Readings …

The early Fathers of the Church believed that each of us has two minds and two hearts. Inside each of us, they believed, is a noble, huge mind and heart. But, at the same time, inside us there is also a petty, small mind and heart. For them, this explained the great variations in our feelings and actions, why we can at times be noble, generous, big-hearted, and saintly; just as, at other times, we can be petty, bitter, small-minded, and selfish. Everything depends on which mind and heart we are operating out of at a given moment.

Life’s Great Questions | Jean Vanier | p. ix

A must read .. particularly for Passionists

The Passion and the Cross @ Pauline Books

“Especially in the Jubilee ‘Year of Mercy’ called by Pope Francis, you simply won’t do any better than reading Rolheiser on The Passion and the Cross. Don’t just read it – savour it, pray with it, and return to it throughout the year.”  John L. Allen, Jr.

“One of the greatest Christian spiritual writes of our age turns his gaze toward the mystery of suffering and the meaning of the cross. This profound and compassionate spiritual meditation will be of inestimable use to anyone who has ever suffered or struggled in life – which is to say – everyone.” James Martin, S.J.

“Here you will find years of reflection, prayer and a life in deep union with the mystery of death, suffering and the resurrection that comes with it.” Richard Rohr, OFM

Called to serve Christ the Crucified …

We have received freely, we give freely. We are called to serve Christ the Crucified through every marginalized person. We touch the flesh of Christ in he who is outcast, hungry, thirsty, naked, imprisoned, ill, unemployed, persecuted, in search of refuge. That is where we find our God, that is where we touch the Lord. Jesus himself told us, explaining the protocol for which we will all be judged: “whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did it for me” (Matthew 25:40)….

By welcoming a marginalized person whose body is wounded and by welcoming the sinner whose soul is wounded, we put our credibility as Christians on the line. Let us always remember the words of Saint John of the Cross: “In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone.”

Pope Francis | The Name of God is Mercy

Passionist International Bulletin, No. 37

Passionist International Bulletin December 2015 (.pdf)

Pope’s Prayer Intentions … peace and justice