundance of every spiritual gift.
These words about God’s infinite mercy were originally published in January 2016 during the Jubilee of Mercy that Pope Francis called, from December 8, 2015 – November 20, 2016 — an Extraordinary Jubilee. By calling for a holy year outside of the normal cycle, Pope Francis wished to direct our attention and actions “on mercy so that we might become a more effective sign of the Father’s actions in our lives.” We need to ponder them now during this difficult time.
Those who believe in God and know God must come to have the same care for the world that God has, insofar as that is humanly possible. The only voice that can ultimately help the world is the voice of the one who knows God. The world needs to hear the Gospel as told by Carmelites. [A reflection on Contemplation by the Most Rev. Míceál O’Neill, O.Carm.]
