I recently went on a retreat that gave me a great deal of joy and then a great deal of pain. I was on the mountain. And then I fell off. Among other things, Father Charlie Garza’s day retreat focused on the seven deadly sins – how to recognize the false gods within them and… [Read More]
What Would Padre Pio Say?
Have you ever been to confession with Padre Pio? I think I have. Someone asked me to pray a novena to Padre Pio for an intention. I love novenas. Not everyone does. But I love them. As long as I had him on the phone for that intention, I asked him about a few other… [Read More]
You Are “That Man”
Once upon a time there was an important man who oversaw a big group. He was very wealthy and had many responsibilities. To his credit, the man loved the Lord and knew that everything he had was from God. But somewhere along the way his love of God began to slip. Feeling entitled and prideful,… [Read More]
Mercy: The force that overcomes everything (Or, thoughts on how to get unstuck)
Have you ever been in one of those arguments where you get sucked into the back and forth, like a frenzied game of tug-a-war? Except no one is playing, and in fact the whole emotional environment feels weighty and overly serious, like we’re arguing about way more than the dishwasher all of a sudden. Sometimes… [Read More]
Spiritual Lessons from a Lake Travis Tragedy
[This is a guest post from Norine Shaivitz.] Ten years ago today, I opened the newspaper and saw the story I had very briefly covered the day before took a turn I wasn’t expecting. Back then, I was a news anchor at a radio station and the day before had been busy. The few reporters… [Read More]
Shred Away Your Sins
You can learn a lot about sin from a paper shredder. At least I did. Stay with me. It’ll make sense eventually. With apologies to my local letter carrier, most of what arrives in my mailbox falls into the dreaded category of junk mail. It would be quick and easy to toss all that unwanted… [Read More]
Best Confession Ever: 5 Things You Should Do Before Confession (and 5 While You’re In There)
I go to Confession. I am not always “in great need of Confession,” as a priest once phrased it, but I have found it to be good for me. I go once a month whether I really think I need to or not, and there is always a particular routine I follow. I like routines…. [Read More]
Confession, Interrupted
The Catholic sacrament of reconciliation evokes a wild ride of emotions. Waiting in a long line outside the confessional feels like a roller coaster slowly creeping up a steep incline. You’re nervous and perhaps a little scared about what’s about to happen. But suddenly when you’re absolved of your sins you get that exhilarating rush… [Read More]
The Rope is Hope (Review: “Delivered”)
As you know, I read a lot. I believe that we read because it teaches us what it means to be human. Most of the nonfiction I read is for Austin CNM these days, so it doesn’t all apply to me. My job here is not just to share what I think and feel about… [Read More]
Lying, Confession, and St. Andrew
Lying Have you ever lied to someone? Did you mean to? Did you feel bad afterwards? What about during prayer? A friend and I recently shared a conversation about lying. In our own way, we each had entered into a state of sin; we fell short of our call to holiness and virtue. We shared… [Read More]
Lance Armstrong and the Art of Confession
When is a confession not “good enough?” The question itself challenges my Catholic sensibilities. I like to think that all confession is valid for the expiation of sin. However, after watching Lance Armstrong in the public confessional of Oprah Winfrey’s couch last week, I suddenly have my doubts. Please understand, I don’t believe that… [Read More]
Beauty of Truth Podcast – Ep 5 Why go to confession?
Ep 5 Why go to confession? Questions What good is it to tell a man your darkest secrets in private? Why go if we have to go again later? What if I always confess the same sins? Catechetical Moment CCC #1446 Living the Truth How can I go to confession more and grow holier? Hosted by Casey Truelove and Cristobal Almanza Feedback Line Number: (512) 200-ACNM (2266) feedback@austincnm.com http://www.austincnm.com Donations button is back! Music Credits… [Read More]
We Are Too Important
Rita wrote a beautiful post about the passing of Austin’s own Leslie and how, despite virtually everyone’s uneasiness when meeting him for the first time, he had some impact on many in Austin. My wife and I had a brief conversation with the priest who administered Leslie’s last rites and celebrated his funeral. On the… [Read More]
All Sins Must Go!
I hope these final days of Advent are giving you a chance to slow down and make your final preparation—physically and spiritually—for Christmas. While receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation is not technically required during Advent (ref. Canon 988), it is a very laudable practice and a tangible way to prepare spiritually for the Christmas season…. [Read More]
