https://fatherfladerblog.com Meditations and mutterings from a Catholic priest Thu, 02 Apr 2026 22:38:57 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ 44274603 https://s2.wp.com/i/webclip.png https://fatherfladerblog.com noCopyright Fr John Flader 2012-13Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotionsMeditations on aspects of Christian life given by Fr John FladerFr John Flader meditationsFr John Fladerfrjflader@gmail.comFr John Flader https://fatherfladerblog.com/2026/04/03/on-the-road-to-emmaus/ Thu, 02 Apr 2026 22:38:57 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=3011 3011 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noIn the afternoon of the Resurrection, two discouraged disciples of Jesus left Jerusalem for the nearby town of Emmaus. Christ met them on the way without revealing who he was. He showed them from the Scriptures how he was meant to suffer and die. When they reached Emmaus the disciples begged Jesus to stay with […]Fr John FladerIn the afternoon of the Resurrection, two discouraged disciples of Jesus left Jerusalem for the nearby town of Emmaus. Christ met them on the way without revealing who he was. He showed them from the Scriptures how he was meant to suffer and die. When they reached Emmaus the disciples begged Jesus to stay with […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2026/02/18/the-springtime-of-lent/ Wed, 18 Feb 2026 03:55:30 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2996 2996 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)no  The word “Lent” comes from the Anglo-Saxon word “Lencten”, meaning springtime. If we live Lent well, we have a true springtime in our spiritual life. In this meditation, we situate our Lenten discipline in the context of three events in Our Lord’s life, each of which teaches us something about Lent:Fr John Flader  The word “Lent” comes from the Anglo-Saxon word “Lencten”, meaning springtime. If we live Lent well, we have a true springtime in our spiritual life. In this meditation, we situate our Lenten discipline in the context of three events in Our Lord’s life, each of which teaches us something about Lent:Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2026/01/17/abandonment-and-trust-in-god/ Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:49:49 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2983 2983 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noThere are many aspects of life in which we know we are not “in control”: our health, job, financial security, relationships, etc. In these and other areas, often things do not work out as we had planned, and we can become worried and sad. In this meditation we consider ways in which we can deal […]Fr John FladerThere are many aspects of life in which we know we are not “in control”: our health, job, financial security, relationships, etc. In these and other areas, often things do not work out as we had planned, and we can become worried and sad. In this meditation we consider ways in which we can deal […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2025/12/23/lessons-from-the-manger/ Tue, 23 Dec 2025 10:18:36 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2972 2972 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noFrom the manger in Bethlehem, the infant Jesus has much to teach us. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture to consider seven of his lessons, which are all important for our spiritual life:Fr John FladerFrom the manger in Bethlehem, the infant Jesus has much to teach us. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture to consider seven of his lessons, which are all important for our spiritual life:Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2025/10/23/marriage-a-path-to-holiness/ Thu, 23 Oct 2025 05:04:25 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2957 2957 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noThe call to holiness is lived out in all circumstances of life, one of the most important of which is marriage and family. When they see their marriage as a path to holiness, couples grow in holiness themselves and they help their children and other families to discover the beauty of their own vocation. In […]Fr John FladerThe call to holiness is lived out in all circumstances of life, one of the most important of which is marriage and family. When they see their marriage as a path to holiness, couples grow in holiness themselves and they help their children and other families to discover the beauty of their own vocation. In […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2025/10/11/children-of-a-loving-father/ Sat, 11 Oct 2025 01:17:57 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2950 2950 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)no        One of the great revelations that Jesus gives us, especially in the Sermon on the Mount, is that God is not just the Supreme Being, the creator of the universe, but truly our loving Father. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture and of St Josemaria Escriva to consider what […]Fr John Flader        One of the great revelations that Jesus gives us, especially in the Sermon on the Mount, is that God is not just the Supreme Being, the creator of the universe, but truly our loving Father. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture and of St Josemaria Escriva to consider what […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2025/09/18/vocation-to-love/ Wed, 17 Sep 2025 19:56:07 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2939 2939 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)no     God has known and loved each one of us from all eternity. Then, in the fulness of time for us, he created us out of love and invited us to enter into a loving relationship with him. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture, St John Paul II and St Josemaria to […]Fr John Flader     God has known and loved each one of us from all eternity. Then, in the fulness of time for us, he created us out of love and invited us to enter into a loving relationship with him. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture, St John Paul II and St Josemaria to […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2025/08/06/the-gift-of-faith/ Wed, 06 Aug 2025 02:40:20 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2931 2931 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)no  We tend to take our faith in God for granted when we find it easy to believe in God, but we should not forget that faith is a great gift that can be lost. In this meditation we use texts of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and of Scripture to consider how:Fr John Flader  We tend to take our faith in God for granted when we find it easy to believe in God, but we should not forget that faith is a great gift that can be lost. In this meditation we use texts of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and of Scripture to consider how:Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2025/07/17/love-for-god/ Wed, 16 Jul 2025 20:02:27 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2922 2922 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noWe are all aware of the commandment to love God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength. But what exactly does this mean?  Is it having feelings of love, telling God we love him, having many devotions? In this meditation we use texts from Scripture, St John Paul II, St Josemaria, St Alphonsus Liguori, […]Fr John FladerWe are all aware of the commandment to love God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength. But what exactly does this mean?  Is it having feelings of love, telling God we love him, having many devotions? In this meditation we use texts from Scripture, St John Paul II, St Josemaria, St Alphonsus Liguori, […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2025/06/23/love-for-the-sacred-heart/ Mon, 23 Jun 2025 03:32:55 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2916 2916 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noOur Lord has loved us to the end, to the last drop of his blood and water, and he invites us to love him in return. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture, Pope Francis’ encyclical Dilexit nos, St Margaret Mary Alacoque and St Josemaria Escriva to consider how:Fr John FladerOur Lord has loved us to the end, to the last drop of his blood and water, and he invites us to love him in return. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture, Pope Francis’ encyclical Dilexit nos, St Margaret Mary Alacoque and St Josemaria Escriva to consider how:Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2025/05/21/mary-and-the-gifts-of-the-holy-spirit/ Wed, 21 May 2025 05:07:48 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2901 2901 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noIn the Annunciation, Our Lady receives a message from the angel Gabriel announcing that she is to have a son through the Holy Spirit. She immediately accepts. We learn from her to be docile to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, who acts in us through his seven gifts. In this meditation we consider how: […]Fr John FladerIn the Annunciation, Our Lady receives a message from the angel Gabriel announcing that she is to have a son through the Holy Spirit. She immediately accepts. We learn from her to be docile to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, who acts in us through his seven gifts. In this meditation we consider how: […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2025/04/28/easter-with-pope-francis/ Sun, 27 Apr 2025 19:41:41 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2891 2891 frjflader Resurrection icon frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noFor Easter Sunday 2005, Pope Francis wrote a beautiful homily to be read in the morning Mass in St Peter’s Square by the celebrant, Cardinal Angelo Comastri. Less than 24 hours later, God called Pope Francis to eternal life with him. In this meditation, we use the text of that homily to consider how: Mary […]Fr John FladerFor Easter Sunday 2005, Pope Francis wrote a beautiful homily to be read in the morning Mass in St Peter’s Square by the celebrant, Cardinal Angelo Comastri. Less than 24 hours later, God called Pope Francis to eternal life with him. In this meditation, we use the text of that homily to consider how: Mary […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2025/04/14/lessons-from-the-passion/ Mon, 14 Apr 2025 04:22:16 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2882 2882 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noJesus teaches us so much in  his suffering and death on the Cross. In this meditation we use the events from his prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, through his death on Mount Calvary, to his Resurrection on Easter Sunday to consider some of these lessons: Our weakness, like that of Peter, in denying Christ […]Fr John FladerJesus teaches us so much in  his suffering and death on the Cross. In this meditation we use the events from his prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, through his death on Mount Calvary, to his Resurrection on Easter Sunday to consider some of these lessons: Our weakness, like that of Peter, in denying Christ […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2025/03/04/the-journey-to-easter/ Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:44:07 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2871 2871 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noLent is an annual opportunity to accompany Jesus in his forty days of prayer and fasting in the desert and in his suffering and death on Mount Calvary to his resurrection on Easter Sunday. