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Don’t Be Ill-Informed: Fifth Mansion, Chapter One, 8-10
Today, we are finishing up Chapter One of the Fifth Mansion. Our readings will be from Chapter One, numbers 8-10. Topics are: 8. Proof of Union 9. Assurance left in the soul. 10. Divine union beyond our power to obtain. Our sponsor today is Chrism Press. To pick up your copy of “In Pieces,”…
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Don’t Limit God’s Power: Fifth Mansion, Chapter One, 5-7
Today, we are reading from the Fifth Mansion, Chapter One, numbers 5-7. Topics are: 5. The prayer of union and of quiet contrasted. 6. Divine and earthly union. 7. Competent directors in these matters. Our sponsor today is Chrism Press. To purchase your copy of “Shadowed Loyalty” go here: https://chrismpress.com/. Use coupon code “pilgrim15” to…
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Daily Reflection: 20 June 2023
I love how the light streamed down on this woman as she prayed. It’s like a visual image of the graces she received. I recently heard a sad story over lunch with friends. The guy at our table was telling us that the year he converted to Catholicism, another guy had been in his RCIA…
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Who Are the Carmelites: Fifth Mansion, Chapter One, 1-4
Today, we are entering the Fifth Mansion. We’ll be reading from Chapter One, number 1-4. Topics are: 1. Graces of the Fifth Mansion. 2. Contemplation to be striven for. 3. Physical effects of the prayer of union. 4. Amazement of the intellect. …
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Don’t Fall Away: Fourth Mansion, Chapter Three, 10-13
Today, we are finishing the Fourth Mansion. Our readings will be from the third chapter, numbers 10-13. Topics are: 10. The devil specially tempts such souls. 11. False trances and raptures. 12. How to treat those deluded in this way. 13. Risks of delusion in this mansion. Our sponsor today is Chrism Press. To check…
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Daily Reflection: 13 June 2023
Blessed Feast Day of St. Anthony of Padua, Catholic Pilgrims, or as they say in Portugal, St. Anthony of Lisbon. In March, when we arrived in Lisbon, Portugal, it was on a Sunday afternoon. After checking into our home, we quickly changed clothes for Mass and headed out to find the church I had researched…
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Daily Reflection: 12 June 2023
Isn’t the Mount of Beatitudes beautiful, Catholic Pilgrims? Can you imagine being taught here by Christ? As I was meditating on the Beatitudes today from our Gospel reading, I was drawn over and over again back to one—Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. It is incredibly difficult to have a…
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Two Questions: Fourth Mansion, Chapter 3, 7-9
Today, we are reading from the Fourth Mansion, Chapter 3, numbers 7-9. Topics are: 7. The prayer of recollection, and distractions in this prayer. 8. Liberty of spirit gained by consolations. 9. The soul must be watchful. Our sponsor today is The Mustard Seed Shop. To check out the collection of saint keychains, pins, and…
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Daily Reflection: 11 June 2023
In different parts of Turkey, you can find images like this where the artist was clearly trying to show that Jesus is truly present in the chalice. You go back to the early Church Fathers and read their words and you can see that they understood that the Eucharist was/is the most Holy Body and…
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Daily Reflection: 9 June 2023
Things become ugly when God is denied, Catholic Pilgrims. When we were in Portugal, we walked everywhere we went, pretty much. Walking a city is the best way to get to know a place. Everywhere you turned, there was art. Even down obscure alleys, there were little tiles with depictions of St. Anthony or Mary.…
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Daily Reflection: 8 June 2023
Our next military move is coming up quick and this time, there will only be three of us going. My two adult children will be elsewhere making their way in the world. Between my middle daughter and son, my husband and I lost a lot of babies. We have 10 saints in Heaven. But, thankfully,…
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Just Keep Swimming: Fourth Mansion, Chapter Three, 4-6
Today, we are reading from the Fourth Mansion, Chapter Three, numbers 4-6. Topics are: 4. It prepares us for the higher favors. 5. The mind must act until God calls it to recollection by love. 6. The soul should here abandon itself into God’s hands. Our sponsor today is Chrism Press. To get your copy…
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Daily Reflection: 7 June 2023
