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The great philosopher and theologian Paul Tillich once wrote about the profound inner movement of “accepting your own acceptance.” God loves us as we are, not as we should be.
Family ties and religious obligations may affect one another, but they are not necessarily opposed. Saint Scholastica’s relationship with her brother Saint Benedict, is a good example.
Jesus’ primary mission was to his own people. Others were to benefit from the ministry of Jesus, but only later. Still today Jesus loves and takes care of those in need.
I would almost describe spirituality as a concern for our being, our inner motivation and attitude, our real inner Source, as opposed to any primary concern for our doing.
Depression has taught me that perhaps the greatest act of trust is to know that how God heals us is way less important than how he loves us.
When children are little, we tell them to use their words to express their feelings. We do that because it’s important to speak up and be heard.
This week, we hear Jesus tell his followers of ways in which they should help those who are in need. He then also offers a warning to those who have not cared for those people.
An orphan at the age of 15, Saint Jerome Emiliani ran away from home and ran into some trouble. He ended up in prison where he had time to think. After a conversion, Saint Jerome studied for the priesthood and, after his ordination, he worked for abandoned children.
Luke’s Gospel overall is known for a focus on the poor. The fact of enduring poverty or other troubles seems to offer a perspective on God which helps us realize that we need to depend on God for everything.
Christian spirituality has taught believers how to pray. Prayer is a matter of reverently lifting our hearts to God. What matters is what’s in our hearts and what comes out of our hearts.
