In the spiritual life, virtues and vices compete

As we conclude our exploration of prayer, let us remember that prayer is the turning of the body, mind and spirit to God in an intimate way.

Certain “worldly” attitudes, seasons of spiritual dryness, acedia (or sloth), distraction and lack of faith can all undermine our life of prayer.

Prayer is a gift of God’s grace to us. It is not something we merit. Consequently, prayer calls for our response.

Contemplative prayer is first and foremost a gift, a grace. Consequently, we must receive it in humility and a poverty of spirit.

Christian meditative prayer differs from many of the Eastern meditation practices which seek to empty the mind.

One of the three major expressions of prayer offered to us by our Catholic Tradition is vocal prayer.

Communion is both the source of and destiny planned for humanity.

The catechism (1421) states that Jesus willed his Church to continue his mission of healing and salvation through the power of the Holy Spirit.

In December 1545, the Council of Trent began its work of clarifying doctrine and purifying the inner life of the Church.

The Book of Ruth paints a beautiful portrait of female friendship and support.

The children of these four women would lead to the formation of the 12 tribes of Israel.

Although the story of Esther is full of numerous twists and turns, the spiritual points are clear.

Judith's story is yet another example of God delivering the Jewish people from harm by using the least likely of people.

Gone was freedom beyond the walls, gone indeed from Israel. When I, Deborah, arose, when I arose, a mother of Israel. – Jgs 5:7

For Catholics, Revelation 20 is symbolic and does not signify a golden age on earth.

The GDC indicates that adults “have a right and a duty to bring to maturity the seed of faith sown in them by God.”

Its roots are in the Ten Commandments, which are an example of divine law.

See how sharp your “heresy hunting” skills are by examining each of the following statements about Jesus Christ.

Advent is a season that invites us to prayerfully prepare and wait for Christmas Day.

Some might wonder: why are bread and wine necessary for the Eucharist?

The reality is that we know very little about author of the Gospel of Mark.

As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him.

The author of the Fourth Gospel is generally considered to be St. John. The three Letters of John and the Revelation of John are also attributed to this saint.

St. Luke, or Luke the Evangelist, was the most prolific of the Gospel writers.