Events Roundup—1.22.15

From First Thoughts

New York A Mess of Help January 24 The Olmsted Salon, a ministry of Calvary/St. John’s Church which seeks to integrate faith and culture, is hosting author David Zahl for a book event. Constructed like an album, Zhal’s new book “A Mess of Help” surveys some of . . . . Continue Reading »

What We’ve Been Reading

From First Thoughts

I’ve just finished this beautiful little book, The Mother of the Little Flower: Zelie Martin, written by Céline Martin (Sister Genevieve of the Holy Face), the sister of Thérèse of Lisieux. Though quite short, this biography gives a full portrait of an exceptional woman whose greatest desire was to glorify God, even in times extreme suffering. It includes personal anecdotes of her charity and devotion and also supplies excerpts from her letters, in which she never fails to express her gratitude for and trust in God’s unfailing love. Yesterday I began reading Jacques Philippe’s The Way of Trust and Love, which is based on a retreat he gave on Thérèse of Lisieux. He closely examines her writings, explaining her “completely new little way” of spirituality and how one can apply it everyday life. Philippe recommends reading the book “one chapter a day and then taking time to meditate on it, re-reading the quotations in the context of your personal prayer, and asking yourself what light they throw on your own life, what invitations our Lord is making to you through them.” Continue Reading »