When I was young, my dad used to say to me, “Be ready to live with the consequences of the choices you make.” Sadly, I got to a point in my life where I was making very bad choices and I forgot my dad’s advice. I sat around bemoaning the way my life was going,…
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Daily Reflection: 6 June 2023
When I used to go around training people on how to look for predators, I’d always get the question, “Why do they go after the kids so much?” The answer is pretty simple—kids are easy to manipulate and control. They want to trust the adults in their lives and they generally don’t question them, especially…
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Supernatural Prayer: Fourth Mansion, Chapter Three, 1-3
Today, we are reading from the Fourth Mansion, Chapter Three, numbers 1-3. Topics are: 1. The prayer of recollection compared to the inhabitants of the castle. 2. Shepherd recalls His flock into the castle. 3. This recollection supernatural. Our sponsor today is Chrism Press. To pick up your copy of “Markmaker,” go here: https://chrismpress.com/. Use…
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Daily Reflection: 4 June 2023
Have you ever thought about how three is a pleasing number to us, as humans? Chords on a piano are a grouping of three notes. Two notes played just isn’t as pleasing to the ear. When decorating, you are to use groups of three. In many nursery rhymes and children’s stories, there are groups of…
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Daily Reflection: 2 June 2023
Inevitably, when I write about a controversial topic—two specific ones come to mind—I’ll get someone in the comments crowd that spouts off, “Jesus ate with sinners!” As soon as I see the comment, I drop my head and sigh. Yes, Jesus ate with sinners, He sure did. If He didn’t, the only person on earth…
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Daily Reflection: 1 June 2023
Today, is the Feast Day of Justin the Martyr. He was a pagan philosopher that converted to Christianity in 132 AD in the ancient city I’m standing in here—Ephesus. It’s, also, our secular culture’s highest religious month—the celebratory month of pride. The fact that this month begins and ends with feast days for martyrs is…
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Don’t Force the Issue: Fourth Mansion, Chapter Two, 6-8
Today, we are reading from the Fourth Mansion, Chapter Two, numbers 6-8. Topics are: 6. The incense within the soul. 7. Graces received in this prayer. 8. Such favors not to be sought after. Our sponsor today is Chrism Press. To pick up your copy of the “The Good Death of Kate Montclair” visit: https://chrismpress.com/.…
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Daily Reflection: 31 May 2023
Before becoming Catholic, reading about the Visitation meant very little to me. I didn’t even call it the Visitation. To be honest, it seemed like a bit of trivial information. For a lot of converts, it takes awhile to really accept Mary into your life after your conversion. You go from having basically nothing to…
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Daily Reflection: 30 May 2023
When I went into St. Mary of Sorrows last week, Jesus was out on the altar in the monstrance. For many, kneeing and praying to, what seems to be, a displayed wafer seems ridiculous. But, my priest said something a few weeks ago about the Eucharist that I thought was beautiful. He said, “The eyes…
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The Fountains of Prayer: Fourth Mansion, Chapter Two, 1-5
Today, we are reading from the Fourth Mansion, Chapter Two, numbers 1-5. Topics are: 1. Physcial results of sensible devotion. 2. Effects of divine consolations. 3. The two fountains. 4. They symbolize two kinds of prayer. 5. Divine consolations shared by body and soul. To see a picture of the fountain in Kansas City, Missouri,…
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Daily Reflection: 28 May 2023
At the time of the Apostles, the world was not a gentle place. Pagan gods were worshipped, people had limited freedom, and grave sins were committed. We know this because St. Paul exhorted Christians in his letters to stay away from wicked practices. Life was harsh and, yet, the Apostles went out into the world…
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Daily Reflection: 25 May 2023
Who doesn’t love a good history story, Catholic Pilgrims? This is the church of St. Mary of Sorrows in Fairfax Station, Virginia. It has a very interesting story. As you probably know, early on, Virginia was not friendly to Catholics, consequently, there weren’t a ton of Catholics to be found. But, in northern Virginia, two…
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Distractions are Normal: Fourth Mansion, Chapter One, 11-13
Today, we are reading from the Fourth Mansion, Chapter One, numbers 11-13. Topics are: 11. How to treat distractions. 12. They should be disregarded. 13. Self knowledge necessary. …