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture and of Pope Francis’ Message for Lent 2025 to consider how: Lent symbolises […]Fr John FladerLent is an annual opportunity to accompany Jesus in his forty days of prayer and fasting in the desert and in his suffering and death on Mount Calvary to his resurrection on Easter Sunday. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture and of Pope Francis’ Message for Lent 2025 to consider how: Lent symbolises […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2025/01/29/hope-in-the-lord/ Tue, 28 Jan 2025 22:09:38 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2858 2858 frjflader Hope in the Lord frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noEveryone has issues in life which give rise to uncertainty about the future, to doubts and even anxiety. In this meditation we pray about the virtue which gives reassurance in these situations, the important virtue of hope. We use Pope Francis’ document  for the Jubilee Year 2025, Spes non confundit, a beautiful commentary on hope, […]Fr John FladerEveryone has issues in life which give rise to uncertainty about the future, to doubts and even anxiety. In this meditation we pray about the virtue which gives reassurance in these situations, the important virtue of hope. We use Pope Francis’ document  for the Jubilee Year 2025, Spes non confundit, a beautiful commentary on hope, […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2025/01/05/learning-from-the-humanity-of-christ/ Sun, 05 Jan 2025 08:39:14 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2844 2844 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)no  Everyone wants to be a better person. But what do we mean by this? Who is the standard, the model? It is obviously Christ himself, perfect man as well as perfect God.  In this meditation we use texts from Scripture to consider the humanity of Christ and some of the many virtues we can […]Fr John Flader  Everyone wants to be a better person. But what do we mean by this? Who is the standard, the model? It is obviously Christ himself, perfect man as well as perfect God.  In this meditation we use texts from Scripture to consider the humanity of Christ and some of the many virtues we can […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2024/12/09/journey-to-bethlehem/ Mon, 09 Dec 2024 05:07:50 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2836 2836 frjflader The road to Bethlehem frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noIn this season of Advent we can learn much about how to focus our spiritual life from Our Lady, as she makes her way to Bethlehem with St Joseph. Among the lessons Mary teaches us are: Docility to the will of God Self-giving to others Bearing hardships without complaining Purifying our soul through penance Life […]Fr John FladerIn this season of Advent we can learn much about how to focus our spiritual life from Our Lady, as she makes her way to Bethlehem with St Joseph. Among the lessons Mary teaches us are: Docility to the will of God Self-giving to others Bearing hardships without complaining Purifying our soul through penance Life […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2024/11/19/the-hope-of-heaven/ Mon, 18 Nov 2024 21:11:34 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2826 2826 frjflader A depiction of heaven frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noAs we know from children’s catechisms, the reason why we exist is to know, love and serve God on earth in order to be happy with him forever in heaven.  We know it but we tend to forget it in the busyness and distractions of everyday life. In this meditation, we consider how we can […]Fr John FladerAs we know from children’s catechisms, the reason why we exist is to know, love and serve God on earth in order to be happy with him forever in heaven.  We know it but we tend to forget it in the busyness and distractions of everyday life. In this meditation, we consider how we can […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2024/11/05/one-in-the-communion-of-saints/ Tue, 05 Nov 2024 05:36:38 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2814 2814 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noOne of the most consoling truths of our faith is the reality of the Communion of Saints – the Church triumphant in heaven, the Church suffering in purgatory, and the Church militant on earth, all helping one another. In this meditation we use texts from Scripture, the Catechism, St Bernard, St Therese of Lisieux and […]Fr John FladerOne of the most consoling truths of our faith is the reality of the Communion of Saints – the Church triumphant in heaven, the Church suffering in purgatory, and the Church militant on earth, all helping one another. In this meditation we use texts from Scripture, the Catechism, St Bernard, St Therese of Lisieux and […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2024/09/25/dying-to-live-audio-and-e-book/ Wed, 25 Sep 2024 07:33:02 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2804 2804 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader) https://fatherfladerblog.com/2024/09/08/humility/ Sun, 08 Sep 2024 07:10:18 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2796 2796 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noOne of the most fundamental virtues is humility. Many of the saints, among them St Augustine and St John Vianney, stress how important it is. In this meditation, we use texts of  Sacred Scripture, St Augustine, St John Vianney and St Josemaria to consider how: Humility is the foundation of the other virtues Our Lady […]Fr John FladerOne of the most fundamental virtues is humility. Many of the saints, among them St Augustine and St John Vianney, stress how important it is. In this meditation, we use texts of  Sacred Scripture, St Augustine, St John Vianney and St Josemaria to consider how: Humility is the foundation of the other virtues Our Lady […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2024/08/09/the-spiritual-olympics/ Thu, 08 Aug 2024 22:29:33 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2771 2771 frjflader Spirirtual olympics frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noAthletes go through a rigorous training regime in order to achieve their goal of winning a medal in the Olympic games. Our goal is much higher: eternal life with God in heaven. We too need a training regime. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture, especially of St Paul, and of saints like Augustine, […]Fr John FladerAthletes go through a rigorous training regime in order to achieve their goal of winning a medal in the Olympic games. Our goal is much higher: eternal life with God in heaven. We too need a training regime. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture, especially of St Paul, and of saints like Augustine, […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2024/06/20/heart-in-god-not-in-goods/ Wed, 19 Jun 2024 21:04:34 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2765 2765 frjflader The widow giving her two mites, all she had frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noThe Scriptures invite us to love God above all things. But in an affluent society, where goods abound, it is easy to put our heart more in goods than in God. In this meditation we draw on texts of Scripture, Popes Paul VI and Francis, and Fathers of the Church, to consider how: We must […]Fr John FladerThe Scriptures invite us to love God above all things. But in an affluent society, where goods abound, it is easy to put our heart more in goods than in God. In this meditation we draw on texts of Scripture, Popes Paul VI and Francis, and Fathers of the Church, to consider how: We must […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2024/05/14/loving-with-the-holy-spirit/ Mon, 13 May 2024 14:19:47 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2751 2751 frjflader Mary at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles. frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noThe Holy Spirit is love and, as St Paul writes, love has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Since God has loved us first, we should love God with our whole heart, and love one another. In this meditation we use the Scriptures and a letter […]Fr John FladerThe Holy Spirit is love and, as St Paul writes, love has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Since God has loved us first, we should love God with our whole heart, and love one another. In this meditation we use the Scriptures and a letter […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2024/05/02/hope-in-the-resurrection/ Thu, 02 May 2024 07:45:07 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2742 2742 frjflader Th resurection of our lord Jesus Christ the principal message of Easter. frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noWhen the women went at dawn to anoint the body of Christ on Easter Sunday, they didn’t know how they would remove the huge stone that closed the tomb. To their surprise, they found the stone already removed. In this meditation we use the homily of Pope Francis in the Easter Vigil in St Peter’s […]Fr John FladerWhen the women went at dawn to anoint the body of Christ on Easter Sunday, they didn’t know how they would remove the huge stone that closed the tomb. To their surprise, they found the stone already removed. In this meditation we use the homily of Pope Francis in the Easter Vigil in St Peter’s […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2024/04/09/the-light-of-easter/ Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:54:53 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2733 2733 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noThe resurrection of Christ brings light into a world in darkness. That darkness may be of unbelief, of sin, of lack of hope. In all cases, Christ is the light who can dispel the darkness