“The tongue can be a powerful instrument or a serious stumbling block in our quest for holiness.” As part of my move to full-time Catholic speaking and writing and setting a foundation for a new apostolate of sorts, I have been sifting through many of my old talks and articles. It has shown me where I have grown, spiritually and […]
Between the Sundays
A Blog by Joannie Watson
The Temptation When Feeling Shepherd-less
“Do not let your anger and your wounds become uncharity.” Feeling Shepherd-less A few years ago, probably after something surfaced with the McCarrick scandal, I distinctly remember a moment in prayer when struggling with feelings of being shepherd-less. Many of you can relate, I am sure. In my prayer and struggle, I was trying to find consolation in thinking of […]
Paul’s reminder to the Ephesians & to Us
“There’s a danger of two extremes in misunderstanding our identity that can be remedied by reflecting on this passage from Paul.” The second reading this Sunday is an extraordinary prayer of praise that will likely get missed by most congregations. Second readings are rarely the subject of the homily, and Paul’s sentence structure is such that most of us in […]
Our Duty as Christian Citizens
“Do I pray for my elected officials, or do I just criticize them?” For our readers in the United States, this weekend will be full of fireworks and grilling. In the midst of this, let us not forget to pray for our elected officials. There will probably be petitions in the Prayers of the Faithful, and perhaps you will sing […]
The Pernicious Sin of Gossip
“Through our words, we can wound reputations in a matter of seconds, and the damage can irreparable.” Days later, the Gospel from Mass on Monday is still echoing in my ears and heart. It is a familiar image from the Sermon on the Mount, but one that I probably need to meditate on every day. “Why do you notice the […]
When Jesus Sleeps
“Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?“ One of the most powerful moments of Francis’ pontificate was his Urbi et Orbi address on March 27, 2021. It was a stunning, dramatic scene: the Pope alone in a dark, looming piazza of St. Peter’s with the rain falling. It was an almost-theatrical manifestation of the feelings that lay heavy in […]
The Perfect Human Heart
“To love with a human heart is to accept the possibility of a broken human heart.” I stood on the Mount of Olives and looked across at Jerusalem, the skyline a mix of old and new. The light blue dome of the Holy Sepulchre seemed to almost touch the dominant gold Dome of the Rock, and the Western Wall was […]
Humility and the Mysterious Work of God
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The Love of the Trinity
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Disposed to Receive His Spirit
Please help us continue our mission! We welcome both one-time and monthly donations. A monthly subscriber giving just $10 a month will help cover the cost of operating Integrated Catholic Life for one day! Please help us bring enriching and inspiring Catholic content to readers around the world by giving today. Thank you and may God Bless you for supporting […]