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Daily Reflection: 24 May 2023
Let’s talk apologetics for today, Catholic Pilgrims. My past couple of posts have brought out some that don’t like what I have to say and I’ll let them be my muse. A common tactic is to downplay something you are concerned about and treat it as though it’s not as important as “these things over…
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A Few Places I Refuse to Shop at Anymore
Recently, I wrote about stores or businesses that I refuse to shop from and many of my followers asked for a list of the places I avoid. Before we begin, though, let’s establish a few things. 1. I know that boycotting all stores is not possible. 2. I know that trying to buy from perfectly…
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Daily Reflection: 23 May 2023
As many of you know, I’ve been reading through St. Teresa of Avila’s book “The Interior Castle” on my podcast. A few readings back, she was talking about how if you only ever want to do things for God when it feels good and you get lots of consolations, that’s fine, but it’s not a…
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Daily Reflection: 22 May 2023
As the world grows more and more chaotic and more and more businesses continue to become bastions of progressive ideology, I find myself having to remove myself from so much. I have a list now of places I refuse to shop at, items I refuse to buy, shows I refuse to watch, music I refuse…
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Learn From Others: Fourth Mansion, Chapter One, 9-10
Today, we are reading from the Fourth Mansion, Chapter One, numbers 9-10. Topics are: 9. They do not destroy divine union. 10. St. Teresa’s physical distractions. Our sponsor today is Chrism Press. To check out their fictional books for adults and teens, see the link. https://chrismpress.com/ …
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Daily Reflection: 19 May 2023
Well, it’s getting to the point where my options for buying things has dwindled to like two places. I’ve resigned myself to the fact that I will need to get a loom and a sheep to start making my own clothes. I’ve also realized that soon I’ll have to brew my own beer, even though…
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A Pilgrimage of 800 Miles: The El Camino Real
You all know that I love going on pilgrimage. I could hardly call myself the Catholic Pilgrim if I didn’t, right? Recently, I came in contact with Christian Clifford, a Catholic who walked the 800 miles of the El Camino Real in California. Along this journey, he visited all 21 missions, a feat that I…
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Daily Reflection: 18 May 2023
I have a very high “cheese” detector. This has nothing to do with food, but has everything to do with detecting when things are trite, insincere, “goobery,” unserious, and embarrassing. Secondary embarrassment is a common emotion in me, which if you don’t know, is the emotion one feels when others are doing something embarrassing but…
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Turmoil in Thoughts: Fourth Mansion, Chapter One, 6-8
Today, we are reading from the Fourth Mansion, Chapter One, numbers 6-8. Topics are: 6. St. Teresa’s experience of it. 7. Love of God, and how to foster it. 8. Distractions. Our sponsor today is Chrism Press. To pick up your copy of “The City Mother, go here: https://chrismpress.com/. Use coupon code “pilgrim15” to receive…
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Daily Reflection: 17 May 2023
I have a contrarian nature. I’m stubborn and, sure, I’d like to debate you if I think you’re wrong. This is not a brag. It’s difficult to be this way because people often see you as mean or never at peace. And sometimes, I can be mean or not at peace. As I’ve said before,…
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Daily Reflection: 16 May 2023
This is the new St. Isidore’s Church at Kansas State University—my daughter’s spiritual home while she’s been a student. If you know what the old church looked like, well, this is an astounding upgrade. They wanted a more beautiful church and, most importantly, they needed more room, as St. Izzy’s is thriving. They average 200…
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Noble Devotions, Fourth Mansion, Chapter 1, 4-5
Today, we are reading the Fourth Mansion, Chapter One, numbers 4-5. Topics are: 4. Sensible devotions 5. Sweetness in devotion Our sponsor today is Chrism Press. Check them out at https://chrismpress.com/. Use coupon code “pilgrim15” to get 15% off your first order. …
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Entering the Fourth Mansion: Fourth Mansion, Chapter One, 1-3
