I've been sitting on this for several days (reason: laziness), but I thought folks might appreciate a link to The Little Way, a division of Corpus Christi Book+Store, which is located in John Steinbeck's hometown of Salinas, California. The Little Way has lots of books, gift items, and hard-to-find images of St. Therese.
If you've never encountered Carmelite spirituality, I really encourage you to find out more about it. It has produced three Doctors of the Church, many great saints and mystics, and some awe-inspiring poetry. I once thought I might be called to Carmel, although for awhile I have realized that if I am called to the religious life it is probably not to a contemplative vocation. Still, Carmel and her saints are incredibly beautiful and probably a must for anyone looking for spiritual growth (St. Juan de la Cruz, anybody?).
I haven't bought anything from The Little Way yet (reason: college student brokeitis) but I certainly encourage my readers to do so.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
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Thank you for the great mention of www.thelittleway.com. God bless you. I've started a blog called St. Therese's Little Way and today I have started a series called September with St. Therese. Calling all carmelites and fans of our dear little saint !
ReplyDelete"Don't waste your time" - I don't want to be uncharitable, but that's a pretty rude and ignorant remark.
ReplyDeleteI imagine your sister does not feel the same way, and I don't think you are qualified to decide that her vocation is unfulfilling or a "waste," as it's hers and not yours.
I don't know your story so I don't know what's eating you - do you feel angry that your sister has "abandoned" your family for the monestery? My family is enduring some of this right now, as my own sister recently entered the convent. The key is to realize that we do not "own" her and it would be unjust to try to chain her to home.
Are you annoyed because in your interactions with your sister since she entered, she still can be hurtful or uncharitable, in other words, she's still a very human sinner? Keep in mind that the nun's journey up Mt. Carmel is a long and difficult one.
Or do you just consider the religious life, and the contemplative religious vocation in particular, to be a waste of time? I know many people feel that a life dedicated completely to prayer is useless or selfish. This is usually because they have not developed an interior life, themselves.
I hope I am not being harsh. I just found your comment to be heart-breakingly bitter.