with the light of his Resurrection. In this meditation we consider how we can respond to this light of  Christ […]Fr John FladerThe resurrection of Christ brings light into a world in darkness. That darkness may be of unbelief, of sin, of lack of hope. In all cases, Christ is the light who can dispel the darkness with the light of his Resurrection. In this meditation we consider how we can respond to this light of  Christ […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2024/03/27/lessons-from-holy-week/ Wed, 27 Mar 2024 08:15:35 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2727 2727 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noHoly Week should be holy not only in its name and in the events we commemorate, but in the way we live it. In this meditation we consider the numerous lessons we can learn from this week and how we can put them into practice. We will consider: Palm Sunday – praising God by our […]Fr John FladerHoly Week should be holy not only in its name and in the events we commemorate, but in the way we live it. In this meditation we consider the numerous lessons we can learn from this week and how we can put them into practice. We will consider: Palm Sunday – praising God by our […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2024/03/05/the-spirit-of-lent/ Mon, 04 Mar 2024 21:32:22 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2705 2705 frjflader Face of Christ in the Passion frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noIn Lent we prepare for the celebration of our redemption by Christ’s death and resurrection. In this meditation we consider how: We can accompany Our Lord in his forty days of fasting and prayer in the desert by our own greater effort in prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Lent is a time for conversion, of starting […]Fr John FladerIn Lent we prepare for the celebration of our redemption by Christ’s death and resurrection. In this meditation we consider how: We can accompany Our Lord in his forty days of fasting and prayer in the desert by our own greater effort in prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Lent is a time for conversion, of starting […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2024/02/02/sowers-of-peace/ Thu, 01 Feb 2024 20:30:25 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2688 2688 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noThe prophet Isaiah announced the coming of one who would be called Prince of Peace.  When Christ was born in Bethlehem,  the angels announced peace on earth, and Christ later told the apostles that he came to bring peace such as the world cannot give. But when we look around us, we see a great […]Fr John FladerThe prophet Isaiah announced the coming of one who would be called Prince of Peace.  When Christ was born in Bethlehem,  the angels announced peace on earth, and Christ later told the apostles that he came to bring peace such as the world cannot give. But when we look around us, we see a great […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2023/12/05/the-first-christmas-gift-2/ Tue, 05 Dec 2023 06:16:50 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2664 2664 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noChristmas is a time for giving gifts. The wise men brought gifts to the baby Jesus, but the first Christmas gift was Jesus himself, a gift from the Father to all of mankind. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture to consider how we can live Advent like Our Lady and St Joseph, the […]Fr John FladerChristmas is a time for giving gifts. The wise men brought gifts to the baby Jesus, but the first Christmas gift was Jesus himself, a gift from the Father to all of mankind. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture to consider how we can live Advent like Our Lady and St Joseph, the […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2023/10/31/devotion-to-the-holy-souls/ Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:55:35 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2656 2656 frjflader The holy souls in purgatory (the church suffering) are part of the communion of saints - Christ's Mystical Body frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noThe Church dedicates the month of November to praying for the holy souls in Purgatory. This should be a constant devotion for us, since through the Communion of Saints we can help these souls and they can intercede for us. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and […]Fr John FladerThe Church dedicates the month of November to praying for the holy souls in Purgatory. This should be a constant devotion for us, since through the Communion of Saints we can help these souls and they can intercede for us. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2023/10/05/love-for-the-church/ Wed, 04 Oct 2023 18:28:33 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2641 2641 frjflader Our love for the church frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noAs we love our mothers, so we should naturally love our holy mother the Church. But it can sometimes be difficult to do so, especially when we see the human failings of members of the Church and the many difficulties she faces at the present time. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture, Fathers […]Fr John FladerAs we love our mothers, so we should naturally love our holy mother the Church. But it can sometimes be difficult to do so, especially when we see the human failings of members of the Church and the many difficulties she faces at the present time. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture, Fathers […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2023/09/12/bringing-our-friends-to-christ/ Mon, 11 Sep 2023 23:10:43 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2619 2619 frjflader A paralytic is lowered through the roof by his friends for Jesus to cure him. frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noIn his Gospel St Luke relates how the friends of a paralytic went to great lengths to take him to Christ, going onto the roof of the house and lowering him down through the opening they had made. We too should do all we can to bring our friends and relatives to Christ. In this […]Fr John FladerIn his Gospel St Luke relates how the friends of a paralytic went to great lengths to take him to Christ, going onto the roof of the house and lowering him down through the opening they had made. We too should do all we can to bring our friends and relatives to Christ. In this […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2023/08/14/lessons-from-the-transfiguration/ Sun, 13 Aug 2023 20:23:30 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2579 2579 frjflader Transfiguration by Raphael frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noOur Lord’s Transfiguration on Mount Tabor can teach us many lessons. In this meditation, we use passages from Scripture to consider some of them: The climbing of the mountain calls to mind the difficulties in our own life in climbing the mountain of holiness Seeing Christ transfigured in his divinity is a reminder that we […]Fr John FladerOur Lord’s Transfiguration on Mount Tabor can teach us many lessons. In this meditation, we use passages from Scripture to consider some of them: The climbing of the mountain calls to mind the difficulties in our own life in climbing the mountain of holiness Seeing Christ transfigured in his divinity is a reminder that we […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2023/07/17/you-too-have-a-vocation/ Sun, 16 Jul 2023 20:07:37 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2569 2569 frjflader We all have vocation frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noWe tend to think that only priests and religious have a vocation. But we all have a calling from God, a vocation, to carry out a particular mission in life. In this meditation we use texts from Scripture, Pope Francis, St John Henry Newman and St Josemaria Escriva to consider how: God has created every […]Fr John FladerWe tend to think that only priests and religious have a vocation. But we all have a calling from God, a vocation, to carry out a particular mission in life. In this meditation we use texts from Scripture, Pope Francis, St John Henry Newman and St Josemaria Escriva to consider how: God has created every […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2023/05/09/love-for-mary-our-mother/ Tue, 09 May 2023 03:10:44 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2552 2552 frjflader Our Blessed Mother with the child Jesus frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noBefore he died on the Cross, Jesus said to St John and to all of us: “Behold your Mother.” Mary is truly the mother of everyone. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture, St Bernard and St Josemaria to consider how: In conceiving Jesus in her womb, and later giving birth to him in […]Fr John FladerBefore he died on the Cross, Jesus said to St John and to all of us: “Behold your Mother.” Mary is truly the mother of everyone. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture, St Bernard and St Josemaria to consider how: In conceiving Jesus in her womb, and later giving birth to him in […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2023/04/03/lessons-from-the-cross/ Mon, 03 Apr 2023 06:45:19 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2546 2546 frjflader Jesus crucified frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noJesus’ passion and death teach us many lessons.  In this meditation we use texts from Scripture and St Thomas Aquinas to consider some of the many virtues Christ teaches us from the Cross: Charity Humility Patience Obedience Fortitude Perseverance JoyFr John FladerJesus’ passion and death teach us many lessons.  