There is perhaps no greater challenge for those of us who are pursuing the spiritual life then that apparent dichotomy of pain and joy. St. Paul tells us that we must, like him, be a person of joy, and in fact, we should expect to experience joy even in our most difficult times. In this compelling conversation on the top of suffering and joy, Mark and Frances share some insights from one of the most well known and popular Saints of the 20th Century, St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta. In her journals, which were only published after her death, the Church was provided a very unique view into the inner life of a future Saint. What was both remarkable and perhaps surprising for many people, was how Mother Teresa's life was a challenging combination of both suffering and joy. Through her wisdom and also the wisdom and insight of our Carmelite Saints, Frances and Mark share important insights on how all of us can deal with this apparent contradictory experiences of suffering and joy along the spiritual journey. In addition, they support these insights with very specific verses from sacred scripture, which point out that these two opposites are in fact very much a part of the Christian process of growing in the likeness of Christ.
RESOURCES:
Books:
“Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light,” Edited and with Commentary by Brian Kolodiejchuk, MC; Doubleday.
“I Thirst: Saint Theres of Lisieux and Mother Teresa of Calcutta,” by Jacques Gauthier; St. Pauls.
“Love of the Cross: A Meditation” from the book, “The Hidden Life: Essays, Meditations, Spiritual Texts” from the Collected Works of Edith Stein, Ed.ted by Dr. L. Gelber and Michael Linssen, OCD and Translated by Waltraut Stein, PhD; ICS Publications.
“Science of the Cross” by Edith Stein; ICS Publications.
Booklet:
“Joy in Suffering According to St. Therese of the Child Jesus: A Novena,” by Bishop A. A. Noser, S.V.D., D.D.; Tan Books and Publishers.
Apostolic Letter:
“Salvifici Doloris” (On the Christian Meaning of Human Suffering”) by Pope John Paul II; Pauline Books and Media.
Scripture: Col. 1:24, Jn 15: 10-11; Mt. 22:37, 39-40; 1 Pt 1:8; 1 Jn 3:16-18; Jas 2:14-18.
Interior Castle (part 7): Fifth Dwelling Place; Ch. 3 & 4: True Union with God
Evangelical Counsels and Perfection
Interior Castle (part 6): Fifth Dwelling Place; New Life in Christ, Fragments of Heaven
St. Therese: Being and doing for the Lord
St. John of the Cross’ Light in the Dark
Interior Castle (part 5): Fourth Dwelling Place; Transition & Transformation
Interior Castle (part 4): Third Dwelling Place; Pioneer or Settler?
The extraordinary--but ordinary--life of St. Joseph
Interior Castle (part 3): Second dwelling place, the seed is germinating, the battle intensifies
“Nada, Nada, Nada” of St. John of the Cross
Faith Is not a zero-sum game, with Deacon Mark Danis, OCDS
Lenten thoughts & resources for 2023
Interior Castle (part 2): Image of the Soul in the First Dwelling Place
St. Therese’s Influence on a Priest’s Vocation
A Soul of Silence: Sister Elizabeth of the Trinity
Interior Castle (part 1): The Our Father Prayer
Replay: St. Teresa Margaret and the Practice of the Presence of God
Christ Made Manifest (Epiphany)
Rejoice and Be Light (Homily by Fr. John MacQuarrie)
Replay: The Christmas Grace and Epiphany of St. Therese of Lisieux
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Hello Heaven Podcast
Cast The Word
Let Me Be Frank | Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Podcast | Diocese of Bridgeport, CT
The Kingdom Power Fellowship Podcast
The Bible Recap
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)