Lent is a time of reflection, a time to ask what we are in need of to grow in the spiritual life. It is the season where we are invited to examine ourselves and ask God how we can turn our heart to him and grow closer so that we may die to oneself to live in God. St. Cyril of Jerusalem is an early Church Father. His influence on Christianity is still felt today as he is one of the most important sources for how the early Church celebrated the liturgy and sacraments. He is held in high esteem by both the Catholics and the Orthodox. His 4th century writings are a reminder to us for what it means to live a Christian life. As he says, "the indwelling [of the Holy Spirit] makes your mind into a divine house." In the hustle and bustle of the day with our preoccupations and responsibilities - at work and at home - in our interactions with family, friends, and strangers, we can often fall short of Jesus' exhortation that we be perfect, as our Heavenly Father is perfect (cf. Matt 5:48). Yet it's in the daily events of our lives, those seemingly insignificant interactions we may have with others, or alone, in our own thoughts and choices, that we are called to be holy. We are called to transform ourselves into an image of God’s own holiness. By doing so we may transform the entire world into the kingdom of God. For words of wit and wisdom from Saint Cyril of Jerusalem (d. 386 A.D.), please click on the image. Peace be with you!

Lent is a time of reflection, a time to ask what we are in need of to grow in the spiritual life. It is the season where we are invited to examine ourselves and ask God how we can turn our heart to him and grow closer so that we may die to oneself to live in God. Dr. Paul Thigpen is the editor of TAN Books. He's an award-winning journalist and best-selling author of many books, including daily devotionals good for Lent and throughout the year. His work has been translated into twelve languages and circulated worldwide. One of my favorite Thigpen books is Manual for Spiritual Warfare. In the Manual the author reminds us how "Sacred Scripture speaks of our ongoing battles with the world, the flesh, and the Devil (see Jas 4:1-7)." Yet, as he continues, "... belief in Satan's existence and activity is today widely dismissed as an outdated superstition. As a result, most Catholics hear very little about him, leaving them unprepared to understand and defeat him. They need to know their Enemy and his strategies." For words of wit and wisdom from Paul Thigpen, Ph.D., about one of the weapons at our disposal in the spiritual life, please click on the image. Peace be with you!

Lent is a time of reflection; a time to ask what we are in need of to grow in the spiritual life. Lent is the season where we are invited again to examine ourselves and ask God how we can turn our heart to him and grow closer so that we may die to oneself to live in God. St. John Chrysostom reminds us there is no advantage unless there is progress, unless we allow ourselves to be transformed during this penitential season. As Christians, we can do so only with humility and patience, with generosity and perseverance. For God, one's turning back to him is never too late. We must persist. Yet we must begin. This Lent, let us continue to walk with Our Lord; and, if we must, let us humbly begin - again. For words of wit and wisdom from St. John Chrysostom please click on the image. Peace be with you!

This writing is a work of early Christian apologetics, likely from the 2nd century. It is rich in it's understanding of what it means to be a Christian: in life, in love, and in death. Christians should recognize the themes the author touches on because, passed down through the centuries, it is still as relevant today as when it was written; for we know a Christian is in the world, but not of the world. For a beautiful reflection on Christian Perfection, please click on the image. Peace be with you!

When the desire for God touches men’s hearts the world will be made anew. For a man is called to be another Christ. What the world is in need of today is real manhood in the image and likeness of God Incarnate, Jesus Christ. For wit & wisdom from St. John Chrysostom, for men, on marriage please click on the image. Peace be with you!