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…]
CHAPTER 12 – LET YOUR GENTLENESS BE EVIDENT “Do not ever think yourselves better than the rest of your companions who share the same faith.” -St. Cuthbert “Do not be deceived by those who seem to seek perfection, yet do not keep the basic commandments of God. There are people who eat little, who live … [Read more…]
CHAPTER 11 – THE FOUNDATION LAID UPON ROCK “O God, you created us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in you.” -St. Augustine of Hippo “God is near to all those who call on Him. The kingdom of heaven can be reached from any land.” -St. Samthann “For human … [Read more…]
CHAPTER 10 – FORGIVENESS AND RECONCILIATION “God has left sin in the world in order that there may be forgiveness: not only the secret forgiveness by which He Himself cleanses our souls, but the manifest forgiveness by which we have mercy on one another and so give expression to the fact that He is living, … [Read more…]