So when I recently read an article in which Pope Benedict XVI said that social media and the Internet can be useful tools for spiritual reflection and communication, I was elated. The pope said, “In concise phrases, often no longer than a verse from the Bible, profound thoughts can be communicated, as long as those taking part in the conversation do not neglect to cultivate their own inner lives.” I find that is definitely true for me.  There have been so many times when a quote someone posts to their Facebook page makes me stop and think about my own life.

I know that the constant use of social media and the Internet can have ill effects on a person’s life – I think the same can be said for anything used in excess.  But at the same time, I find that taking a break from life to read blog posts on my favorite sites, email messages and Facebook quotes from friends, does provide me with a moment of reflection.

What do you think? Do you find the Internet and social media sites helps or hinders your spiritual life?  Please share!

I do like to pray to particular saints for specific causes. I have a prayer card for St. Francis de Sales posted in my cube wall at work.  Every time I am stuck with finding the right words for an article, I say a quick prayer to this special saint.  He hears from me quite often.

This morning, the editor of Catholic New York posted a prayer by St. Francis de Sales in the newsroom for my coworkers and I to read.  There was one line in the prayer that I especially liked and wanted to share.  “Do not fear what may happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you then and everyday.”  It’s a comforting thought.

Do you have any favorite quotes by St. Francis de Sales?  Or perhaps a quote or prayer from one of your favorite saints?  Please share!

 As part of my research, I called up the parish where the priest last served and spoke to the pastor there, who said something that really struck me about the life of this man.  He told me that his friend had died after suffering from Parkinson’s disease.  He told me that throughout all of his trials, this wonderful priest never complained but accepted his illness, and lived his life happily.  It made me think about how much I complain in my own life about minor issues, and how instead, I should accept all the crosses in my life with dignity and happiness as well. 

 I couldn’t help but be moved.  It is so easy to complain about all of our everyday hardships in life – health issues, work issues, family and relationship issues.  One of my dear friends once told me that instead of complaining about all of our sufferings, we should offer them up to God.  It’s something that I have to try a little harder to do. 

 What about you? Do you have any strategies for accepting hardships in your life with faith and joy?  Please share! 

Thankfully, I have a beautiful bonsai tree on my desk.  As I took a momentary break from staring at my computer screen and stared at the little tree before me, I realized that some of the branches and leaves that I had pruned a while back because they were dead were growing new leaves.  It made me think about my own life, and how there are certain “dead” things, such as negative thoughts and behaviors, that I have to cut off in order for my own spiritual life to flourish and grow.  For instance, on dark and dreary days, it is quite easy for my mood to turn to one that is sad and melancholy as well.

Are there things that you need to change in your life, in order for your life – spiritual, mental or otherwise, to grow in a more positive direction?  How do you find the strength to do that?  Please share!

It wasn’t until I was reading an article online that I realized the significance of today’s date.  Once I did, however, all the good thoughts and memories of my dad swirled through my mind. As usual on this date, I felt a few tears building and went to grab a tissue from the pack on my desk.  When I looked down at the tissue package, I saw the image of a snowman smiling up at me, his hands waving.  Christmas always reminds me of my father, and in particular, the smiling faces of snowmen, which were his favorite. I knew in that instant that my father was looking down on me from heaven.

Even though the details of heaven are unknown, I like to imagine it in my mind based on a particular quote from Jesus: “In my Father’s house are many dwelling places.” Perhaps because of my Italian background, I like to think that place includes a large table for all of our loved ones. I can just imagine the birthday celebrations going on!  

Are there any images or places that remind you of your loved ones?  Please feel free to share. 

I love the story of the three kings and the gifts that they bring to the baby Jesus.  In my family, it is tradition to hang up the first Christmas card featuring the wise men, with the hope that they would bring luck throughout the coming year. I’d have to say that after the big news today that the Archdiocese of New York received – that Archbishop Dolan was named to be a cardinal— is a good gift.

Cardinal-designate Dolan (that is his new title now until he is made a cardinal in Rome), thought so, too.  During a special prayer service he had this morning with all the workers in the Catholic Center for the Archdiocese of New York (that’s where I work!), he said that it was a “gift” to all of New York.

Today, I am asking all of you to either share your thoughts about the news of Cardinal-designate Dolan, as well as any thoughts you’d like to share about the Epiphany and your family traditions.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

The resolution was one that asked for people to act as superheroes for the day. Unfortunately, the article didn’t ask for people to dress up in costume and fight crime – that could be a bit much for ordinary life.  But it did ask for people to put the needs of others first, and to only ask those around you for help if you truly need it.

I thought the idea was a great one.  The concept is to put others first and focus less on yourself.  In a way, it is contradictory to many other types of resolutions hyped up during this time of the year.  It is one that I am fully behind.

What do you think of this type of resolution?  Please share your thoughts here!

It seems that each year, there are the same few items on my resolution list—like exercise more and find a hobby. While those are all good things to strive for, the fact that they remain on my list year after year shows me that maybe they are not as fulfilling as I imagine them to be.  I’m still not sure what my resolution will be this year, but I am hoping to settle on something that will bring some good changes to my life.

It seems that a few of my friends on Facebook are also thinking of New Year’s resolutions and what theirs should be. Quite a few of them shared a link to an article written by Father James Martin titled “12 Really Stupid Things I Never Want to Do Again.”  I thought I’d share the link here since there are quite a few good ideas in there to think about as the New Year draws closer!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-james-martin-sj/12-really-stupid-things-to-never-do-again_b_1174709.html?m=false

Happy New Year, everyone!  What is your resolution?  Please share!

This is not the most important of the ways that I prepare for Christmas Day, but it is one that I look forward to each year.  Generally, when I find a movie that I enjoy, I will watch it countless times, often in a row for long stretches of time. This movie, however, I only watch once a year so that I can fully feel the emotions that I know will come as I once again take to heart the message of thankfulness that the movie portrays.

I have yet to watch it this year, but look forward to when I can catch a moment of time in this busy season to do so.  I am hoping that like past years, once I do, my attention will remain on all the wonderful things in my life.

Do you have any traditions – spiritual or otherwise – that you look forward to, and that help you prepare for Christmas Day? Please share!

This morning, as I put up decorations on the wall of my cubicle, I realized that I was just going through the motions. The same could be said for all of my Christmas preparations. I’ve purchased and wrapped all the gifts for my family and loved ones, watched my regular Christmas movies, and tried to bring the spirituality of the season into my heart. Through all of this, something was missing.  

The hopefulness that the celebration of the birth of Jesus usually brings to my soul was replaced was missing.  Perhaps you are feeling the same sort of thing.  For me, hope has been overshadowed by feelings of anxiety that everyone deals with in life.  It’s easy for negative feelings to eclipse the light of this special time of the year. Maybe you are struggling with the loss of a loved one, or an illness, or money problems.  Even the regular routine of life can get in the way.  

As Christmas draws closer and closer, I am hoping that I can refocus my mind and spirit on what is most important.  

How do you keep yourself focused on the true meaning of Christmas?  Please share!