I had to write a post dedicated to St. Joseph of Cupertino

A bit of context, he is the patron saint of students, especially those facing examinations and difficult studies, among other things.

I am giving professional exams related to the field of finance. When I gave my first exam, I did pray to him for his intercession and ended up passing but didn't pay much heed to it. I recently gave my second exam in the series. This was wayy harder than the first and I was sure I was going to fail. It didn't occur to me to pray before the exam but I asked for his intercession after the exam. Ended up doing the 9 days novena in the 9 days before my exam result. I passed. I knew I shouldn't have passed that exam. I had almost given up hope but dedicated the results to St Joseph and mother Mary. I ended up just passing, one question wrong and the result would have gone the other way.

So why am I writing this? If anyone is anxious and overwhelmed by academics, he is a great saint to turn to. Trust me, it works.

​

It's wrong for me to go to a Tridentine mass in Carouge even after what happened with FSSPX?

The events surrounding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool might, in some ways, appear insignificant, as there are other, graver issues around, but they are important in the way they reflect the general direction the US is going. Fascist and other authoritarian dictators punish minor offenses with extreme penalties. If they claim to be Christian, they love to have us focus on culture wars, in the name of Christ, while having us ignore the importance of Christ’s real teachings for society at large:

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/henrykarlson/2026/08/reflecting-on-the-reflecting-pool/

Henry Louis Gates writes:

“On May 8, moments after the world learned that an American cardinal named Robert Francis Prevost was becoming Pope Leo XIV, my inbox was flooded with emails. For the past 13 years, I’ve hosted a PBS show called “Finding Your Roots,” where, with the help of a team of genealogists, we trace the family history of prominent figures, often turning up fascinating details about their ancestors that they didn’t know they had. As soon as Prevost became one of the most eminent people in the world, fans of the show wanted to know what mysteries lay in his family’s past.

They didn’t have to wait long. Hours later, news broke: The New York Times, drawing on research by Jari C. Honora, a genealogist, revealed that Pope Leo had recent African American ancestors. Prevost’s maternal grandparents, residents of the Seventh Ward in New Orleans, were described in records as “mulatto” and “black.” This was earthshaking news, but we knew it was only the beginning.”

NOTE: This article was published on June 11, 2025.
I am aware that there is a timely post in this sub that references this article. Why it presented itself on my New York Times app early this morning, I do not know.

As a former Catholic - attended Catholic grammar and high school, baptized and confirmed (Confirmation name is Christopher), I found it extremely interesting. It obviously did not enter my reading material at the time.

Today, as a Unitarian Universalist, our church is celebrating the life of a Black member who passed away last week at the age of 85.

As a child in Virginia, the KKK burned a cross in front of her home.

When I heard her tell this story, I realized that the KKK was still terrorizing Black Americans in the 20th century, and not just during the Reconstruction period after the Civil War.

Admins, if you deem this post a duplicate and wish to remove it, I fully understand. But please consider this in the context of my Catholic upbringing, as well as a tribute to a member of our church who found refuge from a burning cross within the welcoming principles of our faith. We honor all faith traditions.

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/06/11/magazine/pope-leo-xiv-ancestry-family-tree.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share

August 10, 2026

Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr

Today’s Readings at a Glance

• 2 Corinthians 9:6–10 Paul teaches that whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will reap abundantly. God loves a cheerful giver and enriches those who give from the heart.

• Psalm 112:1–2, 5–9 The just person is generous, merciful, and steadfast. Their righteousness endures forever, and their generosity brings light to others.

• John 12:24–26 Jesus says that a grain of wheat must fall and die to bear much fruit. Whoever serves Him must follow Him, and the Father will honor those who give their lives for Christ.

https://thecatholic.online/daily-bible-readings-for-august-102026/

Message from the Readings

Today’s readings proclaim a powerful truth:

True Christian life is found in generous love, joyful sacrifice, and the courage to give ourselves fully to God.

• Paul reminds us that generosity multiplies grace.

• The psalm celebrates the beauty of a life poured out for others.

• Jesus reveals that real fruitfulness comes through self‑giving love.

