In this homily, Deacon Rusty Baldwin, OCDS, discusses the true meaning of joy and how the Carmelite saints viewed joy.

What can we do to be better predisposed to receive Gods Grace leading to Union with Him? We know that only the pure of heart see God. So, how do we purify our hearts most effectively? Discalced Secular Carmelite Deacon Mark Danis gives us great insi

Mountains play a prominent role in Carmelite Spirituality and in Prayer. What does the mountain represent? In the scriptures, we read about the Prophet Elijah and mountains. What did the mountains represent for Elijah? Even our Lord went to the mounta

How did the title of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel come about? What is the connection with the Prophet Elijah? How did the spirituality of Elijah spread across the world? What happened on July 16th that is so significant to Carmelites? What is the connection

In marriage preparation, Catholic couples are instructed about the Covenant of Love. The elements in particular that are addressed are being free, full, faithful, and fruitful. Deacon Rusty Baldwin, OCDS, analyzes these same elements as it relates to C

The Will in the Prayer of Contemplation (Ch. 13 of the book).Soren Kierkegaard said, Purity of Heart is to Will One Thing. This one thing of course is God's Will. St. John of the Cross speaks about the activity of the will as much if not more than any

During this Lenten season, and by focusing on a few important points in the scripture passage on the Samaritan Woman, Deacon Mark Danis uses the lense of contemplation to highlight the importance of c

So often in the spiritual journey, we can run into roadblocks. We can mistakenly perceive that we have gotten off course, and we might immediately seek to turn back to find the right path again. Howev

If you feel as though you have reached a plateau in your prayer life, or after many years of active prayer, you feel as though you are suddenly stuck, it may be the Lord is calling you to a deeper enc

What is like to enter into the 7th Dwelling Place? What was it like for St. Teresa? Then we turn to a discussion about spiritual marriage. We focus on what this experience/union with God was like for St. Teresa. These chapters truly help us to have Ho