As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, our bodies naturally crave warmth, nourishment, and grounding. 

Fall is the perfect season to lean into healing foods that offer comfort as we move into the cooler months and also support immunity, digestion, and overall health in the seasons where illness are more prevalent. 

Filling your plate with the bounty of autumn will nourish both your body and soul, helping you stay healthy and ready to do the Lord’s Will. 

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Pumpkin & Winter Squash

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Pumpkin, butternut, acorn, and delicata squashes are packed with vitamins A and C, which help strengthen the immune system. Their high fiber content also supports digestion and helps keep blood sugar balanced. Roasted, pureed into soup, or baked into muffins, these vibrant vegetables bring both comfort and nourishment.

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Apples and Pears

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Is there anything more “fall” than a basket of apples? Fall fruits like apples and pears are rich in antioxidants and fiber, making them excellent for heart health and digestion. 

Apples, eaten with their skin on, provide pectin—a type of fiber that feeds healthy gut bacteria. Pears offer gentle sweetness and hydration. Enjoy them fresh, baked, or stewed with cinnamon for a warming treat.

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Dark Leafy Greens

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While summer may be the season for salads, fall is the time to sauté kale, collard greens, and Swiss chard. These nutrient-dense vegetables are loaded with calcium, iron, and vitamin K, supporting bone and blood health. 

They’re delicious sautéed with garlic and olive oil or stirred into a warm grain bowl, like this one.

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Root Vegetables

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Carrots, beets, turnips, and sweet potatoes thrive in the cool soil of fall and bring earthy sweetness to the table. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, root vegetables help boost circulation and support detoxification. 

Roasting them enhances their natural sweetness, making them perfect for hearty side dishes.

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Mushrooms

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Mushrooms are immune-boosting powerhouses. Varieties like shiitake, maitake, and reishi have long been used in traditional medicine for their antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Add them to soups, stews, or sauté them for a savory addition to your meal.

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Nuts and Seeds

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As the weather cools, our bodies need more sustained energy. Nuts and seeds, particularly walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds, provide healthy fats, protein, and minerals like zinc and magnesium. Sprinkle them over oatmeal or salads for a seasonal boost.

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Bone Broth

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Bone broth is one of the oldest healing foods, and for good reason. Simmering bones with vegetables, herbs, and spices releases minerals like calcium and magnesium, as well as collagen that supports joint, skin, and gut health. 

A warm mug of bone broth on a chilly day feels like a hug from the inside out. You can sip it on its own, use it as a base for soups, or cook grains in it for extra flavor and nourishment.

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Warm Spices

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Warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and cloves not only bring cozy fall flavors and incredible scents but also support digestion and reduce inflammation. A mug of spiced tea or a sprinkle of cinnamon over roasted squash can help your body stay resilient through seasonal changes.

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God, in His wisdom, created the seasons and filled each one with its own bounty. Summer’s juicy fruits hydrate us, spring greens cleanse and refresh, winter’s hearty fare sustains, and autumn’s vibrant harvest strengthens and prepares us for the colder months ahead. Nothing is by accident—our Creator has provided what our bodies need, right when we need it.

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Healing foods help you align with these God-ordained rhythms and allow you to enjoy what the season offers.

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So this autumn, let your plate be filled with foods that heal and your heart full of gratitude for the Creator who 

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In the world to come they will not ask me, ‘Why were you not Moses?’ They will ask me, ‘Why were you not Zusya?’—Rabbi Zusya in Brothers Karamazov

Introduction

In 1976, Steve Jobs co-founded Apple Computer in his garage. By 1985, Apple was bringing in $150 million a year and held nearly 20% of the global computer market. But Jobs’ fiery personality clashed with his board, and he was forced out. By the time he returned in 1996, Apple was bleeding $800 million a year and had fallen to just 5% of the market.

Fifteen years later Apple had become the most valuable tech company in the world, with $25 billion in yearly profit and a $350 billion valuation.