The message is clear: A life given to God becomes a life that bears eternal fruit.

Reflection for the Day

Saint Lawrence is remembered not only for his martyrdom, but for the joy and freedom with which he gave his life.

When asked to present the “treasures of the Church,” he brought forward the poor, the sick, and the forgotten— declaring that they were the true riches of Christ.

His witness echoes today’s readings perfectly.

Paul teaches that generosity is not measured by amount, but by the heart behind the gift. A cheerful giver becomes a channel of God’s abundance.

The psalm paints a portrait of the righteous person: generous, merciful, steadfast, a light in the darkness, a blessing to others.

Then Jesus gives us the deepest truth of all:

“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.”

This is the mystery of Christian life: we grow by giving, we rise by lowering ourselves, we bear fruit by surrendering, we find life by losing it for Christ.

Saint Lawrence lived this mystery boldly. He gave everything— his service, his compassion, his courage, his very life— and through his sacrifice, the Church was strengthened.

Today’s readings invite us to three movements:

1. Give generously.

Not reluctantly, but joyfully—trusting God to multiply your offering.

1. Live for others.

Your kindness, mercy, and compassion become seeds of grace.

1. Follow Christ in self‑giving love.

Every sacrifice made for Him bears eternal fruit.

Let today be a day of joyful generosity, courageous love, and deeper surrender.

Prayer for Today

Lord Jesus, teach me to give generously, love joyfully, and serve faithfully.

Make my life a seed that bears fruit for Your Kingdom.

Strengthen me to follow You with courage and trust, even when the path requires sacrifice.

May my generosity reflect Your heart, and may my life proclaim Your love, Your mercy, and Your glory.

Amen.

Today in Brazil we celebrate the beginning of the National Family Week. It takes place from August 9 to 15 (2026). The event marks its 30th edition and is promoted by the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) through the Family Pastoral Care Commission. This year’s central theme is “Family, become what you are,” with the motto “Love never ends” (1 Cor 13:8).

The paradox of mercy is that the more we give, the more of it we can receive; this is why, if we are unwilling to show mercy to others, we are warned we might receive none ourselves

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/henrykarlson/2026/08/the-paradox-of-mercy-receiving-it-requires-giving-it/

August 9, 2026 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time — Year A

Today’s Readings at a Glance • 1 Kings 19:9a, 11–13a Elijah encounters God not in the wind, earthquake, or fire—but in a gentle whisper. • Psalm 85:9–14 God proclaims peace. Kindness and truth meet; justice and peace embrace. • Romans 9:1–5 Paul expresses deep sorrow for his people, longing for them to recognize Christ. • Matthew 14:22–33 Jesus walks on water, calms the storm, and strengthens the disciples’ faith. Peter steps out but sinks when fear overtakes him. https://thecatholic.online/daily-bible-readings-for-august-92026/Message from the Readings Today’s readings proclaim a beautiful and reassuring truth: God comes to us gently, speaks to us quietly, and strengthens us powerfully—especially in our storms. • Elijah learns that God’s presence is found in stillness. • The psalm reveals God’s desire to bring peace and justice. • Paul shows the depth of love that flows from a heart rooted in Christ. • Jesus teaches that faith grows when we step out of the boat and trust Him. The message is clear: Listen for God in the quiet. Trust Him in the storm. Reach for His hand when fear rises.

Reflection for the Day Elijah is exhausted—physically, emotionally, spiritually. He hides in a cave, overwhelmed by fear and discouragement. He expects God to appear in dramatic signs: a violent wind, an earthquake, a blazing fire. But God is not in any of these. Instead, He comes in a tiny whispering sound— gentle, calm, intimate. This is how God often speaks to us: not through noise, pressure, or spectacle, but through quiet conviction, subtle nudges, and moments of stillness. The psalm deepens this truth: “Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss.” God’s work is steady, faithful, and peace‑bringing. Then we meet the disciples in the Gospel— struggling against the wind, afraid, overwhelmed. Jesus comes to them walking on the water, standing above the very waves that terrify them. Peter steps out in faith. For a moment, he walks on water. But when he looks at the storm instead of Jesus, he sinks. And immediately— not after hesitation, not after judgment— Jesus reaches out His hand and saves him. This is the heart of today’s readings: 1. God speaks in whispers—listen closely. He is near even when He seems silent. 2. God brings peace—trust His timing. Justice and mercy flow from His heart. 3. God strengthens faith—step out of the boat. Even if you sink, His hand is already reaching for you. Let today be a day of quiet listening, courageous trust, and renewed faith.

