In this brilliant and epic poem Dante leads us through his vision of the spiritual world. Beginning in Hell (Inferno) with the Latin poet Virgil as his guide he descends into ring after ring populated by the cruel demons inflicting torture on the human residents. At the very heart of Hell he meets Satan frozen... Continue Reading →

The brazen serpent was hung up as a remedy for the biting serpents, not as a type of him that suffered for us but as a contrast. It saved those that looked upon it, not because they believed it to live but because it was killed, and killed with it were the powers that were... Continue Reading →

Saturday, [April] 22 [1738] —I met Peter Bohler once more. I had now no objection to what he said of the nature of faith; viz. that it is (to use the words of our Church) "a sure trust and confidence which a man hath in God, that through the merits of Christ his sins are... Continue Reading →

    "Holiness is not the luxury of the few but the simple duty for you and me so let us be holy as our Father in heaven is holy….     Our progress in holiness depends on God and on ourselves—on God's grace and on our will to be holy. We must have a real living determination to... Continue Reading →

We praise thee, O God:    we acknowledge thee to be the Lord.All the earth doth worship thee:    the Father everlasting.To thee all Angels cry aloud:    the Heavens, and all the Powers therein.To thee Cherubim and Seraphim:    continually do cry,Holy, Holy, Holy:    Lord God of Hosts;Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty:    of thy glory.The glorious company of the Apostles: praise... Continue Reading →

First reading and Psalm Numbers 21:4b-9 Psalm 98:1-5 Second reading 1 Corinthians 1:18-24 Gospel John 3:13-17 Theme: Sing to the Lord, because even though God's plans can often appear foolish, and we complain about the extra hardships we face, we know that God loves us and sent his son into the world to lead us... Continue Reading →

It might seem strange to some that a monastic rule is on the list of books every Christian should read. This brief book offers the reader useful tips for ordering life in a way that connects with God and limits temptation. The monastic life Benedict endorses seeks help individuals work together to form a community... Continue Reading →

Don't be in debt to anyone, except for the obligation to love each other. Whoever loves another person has fulfilled the Law. Rom 13:8 CEB "Paul shows that the fulfillment of the law is found in love that is charity. Thus also the Lord says that the whole law and the prophets depend on these... Continue Reading →

1. And, first, let us inquire, What is salvation? The salvation which is here spoken of is not what is frequently understood by that word, the going to heaven, eternal happiness. It is not the soul's going to paradise, termed by our Lord, "Abraham's bosom." It is not a blessing which lies on the other... Continue Reading →

1. Find a place of repose and Quiet  2. Make yourself of God's presence through a brief prayer of thanksgiving and praise. Remind yourself of how God has been with you.  3. Read a passage of scripture (i.e. a psalm) deliberately and expectantly, reflecting on it.   4. Be still and listen for God's voice.... Continue Reading →