Fasting, Prayer, Almsgiving
What was the purpose of this journey? Was it to get rid of some unwanted items by giving them away or unwanted pounds by fasting? Was it to accomplish self-improvement? … Continue Reading Fasting, Prayer, Almsgiving
Vulnerability and Not Liking Confession
The story of my fractured rib leads to the fig leaves of Adam and Eve, which then brings up fear and bullies (among other things), and concludes with why I don’t like going to confession and why that makes it so good. Phew.
Seeing Christ
Have you heard it said that we should see Christ in others? Good idea. But I do have one problem… Before we get to that problem, let me just say … Continue Reading Seeing Christ
Get Over Yourself
It’s not all doom and gloom. Here’s a reflection that I really need to read for myself right now… Feature Photo by Joel Naren on Unsplash
As We Forgive?
I don’t know if you’ve figured this out during your life so far, but … everyone is flawed. Nobody is perfect. There is so much to criticize in others and … Continue Reading As We Forgive?
Purgatory
My eternal plans have changed. The Reason for Purgatory Even though I was raised in the Catholic Church, I didn’t hear or think much about Purgatory. When I was an … Continue Reading Purgatory
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
Christina Chase 