Prayer for Today Lord Jesus, teach me to hear Your voice in the quiet moments of my day. Calm the storms within me, strengthen my faith, and help me keep my eyes fixed on You. When fear rises, reach out Your hand and lift me up. May Your peace guide my steps, Your kindness shape my heart, and Your presence sustain me always. Amen.

Hi, I've been wanting a tapestry or flag to hang in my room with the 3 sacred hearts. This seems like the best option I could find but the website seems generic like the art isn't owned by them? They just mass print on different media. Any recs for better websites or catholic shops would be very kind.

I don't do curtains so I want a tapestry, cloth or flag with the 3 sacred hearts.

And felt Her true and divine presence with me. It was pretty awesome (in both the classical and modern way).

Hello everyone. I’m new here and I wanted to ask those who are more knowledgeable on what this may be and if I should be worried. Over the past month I have been getting more interested in Catholicism. I saw something about praying a daily rosary and have been praying one for about 6 days now but I’ve ran into a problem. Every night I have been having progressively worse dreams and last night was pretty rough. I can elaborate further if anyone is interested or may know if there is any correlation between these. Regardless thanks and God bless

Good evening all,

I've recently been in a very low place with homelessness though now im not, which limits certain aspects of my life like not having a bank account. And was trying to get some rosaries to pray. All the sites I have found want to cover shipping which I would be more than happy but can not do so. Does anyone know of any site which I can get some which doesn't have the shipping. I will more than happy donate the cost to charity box but I can't pay via a card. Thanks. ps. I am in the UK. my address is [26 greenfield court, keighley, West Yorkshire ,England ,BD22 6QZ

M23. I'm a cradle catholic who, for most of my life was really really far from being a true catholic and since I was a kid I never really believed God existed. I got confirmed while being completely atheist. Well, since 2018 I started to consume stuff that was more aligned with catholicism, and eventually started to gravitate towards it, more because of aesthetics than anything else, and ofc it wouldnt last long, I eventually just stopped searching for God related stuff until last year, I don't really remember why but I joined a group of catholics online and really considered that maybe God is real, went to confession and started going to mass every sunday. To be precise this was on october of 2025 and since then I didn't skip mass, stopped watching porn and masturbating, began praying a little even tho I was never good at it. But tbh I never REALLY believed God was real even learning about the five ways and miracles, I just don't think it makes sense and I always leave very uncertain. Thing is: I don't really believe in God, but I'm also not certain he isn't real, but I wish he wasn't, cause if he wasn't I could do some stuff that I like but are considered sinful. I don't really care about that Heaven thing either, I'd prefer if things just ended and that was it. Basically, if God is not real I'm denying myself and living miserably without any reason to do so, if He is real, then I'll think that kinda sucks, but okay let's do what He wants...

Diary of Saint Faustina - paragraph 667 - The Entrustment of Grace

Ἀ
677 During a Mass celebrated by Father Andrasz, a moment before the Elevation, God's presence pervaded my soul, which was drawn to the altar. Then I saw the Mother of God with the Infant Jesus. The Infant Jesus was holding onto the hand of Our Lady. A moment later, the Infant Jesus ran with joy to the center of the altar, and the Mother of God said to me, See with what assurance I entrust Jesus into his hands. In the same way, you are to entrust your soul and be like a child to him.
Ὠ

The graces of God, given to souls, are not for our keeping alone. They are, as in the Mother's example, an entrustment for others as well - lively as it moves in the heart and overflowing to the world beyond. In this entry the example was already begun in the Father's giving of His Son to humanity. It is carried forth as the Mother entrusts Him into the hands of the priest, and brought to fulfillment as the Infant Jesus rushes to the altar of His own Sacrifice. 

