Having reflected on the sufferings of prayer and on Eucharistic Adoration, let us now turn to the various forms of prayer. Although prayer is in itself a simple thing, it is not always easy for us to pray, and even less so to pray well. This too is an art, and in order to learn it, we need to study the various forms and methods of prayer that exist and, above all, to practice prayer fervently. One prayer that is quite widespread and beloved in our Catholic Church, especially in certain circles, is the Holy Rosary. In many of her authentic apparitions, the Virgin Mary tells us how important it is to her that we pray the Rosary. That is why it is worthwhile to meditate on this valuable prayer. Read More
A SERIES ON THE SPIRITUAL LIFE – Eucharistic Adoration (Part II)
Eucharistic adoration and inner healing
People in general – including we, the faithful – are often wounded within because we have not received enough love or have experienced an abuse of our love. As a result, serious deficiencies can arise in the soul, and the emotional sphere can suffer such a disturbance that it could become closed inwardly.
A SERIES ON THE SPIRITUAL LIFE: Eucharistic Adoration (Part I)
Remaining in silence before the Blessed Sacrament, whether the Blessed Sacrament is exposed or simply present in the Tabernacle, has a great effect on the deepening of prayer. Therefore, in the context of these meditations on the theme of prayer, it is fitting that we dedicate two days specifically to Eucharistic Adoration. Read More
A SERIES ON THE SPIRITUAL LIFE – Sufferings in Prayer (Part II)
Prayer is one of the glories we can already enjoy in this life, for it is a ladder by which God descends to us and we ascend to Him. However, even in our prayer life we are not exempt from the stresses that correspond to our earthly existence and we have to endure all kinds of disturbances. But God, in His wisdom, makes use of it all.
Yesterday we had begun to speak about the so-called “sufferings in prayer”, among which we had mentioned distractions and dryness of feeling. Today we want to continue with some others…
A SERIES ON THE SPIRITUAL LIFE – Sufferings in Prayer (Part I)
Anyone who seriously undertakes a life of prayer – that is, who does not only pray occasionally or when going through great anguish – will realize that it is not always an easy path; rather, there are sufferings that can make prayer even wearisome for us. Therefore, we will have to fight against the laziness of our human nature, go through processes of purification and, of course, confront various temptations, which want to discourage us. It can even go so far as to make us doubt the meaning of prayer, because it would seem that God does not listen to it and that it does not bring us any satisfaction. Thus, the soul is in danger of throwing in the towel and abandoning these “tiring” dealings with God. Read More
A SERIES ON THE SPIRITUAL LIFE – Preparation for Prayer
The best preparation for prayer, which at the same time is its very fruit, is the focus of our life on God. This means, in the first instance, living in a state of grace; that is, in conformity with the divine will.
Only under this condition can prayer be profoundly effective and can God penetrate our hearts. We will then become more and more capable of listening to God, of understanding Him and of seeking Him deeply. We will not have to begin each time by removing fundamental obstacles that impede the exchange with God.
Communication with God is a necessity of the soul. Read More
SERIES ON THE SPIRITUAL LIFE – Introduction to Prayer
Over the next few days we would like to offer our listeners a series of meditations on the theme of prayer. They can certainly be helpful in the spiritual life. If any of our listeners would like to continue listening to the Bible meditations for each day, they can follow the links at the end of the text.
Today will simply be an introduction, while in the next few days we will develop the preparation for prayer, the sufferings of prayer, the different forms of prayer, etc. I hope that the meditations that follow will help us to more deeply appreciate the value of prayer and encourage us to practice it. Read More
Look carefully then how you walk
Eph 5:15-20
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will ofthe Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with allyour heart, always andfor everything giving thanks in the name ofour LordJesus Christ to God the Father.
Obedience to the commandments of the Lord (Part II)
Today we want to return to the subject we began yesterday.
We know the serious problems of so many marriages, and we know that many of them were contracted in the most difficult circumstances. The Church, as a mother, also wants to turn to those who, for various reasons, have failed in their marriage and have begun a new relationship.
Indeed, it is the sick who need the doctor, not the healthy, as Jesus tells us in the Gospel (cf. Mt 9:12). Read More
Obedience to the commandments of the Lord (Part I)
At that time, pharisees came up to Jesus and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?” He answered, “Have you not read that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder.” They said to him, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?” He said to them, “For your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. Read More