What changed? And what does that turnaround have to do with holiness?

The Father’s Promise

Jesus promises, “Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God” (Mt 5:8).

Is He exaggerating? Ask Gemma Galgani, Catherine of Siena, Maria Goretti, Peter and Paul, Padre Pio. The saints truly saw God — not just with their eyes, but with their lives. And Jesus promises that we can too, if we become pure of heart.

That’s what purity of heart is: becoming fully yourself, the one God made you to be.

The Condition for Seeing God

In modern speech, the heart is either an organ (“heart disease”) or the seat of emotions (“I love you with all my heart”). Both are true, but Scripture goes deeper.

In the Bible, the heart is the core of the person — the hidden center, the place beneath all our masks. It is who you are when no one is watching — except One who always is.

In short: your heart is the real you.

To be pure of heart means to live as that true self, the one God created, stripped of anything false or unnecessary.

Purity of heart is being fully yourself — without clutter.

From “Fake Me” to “Real Me”

Psychologist Kurt Lewin once described life as a balance of two forces:

• Driving forces that push us forward.
• Restraining forces that hold us back.

Change, he said, can happen in two ways:

1. Add more driving forces.
2. Remove restraining forces.

Imagine you’re camping on a cold night, building a fire. At first, you add kindling, then sticks, and lastly logs. But if one log is wet, the fire dies down. What’s the best way to revive it? Not by piling on more wood — but by removing the wet log.

Holiness by Addition or Subtraction

At the beginning of the spiritual life, growth often comes from adding: daily prayer, weekly church, small group, spiritual reading. All good.

But sooner or later, adding more no longer feeds the flame. It smothers it.

When the problem is “too much,” the solution is not “more.”

Just as we cannot breathe in without ever breathing out, we cannot endlessly add devotions without also letting go of what no longer belongs.

Holiness isn’t only addition. Sometimes it’s subtraction.

Purity comes not just from doing more, but from eliminating impurities.

Conclusion

When Steve Jobs returned to Apple in 1996, the company was making over 400 products. Jobs erupted: “This is insane. We can’t be world-class at 400 things. We’re going to do 12 things. Everything else goes.”

They cut hundreds of products — even profitable ones — and focused with laser clarity. Out of that pruning came the iMac, iPod, iPhone, iPad. The rest is history.

What about you? What are your “400 things”? What distractions, habits, or commitments clutter your life?

The saints teach us: holiness doesn’t come from being busier. It comes from being simpler.

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If you are someone who benefits from journaling and putting pen to paper, check out the "Eliminating Impurities Worksheet".

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Mary is often called the Mother of Sorrows—a title that may seem heavy at first glance. But in this title lies a profound truth: Mary knows what it means to suffer, and she knows how to walk with us in our own seasons of trial. 

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She isn’t a distant figure watching from heaven; she is a compassionate Mother who has felt the full weight of human grief and still said “yes” to God.

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This month, the Church celebrates the Seven Sorrows of Mary (with the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows on September 15) where we remember the ways in which Mary suffered alongside her Son and recognize the ways that she can accompany us in our own sorrows. 

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Devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows

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The Church honors the Blessed Mother with the titles of Our Lady of Sorrows and the Mater Dolorosa, both of which have been depicted in religious art throughout the centuries. Images of her Immaculate Heart are often shown as being pierced with seven swords, her Seven Sorrows:

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1. The prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25–35)
2. The flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13–15)
   
   
3. The loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41–50)
   
   
4. Meeting Jesus on the way to Calvary (Luke 23:27–31)
   
   
5. Standing at the foot of the Cross (John 19:25–30)
   
   
6. Receiving the body of Jesus (Luke 23:50–54)
   
   
7. Placing Jesus in the tomb (Luke 23:55–56)

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Despite these moments of great trial and suffering, Our Lady remained faithful and steadfast in love, and she can help you do the same. 