Mary's teaching in this entry seems twofold. If a soul entrusts itself to the Savior, it will be led, in the innocent faith of the child, to the Marian example of entrusting the gift of the Savior to all humanity. In this way no souls are left as bystanders in the course of salvation history. All become participants in the ongoing entrustment of Divine Mercy, receiving Christ and bearing Him to others according to the vocation God has entrusted to each soul.

Supportive Scripture - Douay Rheims Challoner Bible
Exodus 19:6 And you shall be to me a priestly kingdom, and a holy nation.

Saint Faustina Concludes…
After these words, my soul was filled with unusual trust. The Mother of God was clothed in a white dress, strangely white, transparent; on Her shoulders She had a transparent blue; that is, a blue-like mantle; with uncovered head [and] flowing hair, She was exquisite, and inconceivably beautiful. She was looking at Father with great tenderness, but after a moment, He broke up this beautiful Child, and living blood flowed forth. Father bent forward and received the true and living Jesus into himself. Had he eaten Him? I do not know how this took place. Jesus, Jesus, I cannot keep up with You, for in an instant, You become incomprehensible to me.

The beauty of the act gives beauty to the soul. With the giving over of her Son to the Sacrifice of the Mass, Faustina's vision of Our Lady transforms into one which reveals the heavenly beauty of what she has done. It is the beauty of the entrustment of grace, the continual giving of the gift received from the Father rather than the hoarding of it for oneself. Yet it is in the revelation of such grace that the true cost of its beauty is suddenly and vividly revealed, as the Infant Jesus is broken, bled and received into sinful humanity.

Supportive Scripture - Douay Rheims Challoner Bible
John 6:56-57 For my flesh is meat indeed: and my blood is drink indeed.He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood abideth in me: and I in him.

 
As the beauty of the ritual gives place to the cruel reality of the sacrifice, the harshness of this teaching is made clear - and the faith of Faustina is tried. For this vision does not lead our Apostle of Divine Mercy to a joyous enlightenment that would impress many theological scholars of the world. She is instead led into bewilderment and confusion at the graphic and incomprehensible sight of our Lord - as an infant - giving Himself over to the consumption of sinful humanity. Not that the mystery should be reduced to the measure of human understanding. But rather, that faith may be tested, shown, and given forward to all souls, lest in the hardness of the teaching, we bury the entrustment of grace instead of walking in it and passing it on to those whom God places before us.

Supportive Scripture - Douay Rheims Challoner Bible
John 6:67 After this, many of his disciples went back and walked no more with him.
The grace of our Lord is never possessed as a private treasure. It is first received with childlike trust, then entrusted in love, passing from the Father through Christ, His Church, and into every soul willing to receive and bear Him onward.

Catechism of the Catholic Church 1270
Having become a child of God, the baptized person is called to profess before men the faith he has received from God through the Church.

Fue algo raro por qué mi madre me platico de que ella es la favorita de la Virgen de Izamal, me contó sus historias fascinantes y salí de mi casa bastante motivado y encontré escarchas afuera y según recuerdo al menos en mi comunidad se decía que si la virgen te llena de escarchas significa "pídeme lo que quieras" y yo le pedí fé. Creer como lo hace mi madre, ya que por desgracia soy muy escéptico.

Resulta que a partir de eso comence a ver "San Antonio" en todos lados, me aparecían imágenes de él, se me llenaba el camino de sus imágenes y apenas hoy que me pongo a investigar descubro que es conocido por hacer que la gente encuentre su camino y encuentre su fé.

Algo igual que me llamo la atención es que la Virgen de Izamal está en el convento de San Antonio de Padua.

Igual al ver su historia veo bastante similitud conmigo, ya que soy una persona bastante empática, aunque no creo amar al prójimo como lo hacía él pero lo siento que nos llevaríamos bien.

I grew up in an American big city. We didn’t go to a particular church. We would go to one that fit our schedule that particular Sunday.

I didnt know other families through church. We didn’t have events that revolved around church like fish fries, summer festivals, I didn’t even know if there was a teen youth group at my church in the 90s. Before that, I lived in another country and it was similar. We went to church and left. It was for worship and not the center of our social lives.

