Saint Philip Neri is one of my good friends. I never knew him during his life on earth, of course, as he lived during the sixteenth century. But, as with many saints, after learning more about him and his exemplary love for God, I have come to regard him as a great model for the Christian life and have sought [...]
Saint Philip Neri—Heart Specialist
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Cultivating the Fruits of the Holy Spirit
I could use a lot more fruit in my life. I’m not talking about dietary fiber, either. I’m talking about the fruits of the Holy Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23. Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. And I’m going to need some help to grow these fruits. Sure, I have some of each naturally, but, like growing [...]
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Four Simple Tools to Help Navigate Your Way From Sin to Sanctity
So, you’ve got a sin problem too? It’s not uncommon. In fact, it has plagued every living human since the first living humans. It’s called Original Sin. It is part of the human condition. Darn it. At first we just had to live with it, while God prepare us for the solution. Even His favorite humans, the Hebrews, were not [...]
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Humility: An Unachievable Virtue?
“Every one that exalteth himself, shall be humbled; and he that humbleth himself, shall be exalted” (Luke 14:11). Humility is a rather slippery virtue. It’s one of the most important to have, but it’s impossible to achieve. Once you set out to become proficient in humility, it has dissolved! If you strive to grow in it by your actions, the moment you [...]
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Prudence and Knowing When to Quit
“And if any one loves righteousness, her labors are virtues; for she teaches self-control and prudence, justice and courage; nothing in life is more profitable for men than these.” (Wisdom 8:7). “Don’t be a quitter!” It’s a phrase frequently used to encourage—or belittle. It goes along with that silly challenge to “Go outside your comfort zone.” But I have been [...]
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Eight Ways to Be a Better Godparent
It is an honor to be asked to be a godparent. But choosing a godparent is not merely a way to honor a friend or relative after the birth of a child; it is an invitation to take on a big responsibility in the child’s life. No, you are not expected to raise the child in the event of the [...]
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When Someone Falls From Grace, Help Them Up!
I once heard someone say, “When a person has fallen from grace, don’t kick him down. Help him up!” It sounds so obvious, but we really do need to be reminded. We see it all around us. “Did you hear what she did???” Shock and outrage are often our response to accounts we see on the internet, hear on the [...]
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A “Strong Catholic” Adrift
One of the things I most enjoy during visits with my family in Southern California, is visiting the little beach town nearby. Main Street lies between Pacific Coast Highway and the pier and is lined with restaurants, cafes, pubs, boutiques, ice cream parlors and art galleries. The shops are all individually owned and have a low profile, preserving the small [...]
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Excuse Me, God, Is There a Family Discount?
It’s not easy to become a saint while raising a family. Especially for some of us. Me, for instance. And I could use a little help. I heard a priest recommend that we read about and seek the intercession of saints who shared the same vocation as us. Priests should get to know the lives of holy priests, religious sisters [...]
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A Soul’s Hearth
As I walked into the church for Mass last Sunday, I noticed right away the candles had been trimmed too long. They looked like a half dozen lit bottle rockets lined up on the reredos, in anticipation of the dazzling finale in a Fourth of July pyrotechnic display. My mind filled with strains of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. Smoke was billowing upward [...]
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Do You Hate Small Talk? Maybe You’re Doing It Wrong!
I’ve heard many people claim they hate small talk like it’s a mark of distinction. I’m not sure that’s something worth boasting of, though. Small talk gets a bad rap, but making it is a skill well worth having. It’s a skill that smooths the way for friendships and relieves uncomfortable social situations by getting conversation moving. It’s like the [...]
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Sometimes You’re Just Lying There Like a Slug In the Desert
I don’t think I’m the only one who hasn’t been having a very good Lent this year. By which I mean I haven’t been having a very bad Lent. I mean, it hasn’t been hard; I haven’t been taking full advantage of the opportunities this liturgical season offers in terms of increased prayer, fasting and alms-giving. As a matter of [...]
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Is Good Enough Good Enough When It Comes To Parenting?
Is “good enough” good enough when you’re raising a Catholic family? Colleen Duggan thinks so. And she ought to know! Colleen is a self-professed recovering type-A perfectionist, who has struggled in her quest to become the “perfect” Catholic mom of the “perfect” Catholic family. And she has succeeded – not in achieving perfection, but in learning that God is only asking her to [...]
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Unless You Become Like Children
When Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” our Lord answered, “Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”(Matt 18:3). It’s a clear message that aiming for greatness and prestige is not going to help us when it comes to the Kingdom of Heaven. He redirected the [...]
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Do You Want To Be a Happier Parent?
Raising children isn’t as easy as it looks in those soft-focus magazine and television ads. I think it might be some kind of ruse designed to bamboozle us into peopling the earth (and buying all the products for it). Actual children are messy, unreasonable, and they’re around for such a long time! It turns out it takes more than absorbent [...]
The post Do You Want To Be a Happier Parent? appeared first on Integrated Catholic Life™.
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Nice Book, If You Can Get It
Looking for a good read? I recommend Brendan Hodge’s new work, If You Can Get It (Ignatius Press). If You Can Get It is a well written, engaging novel that intelligently explores living meaningfully in today’s superficial world. An educated Catholic friend recommended it to me. The title lodged Gershwin’s song in my head, so I picked up the book [...]
The post Nice Book, <i>If You Can Get It</i> appeared first on Integrated Catholic Life™.
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