Why fiction is necessary in the spiritual journey
About seven years ago, I was invited by a small group of friends to form a book club under what was at the time a brand new organization: the Well-Read…
4 ways praying the psalms daily is changing my life
Last year, I opened up my prayer journal to a fresh new page and numbered 150 lines, one line for each chapter in the Book of Psalms. Almost every day…
Reflecting on the Eucharist with Caravaggio
The stripping away, the silence, and the solemnity of Lent all serve to awaken our hearts that have, over the course of a year, grown tepid and sleepy. We are…
If you’re having trouble with boundaries, consider a fast
We all know that icky and anxious feeling that comes from our own failure to set and enforce boundaries in our lives. Whether we’ve experienced it at work, with friends…
What it means to embrace Gospel poverty
“If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (Mt 19:21). Jesus’…
The allure of Mary Magdalene
I have long been intrigued by the prominent Biblical figure of Mary Magdalene — the wayward sinner, afflicted with demons, who became a most devoted disciple. She has a universal…
Sharing in the fruits of Christ’s resurrection
Your Easter looked different this year. You were unable to go to Mass, unable to travel to see loved ones. My dear sister, please know how deeply sorry I am…
Having faith like Eve during Advent
Have you ever thought about what it must have been like for Eve after the Fall? She’d blown it, for sure. All because of that apple, and the desire that…
The roots of happiness
What do middle school girls, young women just starting their independent lives, mothers and established professional women all have in common? A yearning for happiness: happiness that is uniquely found…
Embracing the Word of God with Lectio Divina
Ten college students spread out as much as they could in our small one-bedroom apartment. The darkened room, illuminated only by candlelight was still and silent on that August night….