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Whether our suffering comes from illness, loss, betrayal, uncertainty, or the pain of watching someone we love walk a difficult path, Mary understands. 

While she was conceived without sin, Mary still lived in a fallen world and felt the pain caused by sin and death. Because she has walked this road herself, Mary offers more than sympathy—she offers true empathy. 

When we turn to her, she doesn’t brush aside our pain or rush us toward solutions. Instead, she stays with us, like she stayed with Jesus at the foot of the Cross. And not only that, but she can use that heart and pain to guide us, as she does in all things, closer toward her Son. 

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Walking with Mary in Your Suffering

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If you are in a season of trial, invite Our Lady of Sorrows to walk with you. 

Mary intercedes for us with a mother’s tenderness, bringing our needs to Jesus just as she did at Cana. She teaches us to say yes to God even when the road ahead feels uncertain, modeling the trust and surrender that carried her through her own sorrows. 

Her steadfast presence strengthens us to persevere, reminding us that faith is not about avoiding the Cross but about standing firm beneath it.

In your own suffering, don’t be afraid to approach Mary as your own mother. Tell her your fears, your grief, and your doubts. Ask her to help you see Jesus in the midst of your trials. 

You might pray the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows, meditate on one sorrow each day, or simply rest in the knowledge that she understands your pain.

Mary’s sorrows did not end in despair—they blossomed into the joy of the Resurrection. As you walk with her, she will teach you to cling to hope, even in the darkest moments, and to believe that God’s love will have the final word.

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Bone broth has been around for centuries, and for good reason; it’s one of the most nourishing, versatile, and comforting foods you can make. 

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Whether sipped from a mug on a cold day, used as a base for soups and stews, or consumed as a post-workout snack, bone broth is a simple way to boost your nutrition and support overall health.

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Bone broth is a savory, nutrient-packed liquid made by simmering marrow-rich animal bones (like beef, chicken, turkey, pork) and connective tissue for 12 hours or more. 

This slow cooking makes it nutritionally richer than traditional stock, extracting protein, collagen, electrolytes, and other healthful ingredients that support your body in a variety of ways.

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Rich in Nutrients

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As stated earlier, the slow cooking process to make bone broth extracts large amounts of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids into the broth, creating a nutrient-dense drink. 

Depending on the bones used, you’ll get calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium—minerals essential for bone strength, muscle function, and heart health.

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Supports Joint Health

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Because it’s rich in collagen and gelatin, bone broth can help support healthy joints. These compounds contain amino acids like proline and glycine, which help maintain the cartilage that cushions joints. 

Over time, consuming collagen-rich foods may improve flexibility and reduce discomfort from joint stiffness.

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Improves Sleep Quality

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The amino acid glycine contained in bone broth is often used as a sleep aid, as it can reduce daytime sleepiness and improve sleep quality. Glycine may also help lower core body temperature which is a natural part of the sleep process.

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Promotes a Healthy Gut

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The gelatin in bone broth can help strengthen the gut lining, which is especially beneficial for those with digestive issues like leaky gut syndrome, IBS, or food sensitivities. A healthy gut lining supports better digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function.

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Boosts Immunity

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Bone broth is packed with minerals and amino acids that play a role in immune health. The slow simmering process creates a warm, hydrating liquid that’s easy to digest—perfect when you’re under the weather. Plus, the natural compounds from bones and marrow help nourish the body during illness and recovery.

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Supports Skin, Hair, and Nails

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Collagen isn’t just good for joints—it also helps improve skin elasticity, hydration, and overall appearance. Many people find that adding bone broth to their diet leads to healthier hair and stronger nails, thanks to the boost of amino acids and minerals.

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Hydrating and Comforting

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Bone broth is a warm, mineral-rich liquid that can help with hydration, especially in cooler months when you might not drink as much water. And beyond the nutritional benefits, sipping on a steaming cup of bone broth can be grounding and soothing—like a hug in a mug.