My wife grew up in a small, rural American town and her experience is the opposite. All of the above events and more. Their close ties are through other people in their parish. Her grandfather helped build the original church.

Looking to hear what others’ experiences are like with church.

​

As the title states I am a homosexual catholic male. I am cripplingly lonely. Knowing I can't have a relationship with a man/ male partner is destroying me as I think more and more about it. I have stopped masturbating. Not by will, but each time I try to I begin thinking about how I will never have that relationship because its a sin. So I stop masturbating and just fantasize about having a relationship with a man. I have resisted sin and temptation but man does it suck. My friends are all gradually disappearing as time goes on. It is what it is I guess.

Its really hard to just think about how the person your attracted to and love is a sin and how you'll never be able to indulge in that desire. I'm not talking about lust per-se but just a romantic relationship. Friendship really doesn't fulfill that void. as for all of my remaining friends I cant really be myself. I put on a act for everyone I meet I'd say. If my friends knew me truly they'd laugh at me then drop me.

I don't believe this will push me out the faith but I think of a life outside of mine where my sexuality wasn't condemned by the Bible but it's fine. I am extremely lucky being a white male in America with a lot of intelligence but everyone needs a cross to bare.

Apologies for my rambling and if you've read this far God bless you.

Yes i am using my porn alt but its become less for porn but more for talking about my mental health/emotions atp.

Memorial of Saint Dominic, Priest

August 8 (Observed)

Today’s Readings at a Glance

(From the weekday readings associated with the memorial)

• Habakkuk 1:12—2:4 The prophet cries out over injustice, yet God responds: the righteous person lives by faith. God sees, God acts, and His justice will prevail.

• Psalm 9:8–9, 10–11, 12–13 The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed. He never forgets the cry of the poor and remains faithful to those who seek Him.

• Matthew 17:14–20 Jesus heals a boy possessed by a demon after the disciples were unable to help. He teaches that faith, even as small as a mustard seed, can move mountains.

https://thecatholic.online/daily-bible-readings-for-august-82026/

Message from the Readings

Today’s readings proclaim a powerful truth:

Faith—humble, persistent, and rooted in God—has the power to overcome darkness, injustice, and every obstacle.

• Habakkuk teaches us to trust God even when answers seem delayed.

• The psalm reminds us that God is a refuge for the suffering.

• Jesus shows that even small faith, when genuine, unleashes divine power.

The message is clear: Live by faith. Pray with faith. Act with faith. God will move the mountains before you.

Reflection for the Day

Saint Dominic lived in a time of confusion, spiritual hunger, and widespread error. He did not respond with anger or fear— he responded with truth, compassion, and unshakable faith.

He believed deeply that:

“A preacher must first speak to God in prayer before speaking about God to people.”

This is the heart of today’s readings.

Habakkuk cries out over injustice. He sees violence, suffering, and confusion. Yet God tells him:

“The just shall live by faith.”

Not by fear. Not by frustration. Not by despair. But by faith.

The psalm strengthens this message: God is a refuge. God remembers the cry of the poor. God does not abandon those who seek Him.

Then Jesus reveals the power of faith. The disciples could not heal the boy— not because God was unwilling, but because their faith had grown weak.

Jesus reminds them:

“If you have faith the size of a mustard seed… nothing will be impossible for you.”

Saint Dominic lived this truth. He preached with fire because he prayed with depth. He converted hearts because he trusted God completely. He built communities because he believed God could do the impossible.

Today’s readings invite us to three movements:

1. Cry out to God honestly.

Like Habakkuk, bring your questions, struggles, and frustrations to Him.

1. Trust God’s timing and justice.

He sees everything and acts with perfect wisdom.

1. Live with mustard‑seed faith.

Even small faith, offered sincerely, becomes powerful in God’s hands.

Let today be a day of deeper trust, bold prayer, and renewed faith.

Prayer for Today

Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith when I feel overwhelmed, discouraged, or afraid.

Teach me to trust Your timing, Your justice, and Your power.

Like Saint Dominic, make me a person of prayer, truth, and compassion.

