Christian truth about death

Here is a quote from a very wise Catholic convert, Dr. Scott Hahn.

I may have to pick up a copy of his book from which this observation was made.

This has always been a grim and difficult subject for me, as I'm sure it is for many people.

I know, sometimes forgiveness is hard, here's a little biblical reality (humor)

The more I internalize this, the more I can forgive and hope to be forgiven.

In reality, my parents proved to be my best friends in recovery from mental illness.

A picture of my parents while out to lunch several years ago:

Saints with mental illnesses?

The image above is that of a Holy Rosary, which is said to be a chain by which the sick and suffering, and yes, sinners, are lifted from the depths of misery and degradation. 

Here's a quick reposting of an AI Google search of Saints with mental illnesses. Hope it is helpful.

"While many saints lived before modern psychology, the Church acknowledges several canonized individuals and blesseds who exhibited profound signs of mental illness and emotional suffering, proving that holiness is achievable amidst psychiatric battles. [1]

• St. Oscar Romero: The martyred Archbishop of San Salvador sought psychoanalysis in the 1970s and was diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Despite battling excessive fear and rigidity, he used therapy and spiritual practices to overcome these hurdles and championed the oppressed. [1, 2]
• St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: The first American-born saint experienced severe depression and suicidal ideation during her adolescent years, enduring deep personal grief while maintaining her intense faith. [1, 2]
• Venerable Rutilio Grande: A Jesuit priest and martyr, he suffered from catatonic schizophrenia. He endured nervous breakdowns and was hospitalized twice, yet continued his pastoral work advocating for the poor in El Salvador. [1]
• St. Benedict Joseph Labre: Known as the "homeless saint of Rome," he experienced profound emotional and mental anguish. He is often considered the patron saint of mental health struggles because of his extreme psychic suffering and scrupulosity. [1, 2, 3, 4]
• Servant of God Rose Hawthorne Lathrop: After the birth of her first child, she suffered from postpartum depression and psychosis, requiring treatment at an asylum before she recovered and went on to found a Dominican order for cancer patients.

Enjoying a baseball game while working

 

One of my favorite pastimes while I write and look for good content ideas is to listen to my favorite team's radio broadcast in the background.

Hope you have something to enjoy while getting things done.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament today

 

I was fortunate to spend 15 minutes today in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at my favorite shrine.

It is with profound respect that I enter into consideration of the magnitude that receiving this sacrament has had on my life over the years. (Mental illness notwithstanding.)

It was good to bow my head and pour out all my troubles and prayers to the One who knows our plight intimately, given that He lived as True God and true man and suffered for and with us to bring us healing and forgiveness of sin.

Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for allowing me to worship You and offer my small token of appreciation for all that only You have to offer our wounded and broken humanity.

A library visit today

I just had to get out of my stifling little apartment to do some writing.

I can think of no better place than your local public library if you are fortunate to have a good one.

In it, I am surrounded by books and books and books of ideas.

It is also a quiet, safe place to work at no charge.

I'm not really interested in reading today and am soon going to open up the blank page of my word processor and stare at it for a while.

Here we go!

Divine Inspiration

In continuing with my creativity theme today, I am reminded that, according to traditional Christianity:

"The Holy Spirit is traditionally viewed as the direct source of creative inspiration, filling individuals with the skills and ideas needed for beautiful work."

And so, I offer this prayer to the Holy Spirit:

"Come, Holy Spirit, Source of all light and inspiration. I invite you into my mind and heart today. You are the divine breath that swept over the formless void and brought beauty and order to the universe.

Remove the mental blocks, doubts, and perfectionism that stifle my imagination. Clear away the noise of my daily anxieties and fill me with Your divine clarity.

Grant me the vision to see new possibilities and the courage to take creative risks. Guide my hands, my words, and my thoughts so that the ideas You give me can be expressed with wisdom, skill, and purpose. May the work I create bring light to others and reflect Your boundless goodness.

Amen."