Category Archives: Psychology

Be Here Now

“Be here now” was Fr. Dacian’s mantra. He was the director of my novitiate in the Franciscan seminary. A novitiate is a year dedicated to prayer and discernment of one’s vocation. It should be ideal for focusing on the present moment. Yet even … Continue reading

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“As Is” : The Real Deal – Part II

To be taken “as is” is an essential ingredient of counseling. Carl Rogers was a therapist known for his theory that “unconditional positive regard” is the basis of good therapy. He actually saw it as the only necessary ingredient, which isn’t so. … Continue reading

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“As Is”: The Real Deal – Part I

“As is”. When I see an ad for something being sold “as is”, the associations are mainly negative. The computer, car, or house is unusually low priced, yes. But the vendor knows that the item has some problems. He or she … Continue reading

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The Elements of Deep Friendship, Part II

Other elements of deep friendship include the ability to communicate what you enjoy about your friend. This doesn’t have to mean sitting down face-to-face, eyeball-to-eyeball, with, “You know, Tom, what I really like about you is ___, ____, and ____.” … Continue reading

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The Elements of Deep Friendship, Part I

“A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter: he that has found one has found a treasure (Sir 6:14).” I was praying this Scripture the other morning. As I reflected on the marvelous friends the Lord has put in my life, I … Continue reading

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The Sacrifice of Isaac

The sacrifice of Isaac (Gen 22:1-19) forces the question: What do I hold most dear? Promised a child at age 75, Abraham waited 25 years more for Isaac’s birth. A few years later, when the Lord commands Abraham to sacrifice the promised son, He … Continue reading

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The Vine and the Branches

Our Men’s Bible Study is currently going through John 15, where Jesus speaks of the Vine and the branches. Note that He says, “I am the vine, you are the branches.” Not, “I am the Trunk, you are the branches” – as if we’re … Continue reading

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Delight

In today’s gospel, on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we hear the Father’s voice, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I delight.” And when we look at Jesus, of course, what’s not to delight in? He’s a … Continue reading

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The “Mother Wound”

The concept of the “father wound” is a familiar one in popular psychology; that of the “mother wound” is less so. In our frantic, exhausted society, the ability of women to mother their children is strained by careers, soccer, and … Continue reading

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The Problem with Porn

I once had a conversation with a recently converted Christian about the problem with porn. He was actually growing in the Lord and was a fine person. Yet he not only looked at porn regularly, but forwarded porn to friends of his. He was aware … Continue reading

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