Oblate Program at Belmont Abbey, NC

Tag: pray

As you labour with your body, so you must labour with your mind

If you pray with your lips but your mind wanders, how do you benefit? ‘When one buildeth, and another pulleth down, what profit have they then but labour?’ As you labour with your body, so you must labour with your intellect, lest you appear righteous in the body while your heart is filled with every… Read More ›

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God’s attitude to my sin is pity, not blame

Unfortunately we do not learn about sinfulness from a heavenly messenger. Nor is it like the result of a personality test. We learn of our sinfulness when we are tempted. Temptation is more than awareness of alternative options: I am not tempted to genocide if I lack the means; I am not tempted to computer… Read More ›

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Surmounting Temptation

What does it mean to surmount temptations, and what is the cure for them? The answer is this: you must never grow weary but pray to God with your whole heart, praising him and being patient in all circumstances; and then the temptation will leave you. Thus was Abraham tested, and he emerged victorious from… Read More ›

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The Sign of God Working in Souls

With this in mind, then, you understand how it is in the spiri­tual life that the first fruits of the Holy Spirit give joy to those whose hearts he sees to be pure, and yet after bestowing this joy and sweetness on them the Spirit holds aloof and forsakes them. The explanation is this: he… Read More ›

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Holy Water and Blessings Are Especially Crucial at Doctor’s Offices and Hospitals

It is always a good idea to use sacramentals when visiting a doctor and certainly in the hospital. Medals. The Crucifix (especially). Holy Water. For many years now there have been accounts — particularly from nurses (but also regular laity and priests) — about the spiritual dynamics at our health care centers. People of all… Read More ›

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Prayer/trust

There are as many ways to pray as there are people.  While it is true that we are very much alike, yet, the life that we each have within is unique.  One reason that communication is so difficult is because ‘words’ have to be interrupted, so misunderstandings are easy, common and oftentimes painful.  Many as… Read More ›

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Chose to Ignore the Negative — and Pray

Do you know when to “ignore” others? Can you shut off what other people think (especially when it’s unfair)? Or are you bogged down in the thought processes of others? Hopefully not. You can become a slave to telepathy! Let God define you, not humans. What about the word, “ignore.” It sounds so harsh. Is… Read More ›

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Silence allows people to hear God

Castel Gandolfo, Italy, Aug 10, 2011 / 12:04 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- We need to make time for silence in our lives if we are to pray and listen to God, said Pope Benedict XVI in his weekly general audience, August 10. “Silence is the environment that best promotes recollection, listening to God, meditation,” he told… Read More ›

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Search the Scriptures

Search the Scriptures. For you are not mistaken in thinking that you find life in them, you who seek nothing else in them but Christ, to whom the Scriptures bear witness. Blessed indeed are they who search his testimonies, seek them out with all their heart. Your testimonies are wonderful, Lord, therefore my soul has… Read More ›

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Simple beyond measure.

You have heard from many all about the blessed Innocent, the priest of the Mount of Olives.  Nevertheless you will also hear from us, who lived with him for three years. He was simple beyond measure.  Once he had been one the palace dignitaries in the early days of Emperor Constantius. This Innocent was so… Read More ›

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