Tag: John
Gospel of Life
This icon depicts Jesus consoling a beloved disciple when he experienced the unexpected frustration and sacrifice required of those who would follow in the footsteps of Christ. Living the Christian life has never been an easy task, and today is no exception! In a world wrought with selfishness and sin, there is opposition all around…. Read More ›
Beware the praise of others
When you hear someone praising you, remember the words of the Scriptures: “O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths” (Isaiah 3:12). Such praise prevents us from seeing the abomination of our actions; it probably does harm even to those who have attained a measure… Read More ›
Be Ever Vigilant
In the nearby desert there is an elderly brother called John who excels everybody in his life, his customs, and his abstinence. When her first came to the desert he stood underneath a protruding rock face for three years continuously, always praying, never sitting or lying down. He took only what sleep he could standing… Read More ›
Bonding to God
The heart will linger in the place where its most cherished possessions are to be found. Fundamentally, this is a spiritual connection that is not reducible to any particular experience, devotion, exercise, or activity—although it may subsist and express itself in any of them. What Saint John calls the inner anointing (1 Jn 2:27) trains… Read More ›
Jesus Takes the Inheritance from Israel and Gives it to Gentiles
He proposed another parable.”A certain man, a householder, planted his vineyard.”‘ This is like what the psalmist said, You brought a vine out of Egypt, you drove out the nations and planted it.’ He protected it with a hedge, the law, and prepared a pit in it for the winepresses, the altar, and built a… Read More ›
Youths, young adults gather for Lenten prayer, reflection at Belmont Abbey
Charlotte, N.C., Apr 9, 2009 (The Catholic News and Herald) “We are all on a pilgrimage during the Lenten season,” said Bishop Peter J. Jugis. This is a “time for interior renewal and turning away from sin, a time to embrace Jesus,” said the bishop to young Catholics from across the Diocese of Charlotte. Bishop… Read More ›
Humility and Obedience
The holy fathers used to say of John, the disciple of Abba Paul, that he possessed the virtues of great humility and obedience to such extent that he would make no objection whatsoever no matter how difficult the tasks the abba set him, nor did he ever grumble. When a certain tool was needed for… Read More ›