In this meditation we use texts from Scripture and St Thomas Aquinas to consider some of the many virtues Christ teaches us from the Cross: Charity Humility Patience Obedience Fortitude Perseverance JoyFr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2023/02/16/the-sorrows-and-joys-of-st-joseph/ Wed, 15 Feb 2023 20:34:04 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2525 2525 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noPope Gregory XVI, who was Pope from 1831 to 1846, instituted the custom of dedicating the seven Sundays preceding the feast of St Joseph on March 19 to that great saint, and of meditating especially on his seven sorrows and joys. In this meditation we use the Gospels of Matthew and Luke to consider these […]Fr John FladerPope Gregory XVI, who was Pope from 1831 to 1846, instituted the custom of dedicating the seven Sundays preceding the feast of St Joseph on March 19 to that great saint, and of meditating especially on his seven sorrows and joys. In this meditation we use the Gospels of Matthew and Luke to consider these […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2022/11/08/prayer-for-the-holy-souls-2/ Tue, 08 Nov 2022 10:19:15 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2473 2473 frjflader A depiction of purgatory frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noNovember is the month in which the Church traditionally intensifies her prayers for the souls in Purgatory. But every day should be for us a day of prayer for the holy souls. There are many souls there now suffering greatly but at the same time exceedingly happy. In this meditation we use texts from Scripture, […]Fr John FladerNovember is the month in which the Church traditionally intensifies her prayers for the souls in Purgatory. But every day should be for us a day of prayer for the holy souls. There are many souls there now suffering greatly but at the same time exceedingly happy. In this meditation we use texts from Scripture, […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2022/10/10/one-with-christ/ Sun, 09 Oct 2022 19:39:17 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2459 2459 frjflader A depiction of our Lord, Jesus Christ frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noThrough Baptism we become members of the Mystical Body of Christ. We become one with him. He lives in us and we live in him. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture,  St John Eudes, St Josemaria Escriva and St John Paul II to consider how: We can ask Jesus to let us see […]Fr John FladerThrough Baptism we become members of the Mystical Body of Christ. We become one with him. He lives in us and we live in him. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture,  St John Eudes, St Josemaria Escriva and St John Paul II to consider how: We can ask Jesus to let us see […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2022/09/19/jesus-and-the-samaritan-woman/ Sun, 18 Sep 2022 19:41:30 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2446 2446 frjflader Jesus and the Samaritan woman frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noThe encounter of Jesus with the Samaritan woman at the well teaches us many lessons. In this meditation we use the passage related by St John to consider how: Jesus in his Providence arranged for the meeting to take place so that he could reveal himself to the Samaritan woman Jesus begins his conversation not […]Fr John FladerThe encounter of Jesus with the Samaritan woman at the well teaches us many lessons. In this meditation we use the passage related by St John to consider how: Jesus in his Providence arranged for the meeting to take place so that he could reveal himself to the Samaritan woman Jesus begins his conversation not […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2022/09/02/sanctifying-ordinary-life/ Fri, 02 Sep 2022 11:41:37 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2436 2436 frjflader The holy family of Jesus Mary and Joseph in his workshop frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noThe Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph spent thirty years doing ordinary tasks in the home of Nazareth to teach us the sanctifying value of ordinary things. In this meditation we pray about how we too can find God in our day-to-day activities. We use texts of St Josemaria Escriva, the Second Vatican Council […]Fr John FladerThe Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph spent thirty years doing ordinary tasks in the home of Nazareth to teach us the sanctifying value of ordinary things. In this meditation we pray about how we too can find God in our day-to-day activities. We use texts of St Josemaria Escriva, the Second Vatican Council […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2022/08/18/lesssons-of-the-assumption-of-mary/ Wed, 17 Aug 2022 23:43:40 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2428 2428 frjflader Assumption of Mary Rubens frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noOur Lady’s Assumption into heaven teaches us many lessons. In this meditation we use a text from the book of Revelation to consider some of these lessons: Mary sanctified herself in her ordinary life in the home, as we do She is the new Ark of the Covenant, bringing the very Word of God into […]Fr John FladerOur Lady’s Assumption into heaven teaches us many lessons. In this meditation we use a text from the book of Revelation to consider some of these lessons: Mary sanctified herself in her ordinary life in the home, as we do She is the new Ark of the Covenant, bringing the very Word of God into […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2022/07/28/the-pharisee-and-the-tax-collector/ Thu, 28 Jul 2022 04:53:50 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2403 2403 frjflader the Pharisee and the Publican frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noThe parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector praying in the temple has much to tell us. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture, St Augustine, St John Chrysostom and St Josemaria to reflect on how: We too should endeavour to pray before the Blessed Sacrament whenever possible The Pharisee’s pride and self-righteousness […]Fr John FladerThe parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector praying in the temple has much to tell us. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture, St Augustine, St John Chrysostom and St Josemaria to reflect on how: We too should endeavour to pray before the Blessed Sacrament whenever possible The Pharisee’s pride and self-righteousness […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2022/06/25/loving-god-in-the-heart-of-jesus/ Sat, 25 Jun 2022 01:12:07 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2393 2393 frjflader A depiction of our Lord, showing His most sacred Heart frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noOur Lord has loved us to the last drop of his blood and water, and he invites us to love him in return. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture, St Margaret Mary Alacoque and St Josemaria Escriva to consider how: St John writes in his Gospel that Jesus has loved us “to the […]Fr John FladerOur Lord has loved us to the last drop of his blood and water, and he invites us to love him in return. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture, St Margaret Mary Alacoque and St Josemaria Escriva to consider how: St John writes in his Gospel that Jesus has loved us “to the […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2022/05/10/mary-our-mother-2/ Tue, 10 May 2022 07:39:52 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2361 2361 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noFrom the moment she conceived Jesus in her womb, Mary became the mother of his Mystical Body, the Church, and of all of us. In this meditation we use texts from Sacred Scripture, Pope St John Paul II, Pope St Paul VI, St Josemaria Escriva and St Bernard to consider how: Mary gave birth to […]Fr John FladerFrom the moment she conceived Jesus in her womb, Mary became the mother of his Mystical Body, the Church, and of all of us. In this meditation we use texts from Sacred Scripture, Pope St John Paul II, Pope St Paul VI, St Josemaria Escriva and St Bernard to consider how: Mary gave birth to […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2022/04/11/loving-to-the-end/ Mon, 11 Apr 2022 00:46:15 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2353 2353 frjflader Jesus washes the feet of the Apostles frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noIn his account of the Last Supper, St John tells us that Christ loved his disciples “to the end”. After washing the apostles’ feet, Our Lord gave them the new commandment to “love one another as I have loved you.” In this meditation we use texts of Scripture, St Josemaria Escriva and Mother Teresa of […]Fr John FladerIn his account of the Last Supper, St John tells us that Christ loved his disciples “to the end”. After washing the apostles’ feet, Our Lord gave them the new commandment to “love one another as I have loved you.” In this meditation we use texts of Scripture, St Josemaria Escriva and Mother Teresa of […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2022/03/22/souls-of-prayer/ Mon, 21 Mar 2022 19:11:53 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2324 2324 frjflader The agony in the garden of Gethsemane frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noChrist spent forty days praying and fasting in the desert before beginning his public ministry and he prayed intensely in Gethsemane on beginning his Passion. In this meditation we use these examples of Our Lord and texts of St Josemaria Escriva to consider: How and why we should be souls of prayer The different forms […]Fr John FladerChrist spent forty days praying and fasting in the desert before beginning his public ministry and he prayed intensely in Gethsemane on beginning his Passion. In this meditation we use these examples of Our Lord and texts of St Josemaria Escriva to consider: How and why we should be souls of prayer The different forms […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2022/03/08/the-value-of-temptations/ Mon, 07 Mar 2022 20:06:34 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2316 2316 frjflader Christ sends Satan away after His temptation frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noWe all experience temptations. They are a consequence of original sin and of our being subject to the world, the flesh and the devil. But in addition to being sources of sin, temptations can also be sources of sanctity. In this meditation we consider: Christ’s temptations in the desert, which are very similar to our […]Fr John FladerWe all experience temptations. They are a consequence of original sin and of our being subject to the world, the flesh and the devil. But in addition to being sources of sin, temptations can also be sources of sanctity. In this meditation we consider: Christ’s temptations in the desert, which are very similar to our […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2022/02/14/living-the-beatitudes/ https://fatherfladerblog.com/2022/02/14/living-the-beatitudes/#comments Sun, 13 Feb 2022 19:01:50 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2294 https://fatherfladerblog.com/2022/02/14/living-the-beatitudes/feed/ 1 2294 frjflader The Sermon on the Mount frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noIn the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave us the eight Beatitudes, eight attitudes or dispositions that should characterise every follower of Christ, of whom they are a portrait. In this meditation we consider how: The Beatitudes should characterise every Christian They contrast notably with the ways of the world If we live them well […]Fr John FladerIn