Vir Christi writes on Purgatory, the mudroom attached to Heaven, and the Poor Souls residing there who stand in need of our help.
Hearts Open to the Holy Souls in Purgatory
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True Freedom of the Spirit: Independence from Sin
Jesus promises that we will set free, by following Him and believing in Him. What does that mean? We are given free will. How is it freedom to submit our will to Christ’s?
Vir Christi delves into this question and suggests practical ways to find freedom in Christ in our daily lives.
Two Forms of Pruning in the Spiritual Life
I’ve been reflecting a lot on this image of pruning from the Gospel. To prune a plant is to cut away excess growth from it to make it more healthy, productive, or attractive.
What does God “pruning” us look like? How does He do it?
How to Make a Better Confession: 3 Brief Tips from St. Francis de Sales
Do you go to Confession regularly and struggle with discerning what to confess? Mortal sins must always be confessed in kind and number, but what about venial sins? How much detail is it appropriate to give? How can we be clear and accurate, but also brief? How can we make a more devout confession without being scrupulous?
Do Tiny Sacrifices Matter?
Do minuscule sacrifices like passing on adding a bit of extra cream to your coffee matter? Are they of any worth? How?
Gluttony: Making an Idol of Food and Drink
When we think of gluttony, we probably picture somebody stuffing themselves to excess or guzzling down a huge bottle of liquor. But the sin of gluttony encompasses more than overeating or overdrinking. Pope St. Gregory the Great and St. Thomas Aquinas describe four other ways in which we can commit this sin.
Lent: It’s Not a Self-Improvement Program
Too often we treat the Lenten season as a self-improvement program. Instead of seeking to draw closer to God, we end up seeking ourselves. A classic example is someone giving up chocolate so they can lose weight. Their focus is on an ulterior motive, not God.
Choosing a Good Confessor: 4 Marks to Look For
Catholics are a blessed lot. United in our faith, we can go to Confession with any priest. Nevertheless, it’s helpful to have a regular confessor. But we shouldn’t pick just anyone. After all, we’re fighting a spiritual battle. A discerning confessor will…