Loathsome Worm
I’m not a loathsome worm. Am I? When I read St. Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castle, I had a visceral reaction to her continually calling herself, and each one of … Continue Reading Loathsome Worm
Why Confession?
I confess, I don’t enjoy going to Confession. I get nervous just thinking about it and even feel a little petulant whining — “Do I have to?” So why do … Continue Reading Why Confession?
Discovering the Self of Self-Denial
Self-denial is one of the most challenging parts of an authentic Christian life. Yet it’s also one of the most beautiful opportunities. Going over old writings for my memoir, I … Continue Reading Discovering the Self of Self-Denial
The Tree of Life
Have you ever tried to sum up your faith or the Faith? Raised as a Catholic, I wasn’t well educated as one. I rejected the Faith — even the existence … Continue Reading The Tree of Life
Sloth
I’m a generally content person. Considering my debilitating disease, that’s a very good thing. Except when it isn’t. Looking Back When I was 11 years old, I stopped physically attending … Continue Reading Sloth
Wrath
I’m being tested. These past weeks have been difficult. Don’t think that this examination of conscience has just been a way for a writer to write something appealing for her … Continue Reading Wrath
Envy
It was naptime in the church basement kindergarten, and I was lying on my little mat looking through the spokes of my wheelchair at the dimly lit figures of Julie … Continue Reading Envy
Greed
“I don’t care too much for money, money can’t buy me love.”[i] But it can buy a lot of nice stuff. Knowing that love is more valuable than any possession … Continue Reading Greed
Lust
The temptation toward lust, some may assume, is something that I don’t experience, because I am severely physically disabled and live a fairly sheltered life. But I’m human. Fully human … Continue Reading Lust
Gluttony
Weighing all of 70 pounds, I doubt that anyone would accuse me of the sin of gluttony. But I don’t have to overeat to be a glutton. Looking Back When … Continue Reading Gluttony
Pride
I don’t think I’ve ever suffered from low self-esteem. As the smiling girl in the wheelchair, I’ve experienced much praise and extra complementary attention from childhood onward. Although I have … Continue Reading Pride
Cut to the Heart
I’ve been suffering. I’ve been suffering from something that I caught through the rants, ridiculing, and general rancor of social media. Symptoms include feverish disgust and the malignant, aching fatigue … Continue Reading Cut to the Heart
Holy Communion
God Stuck in My Teeth the sublime shock of knowing I gnaw and gnash the Body of God in my mouth; I swallow Him, digest Him, and even my breath … Continue Reading Holy Communion
Holy Week
It’s that time of year again. The time of year when I regret not having been harder on myself, when I’m disappointed that the season of subdued quiet and intense … Continue Reading Holy Week
Lent: Finding Yourself and Getting over Yourself
Here’s an oldie but goodie. As Lent begins, we Catholics may look like a bunch of doleful, down-on-ourselves people, but we are simply realistic. And essentially joyful. After all, we … Continue Reading Lent: Finding Yourself and Getting over Yourself
Scripture Quotes on the Mind
I left you (last week) with this thought: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be … Continue Reading Scripture Quotes on the Mind
Christina Chase 