the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave us the eight Beatitudes, eight attitudes or dispositions that should characterise every follower of Christ, of whom they are a portrait. In this meditation we consider how: The Beatitudes should characterise every Christian They contrast notably with the ways of the world If we live them well […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2022/02/02/beginning-a-new-year/ Wed, 02 Feb 2022 06:45:34 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2273 2273 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noAt the beginning of another year, we use texts of Scripture and St Josemaria Escriva to pray about what our goals and resolutions might be, especially that most important goal of growing in holiness so as to deserve eternal life with God in heaven. We consider: The very reason for our existence is to know, […]Fr John FladerAt the beginning of another year, we use texts of Scripture and St Josemaria Escriva to pray about what our goals and resolutions might be, especially that most important goal of growing in holiness so as to deserve eternal life with God in heaven. We consider: The very reason for our existence is to know, […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2021/12/21/self-giving-at-christmas/ Tue, 21 Dec 2021 09:25:40 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2248 2248 frjflader The visitation, when Mary visits her kinswoman Elizabeth frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noThe first Christmas gift was Jesus Christ himself: “So much did God love the world that he sent his only-begotten Son.” In this meditation we use Mary’s visitation to her kinswoman Elizabeth and other texts of Scripture to consider how we can respond to that gift by: Giving ourselves to God through our life of […]Fr John FladerThe first Christmas gift was Jesus Christ himself: “So much did God love the world that he sent his only-begotten Son.” In this meditation we use Mary’s visitation to her kinswoman Elizabeth and other texts of Scripture to consider how we can respond to that gift by: Giving ourselves to God through our life of […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2021/11/01/devotion-to-the-souls-in-purgatory-2/ https://fatherfladerblog.com/2021/11/01/devotion-to-the-souls-in-purgatory-2/#comments Mon, 01 Nov 2021 06:58:33 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2217 https://fatherfladerblog.com/2021/11/01/devotion-to-the-souls-in-purgatory-2/feed/ 2 2217 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noPurgatory is a reality but because we cannot see the souls being purified there we tend to forget them. In this meditation we pray about the importance of having great devotion to the holy souls. Using texts of Scripture, the Catechism, Pope Benedict XVI, St Thomas More, St Josemaria, St Augustine and others, we consider […]Fr John FladerPurgatory is a reality but because we cannot see the souls being purified there we tend to forget them. In this meditation we pray about the importance of having great devotion to the holy souls. Using texts of Scripture, the Catechism, Pope Benedict XVI, St Thomas More, St Josemaria, St Augustine and others, we consider […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2021/10/09/the-rosary-a-powerful-prayer/ Sat, 09 Oct 2021 08:26:50 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2207 2207 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noThe Rosary, which developed out of Christian piety over the centuries, has shown itself to be a very powerful prayer. In this meditation we consider how: The Rosary gradually developed over the centuries St Dominic used the Rosary to win over the heretics of his day The Rosary has been credited with winning military battles, […]Fr John FladerThe Rosary, which developed out of Christian piety over the centuries, has shown itself to be a very powerful prayer. In this meditation we consider how: The Rosary gradually developed over the centuries St Dominic used the Rosary to win over the heretics of his day The Rosary has been credited with winning military battles, […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2021/10/02/devotion-to-the-holy-angels/ Sat, 02 Oct 2021 04:52:54 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2195 2195 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noAngels are real. They appear throughout the Bible, from the book of Genesis to the book of Revelation. Because we can’t see them, we can easily forget them. In this meditation we pray about how to increase our devotion to the angels, using texts of Scripture, St Josemaria Escriva and St John Vianney, to consider: […]Fr John FladerAngels are real. They appear throughout the Bible, from the book of Genesis to the book of Revelation. Because we can’t see them, we can easily forget them. In this meditation we pray about how to increase our devotion to the angels, using texts of Scripture, St Josemaria Escriva and St John Vianney, to consider: […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2021/08/25/always-optimistic/ Tue, 24 Aug 2021 20:31:44 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2174 2174 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noAs we go through life we often find ourselves tossed on the stormy seas and we can become discouraged, sad, and even depressed. The Covid pandemic adds to those troubles. In a situation like this, we need an attitude not of pessimism and sadness but of optimism and happiness. In this meditation we consider how: […]Fr John FladerAs we go through life we often find ourselves tossed on the stormy seas and we can become discouraged, sad, and even depressed. The Covid pandemic adds to those troubles. In a situation like this, we need an attitude not of pessimism and sadness but of optimism and happiness. In this meditation we consider how: […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2021/08/08/the-cross-pathway-to-heaven/ Sun, 08 Aug 2021 06:50:00 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2163 2163 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noOur Lord invited us, if we would be his disciples, to take up our cross and follow him. A few days later he manifested his divinity to three of his apostles in the Transfiguration, as we will see him in his glory in heaven.  In this meditation, using texts from Scripture, St Josemaria and St […]Fr John FladerOur Lord invited us, if we would be his disciples, to take up our cross and follow him. A few days later he manifested his divinity to three of his apostles in the Transfiguration, as we will see him in his glory in heaven.  In this meditation, using texts from Scripture, St Josemaria and St […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2021/07/13/christ-the-sower/ Tue, 13 Jul 2021 03:27:30 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2140 2140 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noChrist gives us the parable of the sower, who sows seed on different types of soil, yielding different results. In this meditation we consider how we can all be, at times, each of the different types of soil: The path, when we turn a deaf ear to Christ’s promptings The rocky ground, when we begin […]Fr John FladerChrist gives us the parable of the sower, who sows seed on different types of soil, yielding different results. In this meditation we consider how we can all be, at times, each of the different types of soil: The path, when we turn a deaf ear to Christ’s promptings The rocky ground, when we begin […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2021/05/04/mary-teacher-of-prayer/ Tue, 04 May 2021 04:51:05 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2082 2082 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noThe Second Vatican Council called Our Lady “model of the virtues” and we can learn so much from her. In this meditation we go to her as “teacher of prayer” to learn how to pray better. Using texts from Scripture and St Josemaria Escriva we consider how: In the Annunciation Mary listens to what God […]Fr John FladerThe Second Vatican Council called Our Lady “model of the virtues” and we can learn so much from her. In this meditation we go to her as “teacher of prayer” to learn how to pray better. Using texts from Scripture and St Josemaria Escriva we consider how: In the Annunciation Mary listens to what God […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2021/04/14/faith-and-joy-in-the-resurrection/ Tue, 13 Apr 2021 22:48:57 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2065 2065 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noThe Resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday fills us with faith and joy. In this meditation we consider: The sadness and sorrow of Christ’s disciples after his death on the Cross The various accounts in the Gospels of Christ’s appearances after his Resurrection The faith and joy of the holy women and the apostles when […]Fr John FladerThe Resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday fills us with faith and joy. In this meditation we consider: The sadness and sorrow of Christ’s disciples after his death on the Cross The various accounts in the Gospels of Christ’s appearances after his Resurrection The faith and joy of the holy women and the apostles when […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2021/04/01/the-passion-of-christ/ Wed, 31 Mar 2021 23:51:29 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2049 2049 frjflader Face of Christ in the Passion frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noJesus Christ loved us so much that he suffered and died on the Cross to redeem us, to reconcile us with the Father after the original sin of Adam and Eve. In this meditation we follow the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary to see how Christ has loved us “to the end” and how we […]Fr John FladerJesus Christ loved us so much that he suffered and died on the Cross to redeem us, to reconcile us with the Father after the original sin of Adam and Eve. In this meditation we follow the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary to see how Christ has loved us “to the end” and how we […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2021/03/16/st-joseph-teacher-of-prayer/ Mon, 15 Mar 2021 23:46:59 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1551 1551 frjflader Nativity scene icon frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noSt Teresa of Avila called St Joseph “a master who teaches [us] how to pray. In this meditation we consider how: St Joseph prayed in all moments and events of his life We can learn from him how to find God in our work, family life, travel, recreation, etc. We will benefit from having regular […]Fr John FladerSt Teresa of Avila called St Joseph “a master who teaches [us] how to pray. In this meditation we consider how: St Joseph