Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thess 5:16-18). That’s a tall order St Paul lays on us. It can be hard to remain joyful even when times are good, but it’s especially challenging when life becomes complicated or downright difficult. The first thing to remember is that while joy and happiness are related, they aren’t the same thing. Happiness is more fleeting and dependent upon our environment, while joy is a state of being that allows us to hold... Read more
COMING FRI on M2L–Hanging on to Joy. In light of the events of this week, we’re looking at the challenge of holding on to joy through difficult times. We’ll look at what joy is and what it takes to experience joy even when things aren’t as they should be. If you’d like more joy in your life, call in to discuss what’s holding you back at 877-573-7825 from Noon-1pm Eastern (11am-Noon C) Don’t forget to respond to our M2L FB... Read more
Reflecting on Russel Shaw’s new book about reclaiming our Catholic identity, especially in light of the controversy caused by Bishop Vasa’s attempts to assert the Catholic identity of his diocesan schools, I thought it might be good to look at all the good things the Church tries to do and ask, “Why?” Why do Catholics run schools, hospitals, charity organizations and the like? Are we just terminal do-gooder busy-bodies who can’t just leave well-enough alone? Well, of course the answer... Read more
I got an email today that really touched my heart. I’ve removed any identifying information, but I wanted to share it in the hopes that, perhaps, even more lives could be touched. Dr. Popcak, I just wanted to say thanks for writing the “holy sex” book. My husband and I have had some difficulties, and it was so comforting to find out we weren’t crazy. One of the most painful things was this idea that if you’re generally faithful to Church... Read more
COMING WED on MORE2LIFE–EVERYDAY HEROES: Today on M2L we celebrate the little ways we can make a difference in the lives of others and the little (and sometimes not so little) ways other people have made a difference in our life. Call in at 877-573-7825 with your stories of the everyday heroes (e.g., your spouse, mom and dad, a teacher, a pastor who cared, a friend who was there for you) who have made your life better. Need a lift... Read more
Earlier today, I posted a video that offered a cautionary view of medication. The point of the video was that while medication can sometimes be helpful, it can also be problematic if it used to mask other relationship or personal problems that are actually causing the depression. In these cases, medication can actually keep a person depressed longer because the person may experience just enough relief to lose the motivation to solve their underlying problems. They may get better, but... Read more
Antidepressants can be an important part of treatment, but people forget that there are many causes of depression. If a depression is caused largely by relationship problems, for example, an antidepressant may not work, or may even cause more serious problems as the person is lulled into the position of accepting destructive relationships as “normal.” This two minute video offers an important illustration of both the benefits and limitations of meds. For information on Catholic-integrated counseling services, contact the Pastoral... Read more
Whether we are reacting to the headlines out of Boston or dealing with personal tragedies, it is easy to forget who we are when we go through difficult times. Instead of thinking and acting like the sons and daughters of God that we are, we can become petty, spiteful, isolating, self-pitying and even vengeful. It was this impulse Pope Francis was challenging when he reminded all of us in his message to the people of Boston to “resolve to not be... Read more
COMING TUES: Out of Control–Whether we’re reacting to the headlines or unpleasant personal news, life is filled with challenges that make us feel anxious, confused, and out-of-control. Today on M2L, we’ll look at ways to regain our equil…ibrium as well as our sense of purpose and direction when life takes us off guard. Don’t forget to respond to our M2L FB Q of the D: What kinds of situations (either in your personal life or in the news) are most likely to make... Read more
Rebecca Hamilton posted the full text of Pope Francis’ homily from this past Sunday. It is a terrific homily. Very accessible and worth the read. The key theme of his message is the sentence, “Let us all remember this: one cannot proclaim the Gospel of Jesus without the tangible witness of one’s life.” I’d like to unpack what this means for Catholic couples and families. As Catholics, we recognize that marriage and family life is an important ministry of Church. ... Read more
Faith on the Couch
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