Among the most colorful “nun myths” are those that have to do with our lives of penance and self-denial. Popular imagination throughout the ages has painted a grim picture of the deprivations in store for any young woman unfortunate enough to find herself in a monastery.
Read MoreToday’s discussion began right at the heart of this passage: “Yet I hold this against you: you have lost the love you had at first.” (Rev. 2:4) Now that’s a verse that calls us all to examine ourselves!
Read MoreIt is good to fast for several reasons. We are strengthening our wills so that we don’t just give into every craving of our bodies. We are also acknowledging the primacy of the spiritual dimension. Life is not just about food and material pleasures. Fasting ultimately is meant to raise our minds and hearts above earthly cares and turn them to God.
Read MoreThe Catholic Catechism says that “taking up one’s cross each day and following Jesus is the surest way of penance.” We express this interior penance in the traditional ways of fasting, prayer and works of mercy. The first thing any Christian must “fast” from is sin. And living closely together in community provides countless opportunities to show mercy in seen and unseen ways.
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