Humility—the forgotten foundation of spiritual growth. While most spiritual teachings warn against pride, far fewer emphasize cultivating its counterpart. Yet as we discover in this profound Lenten reflection, humility isn't merely the absence of pride but the essential virtue that makes all other virtues possible.
Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew, we examine the stark contrast between the prideful Pharisees and Christ's humble disciples. What made the difference in their ability to recognize Jesus as the Messiah? The answer lies in that first, crucial disposition of soul: humility. As we learn from the beautiful examples of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and countless saints throughout history, humility becomes not a path to insignificance but the very "gateway of salvation."
The wisdom of Saint John Vianney resonates throughout our discussion: "Humility is to the other virtues what the chain is to the rosary. Take away humility and all of the virtues disappear." This profound insight reveals why pride is so dangerous—it doesn't merely exist alongside other virtues but actively corrupts them from within. Through practical resolutions and reflections on the challenging Litany of Humility prayer, we discover tools for cultivating authentic humility in our daily lives. But beware—when you pray to be delivered from the desire for recognition and approval, God might just answer that prayer in unexpected ways! Are you ready to embrace true humility this Lenten season?
Listen as we explore this essential spiritual practice and prepare for tomorrow's reflection on the Christian meaning of suffering. Together, let's follow Christ's perfect example of humility through his passion and discover the freedom that comes from releasing our grip on pride.
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Christ is risen! The glorious transformation we've been preparing for through forty days of Lenten sacrifice has arrived, but what happens to our spiritual journey now?
This meditation explores the profound significance of Eastertide—not merely as the end of Lenten disciplines but as the beginning of a new way of living. From the triumphant moment when "light has triumphed over darkness," we are called to understand that Easter isn't about abandoning our spiritual progress, but redirecting it toward a fuller expression of our life in Christ.
As St. Paul reminds us, being "risen with Christ" means elevating our desires toward heaven while detaching from mere earthly satisfactions. For newly baptized Catholics, this season marks their first days in the faith, while for all believers, it offers a time to balance joyful celebration with continued spiritual growth. The Easter octave specifically highlights this transition as we learn to live out the new life received in baptism.
The meditation offers ...
The sacred stillness of Holy Saturday holds a unique place in our spiritual journey - that profound pause between the Crucifixion and Resurrection, where we are invited to contemplate the mystery of Christ's rest in the tomb. Through ancient liturgical texts and thoughtful meditation, we explore this day not as empty waiting, but as fertile ground where the seed of Resurrection quietly germinates.
"Today I am plunged in anguish, but tomorrow I will break my bonds." This powerful antiphon sets the tone for our reflection on what appears as defeat but secretly harbors victory. We join Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus at the hasty burial of Jesus before walking through the profound symbolism of the Easter Vigil ceremonies—the blessing of new fire, the lighting of the Paschal candle representing Christ risen, and the gradual illumination of darkness as this light spreads throughout the congregation.
The beautiful paradox of Holy Saturday emerges as we contemplate both loss and anticipation. "The ...
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A good (long) read by Fr. Z.
The following is a good point to keep in mind:
“ Allow me to go back to my food analogy for liturgy. This might seem a little insulting but it is just intended to make a point about the continuum we are on.
In 99% of a man’s day and activities, it is beneath his dignity to scrunch up his face and make airplane noises while moving a spoon around with his hand. People would think he was nuts. OR… if he is sitting in front of the high-chair of his little son, who can only eat goop and must sometimes be convinced to eat it, then that man is not doing anything beneath his dignity. On the contrary, he is performing a sacrificial act of love for his child. He sacrifices his dignity – becoming more dignified yet – for the sake of his boy’s eating something that will help him to grow out of the need to eat that sort of thing in that sort of way. He helps his boy move up the food and eating continuum to more complicated foods eaten in a more human way....