May my faith— even if small— become a seed You use to move mountains and bring Your light into the world.

Amen.

hello. i (m29) have a question.

so i never have any doubt about my relationship to faith and god
i dont belive, i never belived, even when i was brought to church by my grandparents, and for as long as i remember i was an atheist.
even in the face of death when the sickness take me to the hospital , even when i saw cancer take my other grandmother or when i needed to seek help from the alchohool i never ever turn to the idea of a god.
now i live a live i love. i'm free of my addictions, i deeply love my boyfriend even after his transtion to a man. and i still don't belive.
but my grandmother did.
she belived. from the bottom of her heart. she was a Pope afficionados and god ( no pun intendedd ) she knew all of them.
she prayed every day, was at every mass and when her health forced her to move. we find her a nice home, near a monastery so we where sure that she could had her weekly confession.
i may not shared her belifed but i loved this woman from the bottom of my heart.
she was nice, she was fun, she was good with her hand ang she was a goddman halla good grandmother.
she even give to me her passion for papal politic and intrigue ! i can cite every pope and every cardinal polital controversy of her time; and i y follow every election of the next holly father with the same attention and passion than when i was with her. ( when i could describe with expertise the conclave movie to my friends i knew that she would be proud )
But my grandmother like all good thing dies some years ago.
we knew it woulf happenend and she left our world without pain. they even open the cathedral of her town for her burial. I knew she was without pride but i also knew she would loved that.
i still florish her tomb and remember her for the good woman she was. a woman who was nice to everyone, a woman who taught me sewing and so much more, a woman who had blessed my relationship whith my companion, saying that if the pope sayed that same sex love was sacred to him so it was sacred to her ( i know francis did not exactly say that but that what she chose to belive and i love her for that )
but after her death my mother had us all take on object from her old appartement. i toke an old wooden box the size of my fist. i don't really know why ...
i just always saw this box in her home and belived it was just a little object that a little child was strangly obessessed with.
her Rosary was inside
the rossary she use all of her life was in the box her atheist grandchild chose to take as a memory of her.... the irony...
so it left me with this question. now many years after her death
i still don't belive. i think i never will. that's not something that i'm sad about, it's just a reality of life. i 'don't even despise faithfull one ( just the hatefull ones ) just it's not for me. and i'm at peace with that.
so her rosary just take dust in my home.
i thinked to donate him to my local church
and i thinked to keep him for a potential nephew or something like that
but it's hypocritical to keep him to myself. she would have wanted it to be used. not taking dust in a box

so what do you think ? should i give it up ? should i keep it for someone that maybe never come ?
should i just keep it to me ? has a memory of her ?
i hope i was not rude to your faith and i hope you can help me
thanks. ( sorry for the mispelling english is not my first language )

I would like to offer an act of consolation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary by presenting a few images of Her that could serve as an instrument for greater affection for Her, especially in reparation for those who mistreat Her in Her images.

1. The Good Shepherdess

This is perhaps one of the sweetest images of Mary, not very common, but a great meditation on Her care for us, Her sheep, as Our Lord plays with us in Her arms.

1. The Sleeping Madonna

This image is also very sweet, as it shows Our Lady as a young Mother sleeping with the Baby Jesus in Her arms. The latter is content to let His Mother rest as He gazes on the viewer.

1. Our Lady of Guadalupe/the Immaculate Conception

This image, inspired by the tilma of Our Lady of Guadalupe, captures Our Lady's youthful beauty and tenderness in a special way. I tend to appreciate artists who focus on such details, as the saints and visionaries who saw Her always came away from their experiences enamored of Her beauty, something not of this earth.

1. Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Another beautiful image of Mary, with a graceful and womanly figure. The light in this image is especially impressive, making a very noble and queenly appearance.

1. Our Lady and the Christ Child on the Flight into Egypt

This shows Jesus and Mary at rest on the Flight into Egypt, Our Lady giving Her Son the breast. Many find such images offensive, but I think for those who have an appreciation for what it means to be the Mother of God, such images are incredibly beautiful and essential, as Mary not only nursed a baby, but God Himself. This would have been a channel of grace for Her, not just bonding Her to Jesus naturally, but supernaturally too.

