Thought for the Second Week of Lent: On Spiritual Combat

Most of us are probably focused these days on the physical combat between Russia and Ukraine, especially with the war hawks squawking for escalation! But for our personal lives, it is more useful to focus on our own interior spiritual combat. Outside of prayer and fasting, we can do little to influence a war going on thousands of miles away, but we must engage in a spiritual war that takes place immediately and daily in our own lives. The book, Spiritual Combat by Dom Lorenzo Scupoli provides the strategy to win the victory against ourselves and the persistent temptations that plague us and it is an appropriate season to engage in that personal war. So let me share a few words of wisdom from this good priest:

If you ever fear that your will should fall before the lower appetite, or other enemies that attempt to overcome it; if you perceive that your courage and determination are failing, hold your ground -- do not retreat from the field. You must regard the victory as your own as long as you are not completely overcome. (Chapter 14)

Sunday Meditation: Isolation is the Devil's Workshop!

 Family life is an antidote to isolation!

I was reading the Lectio Divina (commentary on the Gospel) in my Magnificat before Mass this morning and stopped abruptly to reflect a bit when I reached this passage from St. John Chrysostom:

"The Spirit drags Jesus into the desert, since he wanted to draw the devil there; and Jesus gave occasion to him not only on account of his hunger but also on account of the place: for then most especially does the devil attack, when he sees people isolated and by themselves."

Jesus was attacked and tempted in His isolation. When, I asked myself, have I been most tempted to discouragement and despair? Isn't it when I feel alone, abandoned by those around me? I remember one Christmas years ago when many challenges robbed me of joy. Surrounded by family, I nevertheless felt alone, my spirit locked in darkness. I felt isolated and unhappy, but resisted the temptation to rob joy from those around me. So I smiled and prepared the feast although my heart felt like a stone. By the end of the day, serving others had lifted my spirits considerably. Which I think is a serious lesson. When we stop looking at ourselves in our misery and look outward to others (and especially to the face of Jesus), we cannot remain stuck in the slough of despond.

Sensitive Post on Same Sex Attraction and Friendship

Sometimes friends are siblings or cousins!

From a Catholic man who took a risk

I think a lot about this issue. Several friends are same-sex attracted and, while I don't believe they were "born that way," how people get mixed up sexually is somewhat of a mystery. And with all the environmental poisoning of the water with artificial hormones, well, I think it's likely that sexual identities will become increasingly confused. Hey, if male fish are producing eggs, what the heck is happening to people?

We're all broken in one way or another. We all have sinful inclinations, but each of us is called to control those inclinations using intellect and will and praying for God's grace. Who can live a holy life alone? No one! We all need help -- God's help certainly. But God generally uses our hands and our hearts to reach out in His name. Holy friendship is a vocation for all.

Who needs you today? Can you think of someone who needs a phone call or a note in the mail? Certainly we all need prayer. Ask the Lord who needs the gift of your friendship right now. You'll be blessed by sharing it.