How can our relationship with God bring joy? St Bonaventure, a 13th-century Franciscan, believed that it was important that we use our emotions to have an intense relationship with God, which would, in turn, deepen our joy.
Trials cause us to lose the peace of mind which we had so long sought and built up. We need to discover the reality of that experience, when peace now seems to have totally fled our lives, whether through external conflicts or interior trials that plunge us into the anguish of loneliness, absurdity and meaninglessness, or death. Explore how to live through trials with the aid of St Benedict's wisdom.
A native American daughter of Mohawk chief, Tekakwitha lost her family to smallpox at four. Raised by her uncle, she put her life at risk when, inspired by Jesuit missionaries, she sought baptism. Taking the name Kateri, she led a life of charity and penance before dying of TB at 24. Read her story in this blog.
St Elizabeth of the Trinity, considered the fourth great Carmelite saint, saw in Mary the model of the contemplative, prayerful soul. Here is the beautiful exposition she wrote on the Mother of God. "There is one who knew this gift of God, one who did not lose a particle of it, one who was so pure and luminous that she seemed to be the Light itself."
Meditate upon the Passion of Jesus with this lovely sonnet dedicated to Our Lord on the Cross. "I am not moved to love you, O my God, That I might hope in promised heaven to dwell; Nor am I moved by fear of pain in hell To turn from sin and follow where you trod."
Are you looking for guidance for living your faith? Let these words of St Therese of Lisieux guide you on your way.