Today, we are reading from the Fourth Mansion, Chapter One, numbers 1-3. Topics are: 1. Graces received in this mansion 2. Mystic favors 3. Temptations bring humility and merit. Our sponsor today is Amazing Grace Pilgrimages. If interested in my Italy pilgrimage, go here: http://app.nativitypilgrimage.com/trip/?trip=52925 …
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Daily Reflection: 9 May 2023
Let’s do a bit of teaching on Apologetics today. I like to teach and help others when it comes to defending the faith. In ten years of writing, I’ve learned a lot from my mistakes. Yesterday, I wrote a post talking about misguided compassion and what that looks like. A man showed up who thew…
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Daily Reflection: 8 May 2023
Recently, my husband had to travel to a major US city for work. It’s a city that he used to live close to when he was a teen and he has fond memories of it. When he called me while gone, he said that the city had really gone down the tubes. “Amy, just going…
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Obedience and Misguided Zeal: Third Mansion, Chapter Two, 18-19
Congratulations on finishing the Third Mansion! Today, we will read from the Third Mansion, Chapter Two, numbers 18-19. Topics are: 18. Obedience and direction 19. Misguided zeal for others Our sponsor today is Chrism Press. To pick up your copy of “The City Mother” go here: https://chrismpress.com/the-catholic-pilgrim/ Use coupon code “pilgrim15” for 15% off your…
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Daily Reflection: 7 May 2023
“Just one more thing…and that will be enough.” I’ve had atheists tell me, “Look, if God is so real and wants me to believe in him, why doesn’t he come down here and just show himself to me? That would be enough for me to believe.” But, would it? God the Son was standing, breathing,…
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Daily Reflection: 4 May 2023
My husband was mentoring a young man the other day and was asking him about his plans in his professional and personal life. While he was a very energetic, smart, thoughtful young man, he hemmed and hawed around with his answers. He didn’t want to get married till his finances were all set. My husband…
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Graces For You, Graces For Me: Third Mansion, Chapter 2, 15-17
Today we are reading from the Third Mansion, Chapter Two, numbers 15-17. Topics are: 15. Perfection consists in love, not in reward. 16. St. Teresa’s joy at seeing other souls favored. 17. These graces should be strive for. Our sponsor today is Amazing Grace Pilgrimages. For more information on my Italy pilgrimage, Oct 23-31st, 2023,…
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Daily Reflection: 03 May 2023
I was watching a video the other day of a young woman who had purposefully made herself blind. She said she felt like she was meant to be “born blind.” And so, through some method, she made herself that way. Now, obviously and sadly, this person has something wrong mentally. Nobody with a healthy mind…
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Daily Reflection: 02 May 2023
On the day I graduated from high school, my old piano teacher from when I was a kid showed up. After the ceremony, I spied him standing off away from everyone and I went to see him. It had been years and I was surprised that he was there. He didn’t say much, but gave…
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Daily Reflection: 1 May 2023
I was watching a video the other day where a guy very flippantly said, “Yeah, sure, Mary was a great person, but I don’t pray to dead people.” I commented, “As Catholics, we don’t pray to dead people either. Those in Heaven are alive in Christ.” Now, for this post, let’s ignore the man’s ignorance…
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Daily Reflection: 30 April 2023
What is the difference between a gate and a door? The ability to see what’s on the other side. Christ doesn’t say, “I am the door;” He says, “I am the gate.” He wants you to see what awaits when you enter through Him. You “will come in and go out and find pasture.” Pastures…
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Don’t Get Too Comfortable: Third Mansion, Chapter 2: 10-14
Today, we are reading from the Third Mansion, Chapter Two, numbers 10-14. Topics are: 10. We should try to make rapid progress. 11. Leave our cares in God’s hands. 12. Humility more necessary than corporal penances. 13. Consolations rarely received until the fourth mansion. 14. Advantages of hearing them. Our sponsor today is Chrism Press.…
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Daily Reflection: 27 April 2023
Within the span of three days, I’ve been told to “read my Bible” by several different people. Now, lest you think this was friendly encouragement to crack open the Word of God, I’ll assure you it was not that. It was more said like, “Yeah, ya stupid moron with your stupid beliefs, read your Bible…
