-
The Life of Matt Talbot
Author’s Note: It is easy to discount the life of Matt Talbot as an exemplar of holiness, if we see only a man who was once an alcoholic, as this illness is not experienced by everyone. But there is something deeper at the core of Matt’s life and in the authentic message of his holiness – it is the power of prayer, which touches the heart of God, to Whom nothing is impossible. Prayer changes us and it changes those around us. Prayer is the beginning of our response to that ‘universal call to holiness’ directed at each and every one of us, as the Second Vatican Council reminded us so clearly.…
-
Claiming That One Drop
For many years when I was younger, I had a large framed image of the Sacred Heart hanging on the wall. It was the traditional version of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which a great many people will be familiar with, His hands gently reaching out toward the viewer. It was impossible not to gaze on that image and on the Heart which it depicted so captivatingly. For me, it was not simply the sheer beauty of the image nor the gentle invitation it offered; there was one more thing beyond that. And that one thing fascinated me endlessly. Coming from the Wound in that Heart, there was a drop…
-
A Hardened Heart
I am working my way through the early books of the Old Testament, beginning with Genesis and currently reading the story of Moses in Egypt, recounted in the book of Exodus. One of the predominant themes in these ancient scriptures is that of the people – and various individuals – pointedly refusing to listen to the God who is revealing Himself as ‘The Lord’. My readings this morning were continuing the story of Moses and the plagues of Egypt. Pharaoh is giving the people of God a very hard time and The Lord is not at all happy about it. And so, through the person of Moses, The Lord is…
-
The Eyes Of Christ
One of the features I notice most often in images of Christ is that He is often looking out of the canvas and straight at us. Now I understand that this is no doubt intended to convey a sense of personal watchfulness in our regard, the sense that the Lord is looking not only at us but out for us. All very consoling. The thing is, when we are filled with a sense of horror at our personal failures and sinfulness, our abject misery and our complete and utter lack of anything of worth, then the last set of eyes we want gazing at us are those of the Lord.…
-
The Simplest Devotions
You could be forgiven for thinking that in order to be Catholic, a degree in theology is necessary and a doctorate is the ideal. I see a lot of people who proudly display their academic and intellectual credentials when describing themselves online, along with various acronyms after their names which attest to their affiliation with religious orders of one sort or another. I’m delighted at their prowess, of course, and very happy they have attained something that means so much to them. But I find that they generally don’t have a great deal to say to me. Perhaps this is mainly because I am entirely non-academic and have not the…