prayed in all moments and events of his life We can learn from him how to find God in our work, family life, travel, recreation, etc. We will benefit from having regular […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2021/03/04/st-joseph-great-saint-and-powerful-intercessor/ Thu, 04 Mar 2021 07:32:00 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2027 2027 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noSt Josemaria Escriva calls St  Joseph “our father and lord”. We can learn much from this great saint and entrust all our needs to him. In this meditation we consider how: St Joseph was chosen by God from all eternity to be the spiritual father of Jesus and the guardian of the Holy Family God […]Fr John FladerSt Josemaria Escriva calls St  Joseph “our father and lord”. We can learn much from this great saint and entrust all our needs to him. In this meditation we consider how: St Joseph was chosen by God from all eternity to be the spiritual father of Jesus and the guardian of the Holy Family God […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2021/01/25/the-church-is-one/ Mon, 25 Jan 2021 08:17:24 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=2002 2002 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noIn the Nicene Creed we profess our belief that the Church is one, holy, catholic and apostolic. In this meditation we pray about the first of these four “marks of the Church”, its unity. We consider that: Christ founded only one Church He prayed in the Last Supper for the unity of the Church The […]Fr John FladerIn the Nicene Creed we profess our belief that the Church is one, holy, catholic and apostolic. In this meditation we pray about the first of these four “marks of the Church”, its unity. We consider that: Christ founded only one Church He prayed in the Last Supper for the unity of the Church The […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2021/01/19/st-josephs-docility-to-the-will-of-god/ Mon, 18 Jan 2021 23:44:09 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1978 1978 frjflader St Joseph's Dream frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noOne of St Joseph’s remarkable qualities was his docility to the will of God. In this meditation we consider: How St Joseph responded to God’s will in various moments Comments of Pope Francis, St Josemaria Escriva and St John Chrysostom on St Joseph’s docility How we come to know the will of God in our […]Fr John FladerOne of St Joseph’s remarkable qualities was his docility to the will of God. In this meditation we consider: How St Joseph responded to God’s will in various moments Comments of Pope Francis, St Josemaria Escriva and St John Chrysostom on St Joseph’s docility How we come to know the will of God in our […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2021/01/02/st-joseph-and-the-difficulties-of-life/ Sat, 02 Jan 2021 06:43:39 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1946 1946 frjflader St Joseph flight into Egypt icon frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)no  We all face difficulties in life: sickness and pain, the loss of loved ones, problems in work and in relationships, financial worries, temptations to sin, etc. Our tendency is to complain about them and thus lose their great value. In this meditation we consider how:  St Joseph faced many difficulties St Josemaria Escriva dealt […]Fr John Flader  We all face difficulties in life: sickness and pain, the loss of loved ones, problems in work and in relationships, financial worries, temptations to sin, etc. Our tendency is to complain about them and thus lose their great value. In this meditation we consider how:  St Joseph faced many difficulties St Josemaria Escriva dealt […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2020/12/20/john-the-baptist-precursor-of-christ/ Sun, 20 Dec 2020 07:01:00 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1933 1933 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noIn the lead-up to Christmas, the liturgy reminds us repeatedly of the important role of St John the Baptist, the precursor of Jesus in preparing the people to receive him. In this meditation we consider: The similarities between the annunciations by the archangel Gabriel to Zechariah and Mary  of the birth of a child The […]Fr John FladerIn the lead-up to Christmas, the liturgy reminds us repeatedly of the important role of St John the Baptist, the precursor of Jesus in preparing the people to receive him. In this meditation we consider: The similarities between the annunciations by the archangel Gabriel to Zechariah and Mary  of the birth of a child The […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2020/11/04/the-good-samaritan-2/ Tue, 03 Nov 2020 19:45:57 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1900 1900 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)no  We all love the parable of the Good Samaritan, but how well do we live out its message? In this meditation we use Pope Francis’ commentary on the parable in his encyclical Fratelli tutti to see the many lessons it contains and to suggest practical ways of putting these lessons into practice.Fr John Flader  We all love the parable of the Good Samaritan, but how well do we live out its message? In this meditation we use Pope Francis’ commentary on the parable in his encyclical Fratelli tutti to see the many lessons it contains and to suggest practical ways of putting these lessons into practice.Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2020/10/17/rechristianising-society-3/ Fri, 16 Oct 2020 19:29:40 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1889 1889 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)no  With God and Christian values being pushed more and more out of our laws, culture and lives, people agree that the world is not in a good place. But what can be done to change this? In this meditation we use texts of the Second Vatican Council, St John Paul II, St Josemaria and […]Fr John Flader  With God and Christian values being pushed more and more out of our laws, culture and lives, people agree that the world is not in a good place. But what can be done to change this? In this meditation we use texts of the Second Vatican Council, St John Paul II, St Josemaria and […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2020/10/05/praying-the-rosary-better/ Sun, 04 Oct 2020 19:54:07 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1880 1880 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noOne of the most powerful and most loved devotions is the Rosary. In this meditation we use St John Paul II’s Apostolic Letter “Rosarium Virginis Mariae”, by which he introduced the Luminous Mysteries in 2002, to come to a deeper understanding of the Rosary so that we can say it better. We consider how: The […]Fr John FladerOne of the most powerful and most loved devotions is the Rosary. In this meditation we use St John Paul II’s Apostolic Letter “Rosarium Virginis Mariae”, by which he introduced the Luminous Mysteries in 2002, to come to a deeper understanding of the Rosary so that we can say it better. We consider how: The […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2020/09/14/prayer-of-the-children-of-god/ Mon, 14 Sep 2020 09:14:22 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1870 1870 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noIn the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us to pray to God our Father, giving us, among other things, the Lord’s Prayer, the Our Father. In this meditation we reflect on how we are to pray to our loving Father God, using texts from Scripture, St Augustine, St John Vianney and St Josemaria Escriva. […]Fr John FladerIn the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us to pray to God our Father, giving us, among other things, the Lord’s Prayer, the Our Father. In this meditation we reflect on how we are to pray to our loving Father God, using texts from Scripture, St Augustine, St John Vianney and St Josemaria Escriva. […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2020/08/19/faith-in-prayer/ Wed, 19 Aug 2020 00:33:42 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1860 1860 frjflader Christ and the Canaanite woman frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noThe Canaanite woman who begged Christ to free her daughter from a demon, only to meet with apparent rejection, shows us how to pray. In this meditation we use the text of the gospel of St Matthew plus quotations of St John Chrysostom, St Augustine, St Thomas Aquinas, St John Vianney and others to consider […]Fr John FladerThe Canaanite woman who begged Christ to free her daughter from a demon, only to meet with apparent rejection, shows us how to pray. In this meditation we use the text of the gospel of St Matthew plus quotations of St John Chrysostom, St Augustine, St Thomas Aquinas, St John Vianney and others to consider […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2020/08/14/calming-the-storm/ Thu, 13 Aug 2020 20:41:27 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1844 1844 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noSt Matthew relates in his gospel how Christ, after multiplying the loaves and fish to feed the multitude, went up onto the hillside to pray. Before dawn the following day he walked on the water to the apostles who were in the boat and calmed the storm. In this meditation we consider how: Prayer is […]Fr John FladerSt Matthew relates in his gospel how Christ, after multiplying the loaves and fish to feed the multitude, went up onto the hillside to pray. Before dawn the following day he walked on the water to the apostles who were in the boat and calmed the storm. In this meditation we consider how: Prayer is […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2020/08/04/the-multiplication-of-the-loaves/ Tue, 04 Aug 2020 02:09:26 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1836 1836 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noWhen Christ multiplied the loaves and fish to feed a vast throng, he asked the apostles to bring the loaves and fish to him and to distribute them to the people. Today too, he wants to feed the people of our generation, who are hungry for his word, and he needs us to help him. […]Fr John FladerWhen Christ multiplied the loaves and fish to feed a vast throng, he asked the apostles to bring the loaves and fish to him and to distribute them to the people. Today too, he wants to feed the people of our generation, who are hungry for his word, and he needs us to help him. […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2020/07/28/learning-patience/ Tue, 28 Jul 2020 01:21:54 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1825 1825 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noWe all have situations in which we find it difficult to be patient. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture and St Josemaria Escriva’s book The Way to consider: How patience is part of the virtue of fortitude How there are degrees of patience How difficulties in life can help sanctify us How love for […]Fr John FladerWe all have situations in which we find it difficult to be patient. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture and St Josemaria Escriva’s book The Way to consider: How patience is part of the virtue of fortitude How there are degrees of patience How difficulties in life can help sanctify us How love for […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2020/07/20/united-to-the-vine/ Sun, 19 Jul 2020 20:32:00 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1811 1811 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noChrist chose his apostles and gave them the mission to go out and bear fruit, fruit that would abide. He warned them that they would be persecuted as he was. After his ascension into heaven they went to the upper room to pray. We too have been sent out, into a very damaged world, and […]Fr John FladerChrist chose his apostles and gave them the mission to go out and bear fruit, fruit that would abide. He warned them that they would be persecuted as he was. After his ascension into heaven they went to the upper room to pray. We too have been sent out, into a very damaged world, and […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2020/07/03/the-wages-of-sin/ Fri, 03 Jul 2020 02:15:03 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1802 1802 frjflader The parable of the prodigal son is mercy perosnified. frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)no  Jesus has loved us “to the end” and we should love him in return, but in spite of our good intentions we all sin. In this meditation we use texts from Scripture,  St Augustine, St John Vianney and St Josemaria Escriva to consider how: We cannot avoid sinning For a sin to be mortal […]Fr John Flader  Jesus has loved us “to the end” and we should love him in return, but in spite of our good intentions we all sin. In this meditation we use texts from Scripture,  St Augustine, St John Vianney and St Josemaria Escriva to consider how: We cannot avoid sinning For a sin to be mortal […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2020/06/04/mary-mother-of-the-church/ Wed, 03 Jun 2020 23:49:59 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1784 1784 frjflader Mary on Pentecost with the apostles frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noPope Francis has given us the new feast of Mary, Mother of the Church, celebrated on the Monday after Pentecost. In this meditation we pray about the background of the feast, considering: Passages of Scripture on Mary, Mother of the Church Texts of Fathers of the Church and Popes on this teaching Proclamation of the […]Fr John FladerPope Francis has given us the new feast of Mary, Mother of the Church, celebrated on the Monday after Pentecost. In this meditation we pray about the background of the feast, considering: Passages of Scripture on Mary, Mother of the Church Texts of Fathers of the Church and Popes on this teaching Proclamation of the […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2020/05/22/mary-model-of-charity/ Fri, 22 May 2020 00:55:14 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1772 1772 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noThe Second Vatican Council called Our Lady “model of the virtues”. In this meditation we use texts from the New Testament to consider how Mary teaches us various aspects of the virtue of charity: In the Annunciation, her love for God moves her to say yes and to bring the God who is Love into […]Fr John FladerThe Second Vatican Council called Our Lady “model of the virtues”. In this meditation we use texts from the New Testament to consider how Mary teaches us various aspects of the virtue of charity: In the Annunciation, her love for God moves her to say yes and to bring the God who is Love into […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2020/04/28/communion-with-christ/ Tue, 28 Apr 2020 00:31:33 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1739 1739 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)no  In the Last Supper, Christ instituted the Eucharist and gave the apostles his Body and Blood as Holy Communion for the first time. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture, the Catechism, St Josemaria Escriva and St John Vianney, the Cure of Ars, to consider how: In Holy Communion we receive the living […]Fr John Flader  In the Last Supper, Christ instituted the Eucharist and gave the apostles his Body and Blood as Holy Communion for the first time. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture, the Catechism, St Josemaria Escriva and St John Vianney, the Cure of Ars, to consider how: In Holy Communion we receive the living […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2020/04/16/eucharistic-souls/ Thu, 16 Apr 2020 00:04:47 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1714 1714 frjflader Christ holding Communion host frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noOn Holy Thursday we celebrated the institution of the Eucharist by Christ in the Last Supper, in what was his last celebration of the Passover. Even though In these extraordinary times of a pandemic most of us are unable to attend Mass, we can still be very united to the Masses being celebrated and so […]Fr John FladerOn Holy Thursday we celebrated the institution of the Eucharist by Christ in the Last Supper, in what was his last celebration of the Passover. Even though In these extraordinary times of a pandemic most of us are unable to attend Mass, we can still be very united to the Masses being celebrated and so […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2020/04/01/with-christ-in-the-storm/ Tue, 31 Mar 2020 22:59:42 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1694 1694 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)no  On 27 March 2020 at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome Pope Francis conducted an hour of prayer broadcast around the world to pray for God’s help in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the world. He based his homily on that occasion on the Gospel passage of Christ calming the storm on the […]Fr John Flader  On 27 March 2020 at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome Pope Francis conducted an hour of prayer broadcast around the world to pray for God’s help in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the world. He based his homily on that occasion on the Gospel passage of Christ calming the storm on the […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2020/03/25/the-feast-of-the-annunciation/ Wed, 25 Mar 2020 08:36:04 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1685 1685 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)no  When the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary in the Annunciation, he invited her to welcome the Son of God into her womb and into the world. She said yes and our redemption was at hand. In this meditation we ponder this great event as related by St Luke and consider that: Because of the […]Fr John Flader  When the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary in the Annunciation, he invited her to welcome the Son of God into her womb and into the world. She said yes and our redemption was at hand. In this meditation we ponder this great event as related by St Luke and consider that: Because of the […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2020/03/15/prayer-in-lent/ Sat, 14 Mar 2020 19:32:52 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1665 1665 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noPrayer is one of the three principal focuses of our Lenten discipline, along with fasting and almsgiving. In this meditation we consider how: Christ himself gives us an example of fervent and assiduous prayer Prayer unites us with Christ and helps us become true friends with him Prayer can take four forms Prayer requires effort […]Fr John FladerPrayer is one of the three principal focuses of our Lenten discipline, along with fasting and almsgiving. In this meditation we consider how: Christ himself gives us an example of fervent and assiduous prayer Prayer unites us with Christ and helps us become true friends with him Prayer can take four forms Prayer requires effort […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2020/01/07/mental-prayer/ Tue, 07 Jan 2020 08:50:15 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1633 1633 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)no    It has often been said that the quality of our interior life is the quality of our prayer. In this meditation we use especially the Catechism of the Catholic Church and St Josemaria’s book The Way to consider how we can improve our personal conversation with God in mental prayer through such means […]Fr John Flader    It has often been said that the quality of our interior life is the quality of our prayer. In this meditation we use especially the Catechism of the Catholic Church and St Josemaria’s book The Way to consider how we can improve our personal conversation with God in mental prayer through such means […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2019/12/21/the-meaning-of-christmas-2/ Sat, 21 Dec 2019 00:22:27 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1623 1623 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)no  Everyone loves Christmas, when we celebrate the birth of Christ in Bethlehem. In this meditation we use the Catechism of the Catholic Church and texts of St Josemaria to pray about why God became man and the consequences this has for us. According to the Catechism, God became man for four reasons: to save […]Fr John Flader  Everyone loves Christmas, when we celebrate the birth of Christ in Bethlehem. In this meditation we use the Catechism of the Catholic Church and texts of St Josemaria to pray about why God became man and the consequences this has for us. According to the Catechism, God became man for four reasons: to save […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2019/11/26/the-communion-of-saints/ Tue, 26 Nov 2019 07:20:10 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1614 1614 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noPope Francis called the Communion of Saints one of the most consoling truths of our faith. Indeed it is. In this meditation we use texts of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, St Bernard, St Therese of Lisieux, St Josemaria, Pope Francis and Kimberly Hahn to pray about this union of the saints in heaven, […]Fr John FladerPope Francis called the Communion of Saints one of the most consoling truths of our faith. Indeed it is. In this meditation we use texts