CHAPTER 22 – ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN “A custom existed among the first generations of Christians, when faith was a bright fire that warmed more than those who kept it burning. In every house then a room was kept ready for any stranger who might ask for shelter; it was even called … [Read more…]
CHAPTER 21 – LET THE PEACE OF CHRIST RULE IN YOUR HEARTS “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” -St. Mother Teresa “Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, not even if your whole world seems upset. If you find that you have … [Read more…]
CHAPTER 20 – DISCERN WHAT IS THE WILL OF GOD “Our only desire and our one choice should be this: I want and I choose what better leads to God’s deepening life in me.” -St. Ignatius Loyola “God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer.” -Mother Teresa “God is … [Read more…]
CHAPTER 19 – EMBRACING SIMPLICITY FOR A MORE ABUNDANT LIFE “Our Lord needs from us neither great deeds nor profound thoughts. Neither intelligence nor talents. He cherishes simplicity.” -St. Therese of Lisieux “Live simply and justly in solidarity with the poor and marginalized and be a good neighbor. Make no war on them, rather, be … [Read more…]
CHAPTER 18 – THE INTEGRITY OF THE UPRIGHT GUIDES THEM “From the deformity of our imperfection after the fall of the first human being, the Holy Trinity brings us up to the perfect human being and trains us for the fullness of Christ’s time.” -St. John Scotus Eriugena Honesty, integrity, and truth become for the … [Read more…]
CHAPTER 17 – FAITHFUL FRIENDS ARE A STURDY SHELTER “Anyone without an anamcara (soul-friend) is like a body without a head.”-St. Brigid While some religious traditions discourage close friendships, the Coworkers of Christ embrace them. These deep, supportive relationships, reminiscent of the Celtic ideal of the “anam cara” – a soul friend – enrich our … [Read more…]
CHAPTER 16 – GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD “Out of compassion you should do without your due allowance of food and clothing so that you may share with your less fortunate brothers and with the poor in general.” -St. Columba “The Body of Christ and the Blood of Mary’s Son (Holy Communion) is … [Read more…]
CHAPTER 15 – GENEROUS DISTRIBUTORS OF GOD’S GRACE “Do not despise those faithful who come to you seeking hospitality. Receive them, put them up, and set them on their way with kindness, treating them as one of yourselves.“ -St. Cuthbert “The man to whom little is not enough will not benefit from more.” -St. Columbanus … [Read more…]
CHAPTER 14 – CARRY EACH OTHER’S BURDENS “Even though he has possession of the unsavory world, he should not love its treasures. Let him cultivate and share the fruits of the earth. He should not be cruel since that will not bring him to bright heaven.” -From the Monastic Rule of St. Ailbe “Blessed is … [Read more…]
CHAPTER 13 – BEING IN FULL ACCORD AND OF ONE MIND “He [the monk] should not speak evil of, or harshly reproach, another, nor should he put anyone to the blush. Never should he violently rebuke anyone or carry on a conversation with a boorish person, and his speech at all times should be noted … [Read more…]