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Accept Your Trials: Third Mansions, Chapter Two: 5-9
Today’s readings are from the Third Mansions, Chapter Two, numbers 5-9. Topics are: 5. Liberty of spirit 6. On bearing contempt 7. Detachment proved by trails 8. Virtue and humility are the essentials 9. Perfection requires detachment Our sponsor today is Amazing Grace Pilgrimages. If interested in going on my Italy Pilgrimage, go here for…
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Daily Reflection: 26 April 2023
Everything right now is a battle of the wills. I was talking to my mom on the phone last night and we were discussing how everything just feels so uncertain and insane. I think a lot of us feel this way and, as Christians, we know that we hold the truth and so we figure…
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Daily Reflection: 25 April 2023
The other day, I was “shouted” at online over a post where I had used a picture of a crucifix. “GET HIM OFF THE CROSS, HE’S ALIVE! We worship a living God.” A few things… First, no Catholic on earth thinks we worship a dead God. I’m fairly certain on that, because what would be…
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Daily Reflection: 24 April 2023
I was reading something by a man named Walter Farrell, O.P. the other day with my daughter for school. It was written just shy of a hundred years ago and as I was reading it, I was stunned that it wasn’t written in our day and age. The Dominican wrote about how there are “only…
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Come to Jesus Moment: Third Mansion, Chapter Two: 1-4
Today, we start the second chapter of the Third Mansion, numbers 1-4. Topics are: 1. Imperfections of dwellers in the first three mansions 2. Our trials show us our weakness 3. Humility learnt by our faults 4. Love of money Our sponsor today is Chrism Press. To pick up your copy of “Markmaker,” go: https://chrismpress.com/the-catholic-pilgrim/…
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Daily Reflection: 20 April 2023
As Christians, we know that we are to evangelize and bring the Gospel to others, each in our own unique way. If our message sounds just like the message of the secular culture, we are not giving the people Christianity. We are giving the people nothing different than earthly things and our message is pointless…
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Don’t Be Demanding: Third Mansion, Chapter 1: 11-15
Today we are reading from the Third Mansion, Chapter One, numbers 11-15. Topics Are: 11. Humility 12. Tepidity 13. We must give all to God 14. Our debt 15. Consolations and aridities Our sponsor is Amazing Grace Pilgrimages. To check out my Italy pilgrimage with them, click here: http://app.nativitypilgrimage.com/trip/?trip=52925 …
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Daily Reflection: 19 April 2023
Someone showed up this week commenting on one of my blogs that I wrote years ago about marriage. The blog is titled, “What Do You Mean There’s No Marriage in Heaven?!” The guy commenting seemed very unsettled by this fact. He had numerous concerns. He wanted to know about people who didn’t marry in this…
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Daily Reflection: 18 April 2023
If you think about it, all of life is a battle of wills. Man’s vs God’s Man vs Man In this fallen world, there will never be a utopia where all people are in harmony with each other and with God. No political or economic system can achieve utopia, but that doesn’t mean we don’t…
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Daily Reflection: 17 April 2023
As I was preparing today’s podcast, I really had to pause and think about St. Teresa’s writings. She was laying out how there are two types of dryness in the spiritual life—one is our fault, the other is a trial given by God. With regards to the latter, think of of St. Mother Teresa of…
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Don’t Be Too Confident: Third Mansion, Chapter One, 5-10
Today we are reading from the Third Mansion, Chapter One, Numbers 5-10. Topics include: 5. Our Lady’s patronage 6. Fear necessary even for religious 7. St. Teresa’s contrition 8. Characteristics of those in the Third Mansions 9. The rich young man in the Gospel 10. Reason of aridities in prayer Our sponsor today is Chrism…
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Daily Reflection: 14 April 2023
I’ve heard a lot of people recently say that you need to wait to get married after you’ve “lived a little.” I can’t stand this mindset. And while I don’t think people should rush into marriage just to be married, this idea that your life is on the downward slope once you “settle” into marriage…
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Daily Reflection: 13 April 2023
