Category: Catholicism

First Things First

If men used as much care in uprooting vices and implanting virtues as they do in discussing problems, there would not be so much evil and scandal in the world, or such laxity in religious…

Today’s One-Liner (#167)

No one ever sees himself as casting the first stone. –René Girard, Maxim #22, in All Desire Is a Desire for Being: Essential Writings, edited by Cynthia L. Haven

Small Things

It is this attitude—this unblinking alertness to the meaning of each moment— that probably accounts for the intense compression of Thérèse’s spiritual development. She just didn’t miss a beat. As a novice, she was exerting…

Today’s One-Liner (#166)

We earnestly desire that all the faithful should study her in order to copy her, becoming children themselves; since otherwise they cannot, according to the words of the Master, arrive at the kingdom of heaven….

Engrave with Gusto

On the other hand, having to learn from men by reading, teaching, contact, appreciate the sense of this golden rule inserted by St. Thomas in the middle of his Sixteen Precepts: “Do not consider from…

Today’s One-Liner (#162)

The  world is in danger for lack of life-giving maxims. –A.G. Sertillanges, O.P., The Intellectual Life: Its Spirit, Conditions, Methods, translated by Mary Ryan

Working Through…

The next step in the process is for you to see that your even thinking about what you are doing is crucially important.  You are probably striving to build yourself an identity in your work,…

Today’s One-Liner (#161)

Get away from any man who always argues every time he talks. –ABBOT PASTOR, cited in Thomas Merton, The Wisdom of the  Desert: Sayings from the Desert Fathers of the Fourth Century

Aspiring to Holiness

You know, Mother, I have always wanted to be a saint. Alas! I have always noticed that when I compared myself to the saints, there is between them and me the same difference that exists…