Category Archives: Openness

Harden not your hearts

Posted on October 8, 2013 by Connie Rossini

“If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts.” This Psalm response from Sunday’s Mass is familiar to those who pray the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office). Taken from Psalm 95, it is part of the Invitatory prayed … Continue reading →

Posted in Openness | Tagged Catholic, Corrie Ten Boom, Despair, Hiding Place, Invitatory, Liturgy of the Hours, Mary and Martha, Rest, Rules, trust | 6 Comments

Can you become a saint by sheer willpower?

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Connie Rossini

Fr. Thomas Dubay used to tell this anecdote: The sister of St. Thomas Aquinas once asked him, “How can I become a saint?” St. Thomas answered, “Will it.” This story came back to me recently. Trying to accept with peace … Continue reading →

Posted in Openness | Tagged Carmelite, Catholic, Freewill, Lent, Thomas Aquinas, trust | Leave a comment

What is contemplation? Part II

Posted on November 27, 2012 by Connie Rossini

There are three major categories of contemplation. The first, which I wrote about last week, is natural contemplation. The second is the contemplation practiced in non-Christian religions. The third is supernatural contemplation. It is this third type of contemplation that … Continue reading →

Posted in Openness, Prayer | Tagged Carmelite, Catholic, Contemplation, John of the Cross, Meditation, prayer time, Teresa of Ávila | 4 Comments

Holiness and education both begin with openness

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Connie Rossini

ph’phata!” Jesus said to the man who was deaf and mute. “Be open!” (See Mark 7:34.) The call to openness is a call to us all, whether we seek greater intimacy with God, or a better education for our children. … Continue reading →