Throughout our lives, there are going to be people that we struggle NOT to hate. It’s very easy to hate people that have severely hurt us or someone we love. It’s very easy to hate wicked people that inflict grace evil upon the world. In a way, it almost seems unjust to even consider loving…
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Fear of the Lord: Third Mansion, Chapter 1, 1-4
Today we enter the Third Mansion. Our readings are from Chapter One, numbers 1-4. Topics include: 1. Souls in the Third Mansions 2. Insecurities of this life 3. Our danger of falling from grace 4. The Saint bewails her past life Our sponsor today is Amazing Grace Pilgrimages. To join me and Amazing Grace Pilgrimages…
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Daily Reflection: 11 April 2023
The reading from St. Teresa of Avila’s book, “The Interior Castle” on my podcast yesterday has one of her most important quotes. She writes, “Remember, we must get to Heaven.” For those who don’t believe in God or don’t ever consider the reality of the afterlife, there are two very distinct paths taken by most.…
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Daily Reflection: 10 April 2023
It’s Easter Monday, Catholic Pilgrims. You know, as Christians, we are an Easter people, as St. Pope John Paul II reminded us. Often times, though, being a Christian doesn’t necessarily feel like Easter with all that comes our way. Times can be tough, as I know you know. And, we can find ourselves worried, fearful,…
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We Must Get to Heaven: Second Mansion, 16-20
Congratulations on finishing the Second Mansion today! We will be reading from the Second Mansion, numbers 16-20. Topics include: 16. Our falls should raise us higher 17. Confidence and perseverance 18. Recollection 19. Why we must practice prayer 20. Meditation kindles love Our sponsor today is Chrism Press. To purchase your copy of “In Pieces,”…
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Daily Reflection: 7 April 2023
“I’d give it all up if it all began like a faithful friend To feel like home again.” —The Arcadian Wild I have to believe that Adam and Eve at some point wished they could turn back the clock and undo their sin. Because, as most of us come to realize, it isn’t worth it—it…
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Daily Reflection: 6 April 2023
“I felt my soul pulled in every direction What once was whole has chosen defection.” —The Arcadian Wild Holy Thursday—The first Mass was said on this night nearly 2,000 years ago. I pray we enter this sacred time with reverence and gratitude. Have a blessed day, Catholic Pilgrims.…
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Embrace the Cross: Second Mansion, 10-15
Today, we are reading from the Second Mansion, numbers 10-15. Topics include: 10. Reasons for continuing the journey 11. Warfare of the devil 12. Importance of choice of friends 13. Valor required 14. Presumption of expecting spiritual consolations at first 15. In the Cross is strength Our sponsor today is Amazing Grace Pilgrimages. If interested…
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Daily Reflection: 5 April 2023
“I was living in a paradise But now I fight a war against my own name And I’m fighting all alone Gained I have the world and lost have I everything else?” —The Arcadian Wild Things are so much harder when you separate yourself from God. It became harder for Adam and Eve. Life is…
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Daily Reflection: 4 April 2023
“Will we go on like we deserve a pardon As we walk out of the garden?” —The Arcadian Wild He expelled the man, stationing the cherubim and the fiery revolving sword east of the Garden of Eden, to guard the way to the tree of life. Genesis 3:24 In my younger years, I though being…
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Daily Reflection: 3 April 2023
“I was loved more than anything But I kissed the dust I was crowned over everything But I kissed the dust I had all I would ever need But I kissed the dust I listened to the lie and I live and let die.” —The Arcadian Wild In the Garden of Eden, essentially, Adam and…
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Persevering is Essential: Second Mansion, numbers 6-9
Today, we are reading from the Second Mansion, numbers 6-9. Topics include: 6. Perseverance is essential 7. Temeptations of devil 8. Delusion of earthly joys 9. God alone to be loved Our sponsor today is Chrism Press. Pick up your copy of the award -winning book “In Pieces” here: https://chrismpress.com/the-catholic-pilgrim/ Use coupon code “pilgrim15” to…
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Daily Reflection: 2 April 2023