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"You will cast all of our sins into the depths of the sea." --Micah 7:19

Belshazar’s Debt

A long time ago in a land far, far away, Belshazar had a problem. A big problem. He had incurred an astronomical debt with King Darius—what today would be roughly a billion dollars. One day, royal soldiers dragged him before the king.

“What have you done? Squandered my wealth with nothing to show for it? You and your family shall be sold into slavery to pay the debt.”

Belshazar fell to his knees. “No, my lord. Please—have mercy!”

The king paused, then said, “Because you have sought my mercy, you shall have it. Be gone from my sight.”

And Belshazar smiled as he left the king’s presence.

Alone on a sandy atoll, Jasmine felt the sun burn her skin. No shelter. No food. The only water around her was the sea. In a random act of defiance, she scooped up a handful of sand and tossed it into the ocean. Then another, and another. All day, every day. Each throw made her feel a little stronger. Did it make a difference? She didn’t care. It felt right.

Jesus’ Promise of Mercy

Jesus came not to condemn the world, but to save it. And the only way to save a fallen world was with mercy.

In the Old Testament, two Hebrew words describe God’s mercy:

• Rahamim — “motherly, life-giving mercy.” When Jesus said, “I came that they might have life, and have it more abundantly,” He was speaking of rahamim.
• Hesed — “heroic, life-saving mercy.” When the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery and Jesus replied, “Let the one without sin cast the first stone,” He was showing hesed.

This is the mystery of divine mercy: it is both life-giving and life-saving. And it is ours as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Beneath the sand, Jasmine found sharp rocks. She hurled one into the ocean. This time the water splashed her skin. The salt stung—yet it also exhilarated her. She tried again, letting her hand linger in the water. Yes, there was pain. But also cleansing. Healing. And something more?

The Four Levels of Love

Jesus teaches: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” To understand this from our human perspective, we can approach mercy through the lens of love.

Scholars describe four levels of love:

1. Need-love (childlike love): “I love you because I need you,” like a baby for its mother.
2. Trade-love (conditional love): “I’ll do this if you do that.” A love that keeps score.
3. Mature love (unconditional love): “I love you because I love you.” Freely chosen, even costly, yet rich in reward.
4. Divine love (mercy): Love that remains even when wronged—when love is met with scorn, rejection, betrayal, or abandonment. Mercy is not enabling; it calls with compassion, yet with truth: “Repent. Turn back to Me. I have grace for you.”

At last, Jasmine had enough of sand and rocks. She flung herself into the sea. She held her breath, expecting to drown. She didn’t. She discovered she belonged there—not to the barren sand, but to the sea. The ocean embraced her, and she knew she was finally home.

Belshazar’s Betrayal

Leaving the king’s presence, Belshazar encountered his colleague Aminadab.

“You scoundrel! You owe me $1,000. Pay up—or I’ll have you and your family sold into slavery!”

“My friend, I cannot pay today. Give me a week, and I will repay you in full.”

But Belshazar sneered. “Guards! Seize him!”

When King Darius heard of it, he was outraged. “Wicked servant! After I forgave you, how could you not forgive your fellow? The measure you use will be measured back to you. Guards—take him away to be sold as a slave!”

Conclusion

Each of us desperately needs mercy—from God, and from others. In Jesus, mercy has already been offered us through His death on the Cross. Now we face the same choice: will we remain on the barren sand, clinging to resentment and despair, or will we plunge into the boundless ocean of mercy—where we truly belong?

If you are someone who finds worksheets helpful, print this one out: Into the Ocean of Mercy Reflection Worksheet

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In a world that often feels unpredictable and overwhelming, establishing a daily routine might seem too simple to make a real difference. However routines, those small, repeated actions we build into our lives, can be powerful tools for supporting mental health. 

