Poem: Divine Conqueror The desert was before him, And the Spirit drew him in. Surrounded by still silence, Jesus, without blemish without sin.   Evil lurked around Him, Tempter of tempters ruled the earth, Our Pure and sinless Jesus, Gazing heavenward, knew his worth.   Stepping forth in victory, The Father by him stood. Prepared … Continue reading Conqueror!

"Suppose that by revenge you might destroy one enemy; yet, by exercising the Christian's temper you might conquer three- your own lust, Satan's temptation, and the enemy's heart" - John Flavel The father of lies can tempt us, cause us pain, provoke a torment of the mind and heart, it can initiate the doubt of a saint and the … Continue reading PASSION!

Step 12: Self-Denial and Love of the Cross "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Matt. 16:24) I love You Jesus! I desire You Jesus! I need You Jesus! I will Follow You Jesus! I give myself to You Jesus! The way we fulfill these aspirations … Continue reading Sinners Anonymous: 12 Steps To Holiness

Step 11: Recollection "I will lead her into the wilderness and I will speak to her heart" (Hos 2:14). Our union with God is strengthened by it. Our life in Christ must have it. Our soul desires it. Our heart seeks it. Our life keeps order with it. Our world needs it. St. Augustine was right in … Continue reading Sinners Anonymous: 12 Steps to Holiness

Step 10: Mortification He that loveth his life shall lose it, and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. John 12:25 External and Internal mortification or "self-denial". It is Lenten season by the way, what better time to bask in the richness of this virtue. I think St. Jose … Continue reading Sinners Anonymous: 12 Steps To Holiness

Step 9: Meekness and Humility "Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart" (Matt. 11:29) A builder walked up to an empty lot one day and stood before it, contemplating what it could possibly become. He toyed with creative possibilities and . . . alas! It's purpose was determined! This parcel of land will become a temple, … Continue reading Sinners Anonymous: 12 Steps to Holiness

Step 7: Chastity "Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God" (Matt 5:8) Before the post goes any further, for all non priests or religious brothers or sisters I suggest you disregard the following. This reflection will not be of any help to your advancement in sanctity . . . WAIIITT COMMMEEEE BACKKKK!!! Wow! What an epic lie. Let us … Continue reading Sinners Anonymous: 12 Steps to Holiness

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven" (Matt. 5:3) Step 6: Poverty and Detachment Have you ever run into a sister "nun", and found yourself complementing her beautiful earrings, nice bracelet, and pearly necklace? How about her gorgeous "outfit" and classy purse? If this seems absurd to you, congratulations! you have … Continue reading Sinners Anonymous: 12 Steps to Holiness

Step 4: Love for our Neighbor "If you wish to know how much a person loves his God, see how much he loves his neighbor." - St. Catherine of Genoa Wow! Bold statement. Does that mean someone can know how genuine my love for God is by simply observing my interactions with those around me? Do you realize … Continue reading Sinners Anonymous: 12 Steps to Holiness

Step 3: The Love of God I love You! If we were to put a face on God's love what would it look like? -Jesus! If we were to give it characteristics , what would they look like? -kindness, patience, joy, truth, hope, charity, faith, endurance; VIRTUES! and since we were created to be mirror images of God the … Continue reading Sinners Anonymous: 12 Steps to Holiness