To Possess All, You Must Possess Nothing
St. John of the Cross gives us the antidote to holiday stress: "To come to possess all, desire to possess nothing."
The Theology of the Manger vs. The Inn
We try to find God in the "fullness" of Christmas, but He chose the "lack" of the manger. Here is why your discomfort is actually a spiritual advantage.
The Christmas Test: Spiritual Poverty and Difficult People (S11, EP02)
Dealing with a difficult family? This Midnight Carmelite podcast explores how spiritual poverty transforms holiday tension into grace.
The Shovel and the Straw: Preparing for Silence
This is a members-only guide from The Midnight Compass. In this post, we explore how to use mortification as a "shovel" to clear interior noise and cultivate active silence for the Nativity. Upgrade to unlock the full post and the 3-step practice guide.
Stop Adding to Your Advent To-Do List
You don't need more decorations this Advent; you need a shovel. Here is how to use mortification to prepare for Christmas.
Are You Too Loud to Hear Christmas?
We want God to arrive with fireworks. He arrived in a quiet cave. Are you addicted to the spectacle?
The Only Two Types of People Who Find God
The Shepherds knew they knew nothing. The Magi knew they didn't know everything. Which one are you?
Is Silence Empty or Are You Just Not Listening?
Silence isn’t just a lack of noise; it’s a specific kind of presence. Here is why you need to stop treating silence like a vacuum.
The Silent Stable: Preparing the Soul for the Incarnation (S11, EP01)
How do you find silence in a noisy world? Join the Midnight Carmelite podcast to learn how mortification prepares your heart for Advent.
The Challenge of Spiritual Dryness (S10, EP10)
This is a members-only guide from The Midnight Compass. In this post, we explore how to turn 'notional belief' into 'real assent' when prayer feels dry. Upgrade to unlock the full post and the 3-step practice guide.
The Antidote to Dryness
The antidote to spiritual dryness? "Determined determination." The practical tip is to sit down and pray even when it feels pointless.
A Question of Assent
We know things about the faith, but is it 'notional' or 'real' assent? Does your life match what you say you believe, even in dryness?