The fickleness of the human heart is often reflected on—especially when it comes to Jesus. Here on Palm Sunday, we see the crowds praise Him with shouts of “Hosanna to the Son of David!” And in less than a week the crowds will viciously scream, “Crucify Him!” It is often remarked, and rightfully so, that…
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Daily Reflection: 31 March 2023
“I felt my heart sunder and hardened As I walk out of the garden.” —The Arcadian Wild The Lord God therefore banished him from the Garden of Eden, to till the ground from which he had been taken. Genesis 3:23 We are one week out from Good Friday. As we’ve been traveling through the story…
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Daily Reflection: 30 March 2023
“How could we count the cost? We sold ourselves and what we bought wasn’t worth the price.” —The Arcadian Wild The Lord God then called to the man and asked him, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, but I was afraid…so I hid.” Genesis 3:9-10 When I was younger and…
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Entering into the Second Mansion: Chapter One: 1-5
Congrats! We enter the Second Mansion today. Our readings will be in the first chapter of the Second Mansion, numbers 1-5. Topics are: Souls in the second mansion Their state Their sufferings They cannot get rid of their imperfections How God calls these souls Our sponsor today is Chrism Press. Pick up your copy of…
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Daily Reflection: 29 March 2023
“You came back down to Earth To find that I had cursed the world you made.” —The Arcadian Wild To the man He said: Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, you shall not eat from it, Cursed is the ground because of you.” Genesis 3:17…
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Daily Reflection: 27 March 2023
“I saw my naked form In a moment shame was born, I hid my face.” —The Arcadian Wild Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked. Genesis 3:7 My husband and I were discussing this very verse a few weeks back. Once Adam and Eve sin, they…
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Care for Other’s Concerns: First Mansion, Chapter Two: 18-22
Today, we finish the First Mansion! Our readings will be from the First Mansion, Chapter Two, numbers 18-22. Topics include: 18. Assaults of the devil 19. Examples of the devil’s arts 20. Perfection consists in charity 21. Indiscreet zeal 22. Danger of detraction Our sponsor today is Amazing Grace Pilgrimages. Check out my pilgrimage to…
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Daily Reflection: 26 March 2023
About three weeks ago, I was arguing with another Catholic on Instagram about the Eucharist. Of a more liberal bent, he thought it would be better if the Catholic Church just passed out the Eucharist to whoever wanted to take it. He thought this would be more inclusive and welcoming. I went on to explain…
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Daily Reflection: 24 March 2023
“You gave me all you love, but I love making war. Chaos, she politely knocked, so I opened the door.” —The Arcadian Wild When I was a counselor, I very quickly learned that many people “thrive” off of chaos in their lives. It seems contrary to what people say they want which is peace and…
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Daily Reflection: 23 March 2023
“The first step of my descent I lost my innocence, misplaced my trust.” —The Arcadian Wild The woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and the tree was desirable for gaining wisdom. So, she took some of its fruit and ate it, and she gave some to her…
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The Creatures That Lurk: First Mansion, Chapter 2: 13-17
Today, we are reading from the First Mansion, Chapter 2, numbers 13-17. Topics include: 13. The devil entraps beginners 14. Our strength must come from God 15. Sin blinds the soul 16. Worldliness 17. The world in the cloister Our sponsor today is Chrism Press. Use coupon code “pilgrim15” to grab your copy of “The…
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Daily Reflection: 22 March 2023
“We were deceived We sank our teeth into a lie.” —The Arcadian Wild But the snake said to the woman, “You certainly will not die! God knows well that when you eat of it (the fruit) your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods, who know good and evil.” Genesis 3:4-5 So…
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Daily Reflection: 21 March 2023
“I heard a second voice It hissed another choice and woke my lust.” —Arcadian Wild I think sometimes we read the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden and nod our head in disappointment. “Tsk, tsk, you two only had to obey one rule and you couldn’t even do it.” We are meant, though,…
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Daily Reflection: 20 March 2023