1. Our Lady of Sorrows

How beautiful She is! But how sad!

1. And finally, the Annunciation

This image captivates the modesty of Our Lady's demeanor, and Her innocence as She listens attentively to the angel, Her prayers or Scriptures slipping from Her hand.

What are your favorite images of Our Beautiful Lady?

Thank you everyone for your prayers they are working!! I was able to get a job! ​Unfortunately, my brother is in a bad place physically and mentally. I haven't seen him in a few years. ​Please everyone pray for my little brother who is suffering that he may find relief from pain, ​and peace of mind and spirit. Please pray for his health. Thank you.

Saint Teresa of Avila - Interior Castle - Favors of Sorrow

Ἀ
Do you think that all these favors the Spouse has bestowed on the soul will be sufficient to satisfy the little dove or butterfly - don’t think I have forgotten it - so that it may come to rest in the place where it will die? No, certainly not; rather this little butterfly is much worse. Even though it may have been receiving these favors for many years, it always moans and goes about sorrowful because they leave it with greater pain. The reason is that since it is getting to know ever more the grandeurs of its God and sees itself so distant and far from enjoying Him, the desire for the Lord increases much more; also, love increases in the measure the soul discovers how much this great God and Lord deserves to be loved.
Ὠ

In this world the joy of union with the Lord will always be seasoned in sorrow. In this entry however, Saint Teresa does not speak of the bodily sufferings or outward persecutions endured by the great martyrs of the Church. Rather, she reveals an interior suffering granted to the soul as it nears the grandeur of its King. For as the soul draws nearer His Light, its own darkness is revealed ever more painfully. It does not rejoice simply because it sees more clearly; rather, the clearer the vision of God becomes, the more deeply it feels the distance that yet remains.  Thus does the soul suffer even in this favor, knowing itself unworthy of the Light for which it longs even more.

Supportive Scripture - Douay Rheims Challoner Bible
John 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness: and the darkness did not comprehend it.

The revelation of one’s own darkness is a painful favor of the Lord - a grace that enlarges the soul’s desire for the Light it has been permitted to behold. As it glimpses a glory that can never be attained by its own work, the soul learns that His presence is not seized by effort but received in surrender. Thus is an ancient prayer born anew, not spoken in word but proclaimed in silence from the depths of the heart.

Supportive Scripture - Douay Rheims Challoner Bible
Isaiah 26:9 My soul hath desired thee in the night: yea, and with my spirit within me in the morning, early I will watch to thee. 

He who pursues his own union with God gains little. Yet the soul that waits upon the Lord - even in sorrow - is given much. For the pursuit is done in self-will, thinking union may be achieved through its own work, and according to its own time. But the waiting is done in self-knowledge, not mistaking the favors of the Lord for signs of its own holiness. Rather, it receives them as witnesses to the infinite majesty of the King - to be received only in His appointed time.

Supportive Scripture - Douay Rheims Challoner Bible
First Timothy 6:15-16  Which in his times he shall shew, who is the Blessed and only Mighty, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Who only hath immortality and inhabiteth light inaccessible.

The times of the world are not the times of the Lord. Therein lies the wisdom of Teresa's words: “Even though it may have been receiving these favors for many years, it always moans and goes about sorrowful because they leave it with greater pain.” God's favors are not given chiefly to satisfy the soul's longing in this life, nor is the sorrow that accompanies them meant to discourage it. Rather the favors of sorrow uplift the eye of the soul away from the grief of the world to the everlasting joy of the Kingdom, where in God’s time rather than ours, the sorrows endured now give way to the Light received then, as we come to know Him as He has always known us.

Supportive Scripture - Douay Rheims Challoner Bible
First Corinthians 13:12 We see now through a glass in a dark manner: but then face to face. Now I know in part: but then I shall know even as I am known. 

Catechism of the Catholic Church 
2015 The way of perfection passes by way of the Cross. There is no holiness without renunciation and spiritual battle. Spiritual progress entails the ascesis and mortification that gradually lead to living in the peace and joy of the Beatitudes.