Whether you're navigating stress, struggling with anxiety or depression, or simply trying to feel more grounded in your daily life, a consistent routine can provide the stability your mind and body crave.

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Routines do more than simply keep us organized; they give shape and meaning to our days. When we know what to expect, our brains don’t have to expend as much energy in making decisions or managing uncertainty–reducing the cognitive load that can contribute to stress or cause burnout. 

Routines that include healthy habits like a regular wake time, daily movement, healthy meals, prayer, connection with others, and a restful bedtime routine offers numerous mental health benefits, including:

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Lower Stress and Anxiety 

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Predictable rhythms offer a sense of stability in an unpredictable world. When the basic structure of your day is already in place, your mind feels more at ease—and less prone to racing thoughts or worry.

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Better Sleep Quality

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Regular sleep and wake times help to regulate your body’s circadian rhythm, making it easier to go to sleep and feel rested. Quality sleep is deeply connected to emotional resilience, concentration, and overall mental well-being.

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Stronger Emotional Regulation

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Routines support self-care practices like prayer, exercise, and quiet time—all of which help you stay grounded and respond to life’s challenges with more patience, clarity, and grace.

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Increased Productivity and Motivation

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When healthy habits are built into your day, you’re less likely to waste time or feel overwhelmed by decisions. Instead, you gain momentum through small, repeated actions that move you forward.

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Greater Sense of Purpose and Interior Peace

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Simple routines help you live intentionally. Even ordinary tasks—like making breakfast or going for a walk—can become opportunities for reflection, presence, and gratitude when done with purpose.

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Order in the external things of life often cultivates order in the soul. St. Benedict believed that peace was found not by escaping daily duties, but by entering into them with intentionality and devotion. A well-lived routine can calm the interior noise and make us more attentive to God’s voice.

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Feeling of Closeness to God

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When your day has structure, it’s easier to recognize moments when God is near. Whether it’s through morning prayer, a quiet cup of tea, or an evening examen, routines provide a framework that helps you pause, notice, and receive God's presence.

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How to Create a Routine that Works for You

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If you’re starting from scratch, don’t try to overhaul your whole day at once. Begin by anchoring one or two key parts of your day; the morning or the evening are the easiest times of the day to do this. 

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Here are some tips to get you started: 

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• Start small. Choose one area to focus on first.
• Be realistic. Aim for progress, not perfection.
• Track your rhythm. Use a planner or journal to notice what’s working.
• Celebrate consistency. Every small success is worth acknowledging.

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Keep in mind that your routines are meant to support you, not stress you out. Life changes. Kids get sick. Schedules shift. So make sure you keep your routine flexible. 

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Creating a routine gives you a steady foundation in which to thrive. When you experience seasons of higher stress or greater uncertainty, a well-built routine can help you maintain a sense of peace and order. 

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Many of us carry quiet heartaches—children who have drifted from the faith, spouses who are indifferent to God, friends who seem lost in the noise of the world. We pray. We wait. We wonder if it matters.

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Like in so many moments of our life, we can turn to the example of the saints to know firstly that we are not alone in our experiences, but also that there is always hope; no one is ever too far lost. 

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One of the most powerful stories we have in the Church that exemplifies persistence in prayer and radical conversion of heart is that of St. Monica and St. Augustine.

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St. Monica was a Christian woman in the 4th century with a deep, abiding love for God and for her family. But her life wasn’t easy. Her husband was pagan, often angry, and resistant to her faith, while her son, Augustine, rejected the faith of his childhood, chasing after worldly pleasures and false philosophies.

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Monica prayed for Augustine’s conversion for many years. She followed him from North Africa to Italy, pleaded with priests to speak to him, and wept countless tears for his soul.

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When she once asked a bishop to intervene, he famously told her: At present the heart of the young man is too stubborn, but God's time will come. It is not possible that the son of so many tears should perish."