of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, St Bernard, St Therese of Lisieux, St Josemaria, Pope Francis and Kimberly Hahn to pray about this union of the saints in heaven, […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2019/11/20/stand-up-for-the-faith/ Tue, 19 Nov 2019 18:53:18 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1603 1603 frjflader Christ teaching the apostles frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noJesus warned his followers on one occasion that they would be hated and persecuted for the sake of his name. Today this is happening on a grand scale, in part because the Catholic Church is the largest single religion in the world and in part because the Church stands firmly for what the world is […]Fr John FladerJesus warned his followers on one occasion that they would be hated and persecuted for the sake of his name. Today this is happening on a grand scale, in part because the Catholic Church is the largest single religion in the world and in part because the Church stands firmly for what the world is […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2019/10/23/growing-in-hope/ Wed, 23 Oct 2019 05:18:03 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1595 1595 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noWe all have situations in which we wish something were different but we are not in a position to change it by ourselves: our job, finances, health, relationships, etc. In these circumstances we can sometimes become discouraged. It is then that we need to grow in hope, to trust more in God. In this meditation […]Fr John FladerWe all have situations in which we wish something were different but we are not in a position to change it by ourselves: our job, finances, health, relationships, etc. In these circumstances we can sometimes become discouraged. It is then that we need to grow in hope, to trust more in God. In this meditation […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2019/10/10/discovering-our-calling/ Thu, 10 Oct 2019 10:52:36 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1585 1585 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noJesus told the apostles in the Last Supper that they had not chosen him, but that he had chosen them for a particular mission:  to go out and bear fruit. God has created each individual for a purpose: to fulfil some definite part of his plan for the salvation of all souls. In this meditation […]Fr John FladerJesus told the apostles in the Last Supper that they had not chosen him, but that he had chosen them for a particular mission:  to go out and bear fruit. God has created each individual for a purpose: to fulfil some definite part of his plan for the salvation of all souls. In this meditation […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2019/09/17/sacrament-of-joy/ Tue, 17 Sep 2019 02:50:43 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1573 1573 frjflader The parable of the prodigal son is mercy perosnified. frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)no  The sacrament of Penance is truly a sacrament of joy, a sacrament of mercy. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture, St John Paul II, Pope Francis and St John Vianney to consider how: Christ gave the sacrament of penance  to the Church on the very evening of his Resurrection The sacrament corresponds […]Fr John Flader  The sacrament of Penance is truly a sacrament of joy, a sacrament of mercy. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture, St John Paul II, Pope Francis and St John Vianney to consider how: Christ gave the sacrament of penance  to the Church on the very evening of his Resurrection The sacrament corresponds […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2019/08/27/love-for-our-neighbour/ Tue, 27 Aug 2019 06:21:20 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1562 1562 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)no    St Paul tells us that the greatest of the virtues is charity. If we are to live this virtue well, we must first grow in love for God so that his love fills us and overflows into those around us. In this meditation we consider how: The more we love God, the easier […]Fr John Flader    St Paul tells us that the greatest of the virtues is charity. If we are to live this virtue well, we must first grow in love for God so that his love fills us and overflows into those around us. In this meditation we consider how: The more we love God, the easier […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2019/07/22/sorrow-for-our-sins-2/ Mon, 22 Jul 2019 02:26:21 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.wordpress.com/?p=3 3 frjflader Face of Christ in the Passion frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)no    We all sin, but how much true sorrow do we have? In this meditation we use texts of St Augustine, the Roman Catechism, St John Vianney and St Josemaria Escriva to consider three aspects of penance: the virtue of penance, or sorrow for our sins, the sacrament of penance and the acts of […]Fr John Flader    We all sin, but how much true sorrow do we have? In this meditation we use texts of St Augustine, the Roman Catechism, St John Vianney and St Josemaria Escriva to consider three aspects of penance: the virtue of penance, or sorrow for our sins, the sacrament of penance and the acts of […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2019/06/17/learning-to-love/ Sun, 16 Jun 2019 19:56:37 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1540 1540 frjflader Our Lord, Jesus Christ washing the feet of his apostles. frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)no  Our Lord loved us “to the end” and he gives us the New Commandment to love one another as he has loved us. In this meditation we consider how: The saints, including St Josemaria, truly poured out love because they themselves were in love with God If we are going to love our neighbour […]Fr John Flader  Our Lord loved us “to the end” and he gives us the New Commandment to love one another as he has loved us. In this meditation we consider how: The saints, including St Josemaria, truly poured out love because they themselves were in love with God If we are going to love our neighbour […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2019/04/25/meditations-now-on-soundcloud/ Thu, 25 Apr 2019 10:09:16 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1529 1529 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader) https://fatherfladerblog.com/2019/02/19/holy-mass-centre-and-root-of-the-interior-life/ Tue, 19 Feb 2019 00:38:03 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1491 1491 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)no      The Second Vatican Council, using some words of St Josemaria Escriva, called the Mass the centre and root of the interior life. If we make the Mass our centre and root, we will attend it better and we will unite all our acitivities with it. In this meditation we consider how: The […]Fr John Flader      The Second Vatican Council, using some words of St Josemaria Escriva, called the Mass the centre and root of the interior life. If we make the Mass our centre and root, we will attend it better and we will unite all our acitivities with it. In this meditation we consider how: The […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2019/02/05/rechristianising-society-2/ Tue, 05 Feb 2019 04:11:30 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1485 1485 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noChrist sent the apostles out to the whole world to teach all nations. They went out and in just over three hundred years, amidst bitter persecution of Christians, the Roman Empire declared itself officially Christian. Christendom, a Europe with Christian laws and customs, would last for over a thousand years, and from Europe the faith […]Fr John FladerChrist sent the apostles out to the whole world to teach all nations. They went out and in just over three hundred years, amidst bitter persecution of Christians, the Roman Empire declared itself officially Christian. Christendom, a Europe with Christian laws and customs, would last for over a thousand years, and from Europe the faith […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2019/01/22/the-wedding-feast-of-cana/ Tue, 22 Jan 2019 02:36:47 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1477 1477 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)noOur Lord’s first miracle at the wedding feast of Cana has much to teach us. In this meditation we use texts of St Josemaria, Tertullian and St John Vianney to consider some of these lessons: The beauty of Christian marriage The importance of inviting Jesus to our wedding Our Lady’s motherly concern at Cana and […]Fr John FladerOur Lord’s first miracle at the wedding feast of Cana has much to teach us. In this meditation we use texts of St Josemaria, Tertullian and St John Vianney to consider some of these lessons: The beauty of Christian marriage The importance of inviting Jesus to our wedding Our Lady’s motherly concern at Cana and […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2019/01/01/the-holy-family-model-of-all-families/ Mon, 31 Dec 2018 19:48:17 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1468 1468 frjflader frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)no    In the words of St John Paul II “The history of mankind, the history of salvation, passes by way of the family”. Yet the family today is under attack in many ways. If it is to fulfil its mission, the family can turn to the Holy Family of Nazareth for inspiration and strength. In […]Fr John Flader    In the words of St John Paul II “The history of mankind, the history of salvation, passes by way of the family”. Yet the family today is under attack in many ways. If it is to fulfil its mission, the family can turn to the Holy Family of Nazareth for inspiration and strength. In […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions https://fatherfladerblog.com/2018/12/25/the-first-christmas-gift/ Tue, 25 Dec 2018 01:47:36 +0000 http://fatherfladerblog.com/?p=1462 1462 frjflader Nativity scene icon frjflader@gmail.com (Fr John Flader)no    At Christmas we have the wonderful custom of giving gifts to others. But the first Christmas gift came from God himself, who so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son  to dwell amongst us and redeem us by his death on the Cross. In this meditation we consider: The Gospel passage […]Fr John Flader    At Christmas we have the wonderful custom of giving gifts to others. But the first Christmas gift came from God himself, who so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son  to dwell amongst us and redeem us by his death on the Cross. In this meditation we consider: The Gospel passage […]Fr,John,Flader,Catholic,meditations,spiritual,life,virtues,prayer,devotions