Posts by Arrowood
Eyes on the Prize: The Beauty of Heaven
The seasons of Advent and Lent call us to special spiritual discipline. But to think that their only purpose is to help us prepare for the feasts of Christmas and Easter is a bit shortsighted. Of course, they do help us prepare for the feasts. But ultimately the entire Liturgical Year is crafted to remind…
Read MoreSpiritual Gifts – the Priestly Charisms
Through our baptism, every Christian is called to participate in Jesus’ priestly mission – to sanctify the world through prayer and sacrifice. But some of us are especially equipped and empowered through specific charismatic graces to make this part of our Lord’s mission central to their lives. The priestly charisms are spiritual gifts and empowerments…
Read MoreThe Joy of a Living Faith: Saint Theresa of Avila
Saint Theresa of Avila is one of those saints that reveals to us the reality and the joy of a living faith. The one word I most often associate with this intrepid saint is “real.” Theresa pulls no punches. She tells it like it is. Even when she is talking to God. A…
Read MoreCatholic Community: the Heart of Catholic Learning
Note: while this post is about smaller versions of a Catholic community, some of you may be interested in taking this idea to the next level and actually living in a Catholic neighborhood. Such a lifestyle has its strengths and weaknesses, but it’s a fascinating idea. As I went through the client needs survey I was…
Read MoreThe Virtue of Prudence: A Kairos Man in a Chronos World
I have never been known as a punctual person. In fact, friends often joke that they need to give me an earlier start time for events so I’ll be on time. My wife actually does that – no joke. Part of my problem is a weakness in the virtue of prudence where it touches on…
Read MoreMy Inner Abbey Webcast
Catholic Prayer and Internal Distraction
Prayer is both a gift of grace and a determined response on our part. It always presupposes effort. The great figures of prayer of the Old Covenant before Christ, as well as the Mother of God, the saints, and he himself, all teach us this: prayer is a battle. Against whom? Against ourselves and against…
Read MoreHow Would a Deep, Intimate Devotion to the Catholic Saints Change Your Life
What would having a better relationship with the saints look like to you? While devotion to the Catholic saints is a standard part of Catholic spirituality, have you ever reflected on its purpose and meaning? How does your relationship with the saints benefit your spiritual life? Here are a few amazing benefits of having a…
Read MoreSpiritual Gifts – the Kingly Charisms
Some spiritual gifts come with the authority to lead or govern others. In the Kingdom of God, to rule means to serve in self-donating love. Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, had a crucifix for a throne and a crown of thorns for His royal diadem. Jesus instructed His apostles that if…
Read MoreFilms That Make You Think
I just finished watching my Spiritual Cinema Circle DVD, and I just had to share it with you. You know, Catholics have growing access to good Catholic films. Films about saints and popes are coming out all the time. There are also sources for good family films. But what about thought-provoking films for adults that…
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