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Augustine eventually experienced a profound conversion of heart and was baptized at the age of 32 by St. Ambrose. He went on to become one of the Church’s greatest theologians, a Doctor of the Church, and a witness to God’s incredible mercy.

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The Power of Patient Prayer

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The story of Sts. Monica and Augustine reminds us that God often works in hidden, mysterious ways. Augustine’s transformation didn’t happen overnight—he wrestled with truth, resisted grace, and wandered far. Yet through it all, Monica remained faithful. 

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Her steady, trusting prayer became a quiet force of love that shaped not only her son’s conversion, but the entire Church. 

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If you have been praying for your loved ones to come (or perhaps come back) to the faith, this story offers a lot of wisdom and comfort for you. 

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As we see with St. Augustine, no one is ever beyond God’s reach. However, as we learn from Monica, you cannot force anyone to love and accept Christ. 

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You can (and should) join her in the holy work of intercession for your loved ones but you must humbly and totally surrender to them to the will and care of the Father who loves them more than you ever could. 

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How to Pray for the Conversion of a Loved One:

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Persevere

Don’t give up, even when there are no signs of change. Conversion often happens beneath the surface, in quiet, interior ways that take time. Continue to pray daily, even when your heart feels tired or discouraged. Every prayer is heard. God is always at work, even in the silence.

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Fast and intercede

Offer small sacrifices throughout your day—whether it’s giving up your favorite drink, taking on an extra chore, or bearing a frustration without complaint—for your loved one’s return to God. Uniting your sufferings to Christ’s gives them redemptive power. These hidden offerings become seeds of grace planted in the soul you are praying for.

Entrust them to Mary

Our Blessed Mother is tender, merciful, and relentless in her motherly care. She loves your loved one more than you do and desires to lead him/her to her Son. Entrust your loved one to her Immaculate Heart each day, asking her to guide them gently home and to whisper your prayers in the ear of her Son.

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Ask for St. Monica’s intercession

Turn to St. Monica, not only as a model of perseverance but as a true intercessor. She knows your grief, your tears, your longing. Invite her to pray with you and for you. Ask her to walk beside your loved one and to storm Heaven until their heart is softened by grace.

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Trust in the Goodness of the Lord

It can be tempting to pray from a place of fear or desperation—but God invites you to pray from a place of love and trust. He desires your loved one’s salvation even more than you do. Trust that He is pursuing them, even now. Let your prayers be filled with hope, confident that the Lord is good, merciful, and faithful to complete the good work He has begun.

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“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”

“What’s the point? This is not a fulfilling life…it’s not fulfilling from a sense of the deepest places of your heart.” —Scottie Scheffler after winning the 2025 British Open

The Biggest Problem in the World

One day Terry was sweeping his floors, getting ready to mop, when the doorbell rang. It was Fr. Sal from down the street. Fr. Sal was bald, walked with a slight limp, but had a youthful twinkle in his eye.

“Terry,” he said, “let’s go for a walk.”

“Just let me mop the floor real quick, Father, and I’ll be right with you.”

They strolled to a nearby park and sat on a bench. Fr. Sal turned to Terry and asked, “What’s the biggest problem in the world?”

Terry blinked. He could tell there was a “right” answer, but had no idea what it might be. He gave it a shot: “Sin, Father?”

“Well yes,” said Fr. Sal, “but what’s at the root of sin?”

“Selfishness. Disordered self-love?”

Fr. Sal nodded. “Yes, but even before that. What’s the biggest problem in the world?”

Terry racked his brain, finally conceding: “I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me?”

“Ah,” Fr. Sal smiled, “the biggest problem is formation.”

What Is Formation?

Formation is the process of becoming the person God made you to be—and living the life He meant for you to live.

The biggest problem for most of us isn’t where we’re at. If you’re reading this, you’re likely in a decent place. Maybe even a good one. Perhaps you’ve walked through fire and come out stronger. And yet… maybe you’ve hit a plateau. You start to think:

“I’ve arrived. This is it. It can’t get better than this.”