When I was maybe nine years old, I was watching TV late one evening in our family room. As I was sitting there, I noticed the shadow of a man move across the window and go around the side of our house. Scared to death, I ran into my mom and told her. My dad…
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Walking around a Castle: First Mansion, Chapter 2: 8-12
Today, we are reading from the First Mansion, Chapter Two, Numbers 8-12. Topics covered: 8. Beauty of the Castle 9. Self knowledge 10. Gained by meditating on the divine perfections 11. Advantages of such meditation 12. Christ should be our model Today’s sponsor is Chrism Press. For 15% off your first order, use coupon code…
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Daily Reflection: 19 March 2023
Recently, I’ve had to shout out to several people to warn them or I’ve seen other people yell out to warn. Awhile back, my son about strolled out in front of a car at church and I yelled to get his attention. Weeks later, in the same spot, I had to shout at an older…
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First Mansion, Chapter Two: 4-7
Today we are reading from the First Mansion, Chapter Two, Numbers 4-7. Topics include: 4. Disorder of the soul in mortal sin 5. Vision of a sinful soul 6. Profit of realizing these lessons 7. Prayer Today’s sponsor is Chrism Press. Use coupon code “pilgrim15” at https://chrismpress.com/the-catholic-pilgrim/ for 15% of your first order. …
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Daily Reflection: 10 March 2023
“Go and play among the beasts, and never once know shame. You can roam around without a fear, just remember your name.” —Arcadian Wild When I was around sixteen, the pull of the world became intense. Somewhere deep in my mind, I thought I was free to indulge myself because I at least called myself…
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Daily Reflection: 9 March 2023
“The lion and the lamb, they harmonize, But even Eden’s home to demons, they can mesmerize.” —Arcadian Wild Satan’s trick: Get the humans to think that if they just commit this one sin, happiness awaits around the corner. But don’t call it sin, call it desire. Within the span of a few days, I’ve seen…
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Daily Reflection: 8 March 2023
“The sky is clear for all eternity. This ground is yours; what more could you ever need?” —Arcadian Wild How many times do we think that we are missing out? If only we had more money. If only we had more prestige. If only our house was a little bigger, a little nicer. If only…
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The First Mansion, Chapter Two: 1-3
Today, our readings are from the First Mansion, Chapter Two, numbers 1-3. The topics will include: 1. Effects of mortal sin. 2. It prevents the soul’s gaining merit. 3. The soul compared to a tree. Our sponsor today is Amazing Grace Pilgrimages. Go on pilgrimage with me to Italy, Oct 23-31, 2023. Go here for…
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Daily Reflection: 7 March 2023
“Take your slumber, you’ll awake to eyes like your eyes Two hands that fit in your hands, bone of your bone.” —Arcadian Wild I recently learned in a podcast called “Why Catholic” that when God created the first woman, the word to describe her is ezer. It’s a Hebrew word that means “helper.” But, before…
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Daily Reflection: 6 March 2023
“This garden ardently guards your every want But I sense a lonesome life’s a burdened one.”—Arcadian Wild This Lent we’ve been walking through the Garden of Eden and pairing the verses there with lyrics from songs by the band “Arcadian Wild.” In the Garden, God gave Adam everything he could possibly need or want, but…
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The First Mansion, Chapter One 7-12
Congrats! We already finished Chapter One of the First Mansion! Today, we are reading from the First Mansion, Chapter One: Numbers 7-12. The topics will be: 7. The entrance of the castle. 8. Entering into oneself. 9. Prayer 10. Those who dwell in the first mansion. 11. Entering. 12. Difficulties of the subject. Our sponsor…
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Daily Reflection: 5 March 2023
The day I was on the Mount of Transfiguration, this is what it looked like—foggy as could be. Here in the place where Christ had shown in dazzling light, I could not see anything that wasn’t right in from of me. You can’t tell from this picture, but down this path is the church. On…
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Daily Reflection: 3 March 2023
You know what they say, “Things trend toward disorder.” Any gardener knows you have to stay on top of the weeds or they’ll over take your plants. Every parent knows, if you stop cleaning the house, it will become chaos in no time. If you neglect your body, it will fall apart more quickly than…