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Soft on the inside
How often have you walked down a street, looking down at the sidewalk, and not noticed a tree, or a sign, or even an entire building? When you finally notice it, you wonder how you could have missed it all this time. This phenomenon of not seeing what is right in front of us is not uncommon, nor is it limited to the physical realm. We are often blind to spiritual realities as well. When this happens, we know our hearts are “hardened.” What does it take to soften our hearts so that we can perceive the invisible—the love that surrounds and permeates us every moment of every day? It begins with desire, which forms an intention, which evolves into practice, which turns into prayer, which relies on God.
TODAY’S READINGS: 1 John 4:11-18; Mark 6:45-52
“They did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.”
to your soul-searching questions
Is my vocation from God or just my imagination?
How do I know if a call to religious life is from God or just my imagination?
I have to begin by quoting Joan of Arc in George Bernard Shaw's wonderful play about her trial. When Joan's interrogators doubt that the voices she hears are from God and suggest that they spring from her imagination, Joan replies as if her accusers are hopelessly ignorant: "I know. That is how God speaks to me." We tend to belittle the imagination as the realm of children. We forget that Jesus had a high opinion of children, favored their company, and thought we should be more like th ...
Order priest or diocesan priest?
How do I know whether I'm suited for being an order priest or a diocesan priest?
I’m happy to count among my friends Franciscans, Jesuits, Oblates, Paulists, Marists, and even the rare Camaldolese monk. I also know and love a small army of diocesan priests. I’ve often wondered why each one entered the ministry and, in particular, wound up in the “lifestyle” he currently enjoys. Because I’m curious and also pretty bold, I always ask. Their candid replies have helped me appreciate the process of discernment, the power of the Spirit, and ...