That sense of arrival is spiritual death. Because all living things are meant to grow.

This is not to belittle your journey. It’s to name the ache you already feel: you’re not done yet. There’s another level. There’s always another level.

The 4 Thirsts

St. John Paul II, with his deep insight into the human heart, named four universal thirsts—four inner hungers placed there by God Himself:

1. Intimacy with God  

2. Virtuous communion with others  

3. A clear vision of reality  

4. A sense of meaning or purpose

These thirsts are hardwired into you. You can try to ignore them, numb them, or drown them out with busyness, shallow relationships, distractions, or even religious busywork—but those are just spiritual junk food. They cannot satisfy. They never will.

The 3 Kinds of Christians

In the Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius of Loyola describes three kinds of believers:

1. Big talkers – They say all the right things, but constantly procrastinate, make excuses, and play the blame game.  

2. Grudging givers – They’ll surrender something to God if absolutely necessary, but they’re still clinging tightly to their comfort, plans, and possessions.  

3. Tremendous lovers – These are the free ones. Detaching from created goods, they’re ready to follow God anywhere, anytime, no matter the cost.

So ask yourself:  

Up till now, who have you been?  

Starting today, who do you want to be?

The 4 Pillars of Formation

To satisfy those four thirsts, JP2 proposed four dimensions of growth—four “pillars” of human and spiritual formation:

1. Spiritual formation – satisfies our thirst for intimacy with God.  

2. Human formation – satisfies our thirst for virtuous relationships.  

3. Intellectual formation – satisfies our thirst for a vision of reality.  

4. Apostolic formation – satisfies our thirst for meaning and mission.

If we want full hearts, we need to feed the hunger. Otherwise, we’re just talking a good game. And it’s not enough to say you want to be a radical disciple. You have to train like one.

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” —Jesus (Luke 6:46)

Training Isn’t Glamorous

What Jesus tells us to do is often the spiritual equivalent of “eat your vegetables.” It’s not glamorous. Not exciting. It doesn’t always feel good. But it is good for you. It will help you grow—to become wiser, stronger, more compassionate, more human… more divine.

And just like vegetables, formation can be doctored. If butter or ketchup helps your kids eat their broccoli, you use it—because you care about their growth and don’t want them to suffer unnecessarily.

Jesus doesn’t want you to suffer unnecessarily either. But He does want you to grow. Which is why He built a hunger for growth into your very soul. You can’t escape it. But you can learn to respond to it intentionally.

Try Something

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to have it all figured out. There’s a foolproof way to discover what God wants you to do next—try something.

Yes, just like when you make your kids try the food they’re convinced they’ll hate—just try. Especially when it comes to your intimacy with God:

- Maybe you’ve tried daily Mass but couldn’t make it work.  

- Maybe you’ve tried journaling.  

- Maybe you’ve tried incense, icons, devotionals, or pilgrimages.  

- Maybe your most prayerful moments come sitting with coffee at sunrise.

Maybe. Maybe not. The point is: try it. Run the experiment. Then check the fruit.

“When it comes to prayer, sisters, try everything.” —St. Teresa of Avila

Conclusion: Satisfied Hearts Begin with Hungry Souls

You were made to hunger. Not for fleeting pleasures or surface-level comfort, but for the deep, soul-shaping fulfillment that only comes through formation. And here’s the promise: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”

If your heart is restless, if your life feels dry or directionless, that hunger is not a sign of failure—it’s a sign of life. God has planted it there to call you deeper, further, higher.

So don’t ignore it. Don’t numb it. Don’t settle.

Start somewhere. Anywhere. Try something. Eat the vegetables. Do the reps. Take the walk. Say the prayer. Ask the hard question. Have the honest conversation.

Because the moment you choose to grow is the moment you come alive.

Let your hunger lead you to the One who alone can satisfy.

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