Catholic Audiobook in a Month Podcast

The “Little Way” of Spiritual Childhood: Day 5~Ch 2 § 2

Today we hear about:
Rejoicing when we experience our litleness and helplessness.
How God loves the least and the weak.
How we must always remain little at any age.

The “Little Way” of Spiritual Childhood: Day 4~Ch 2 § 1

In this episode, we will break down the first mark of spiritual childhood—the characteristic of being small. Fr. Gabriel invites us to embrace a path where we become 'very, very little' before God, illustrating that this littleness is intrinsically linked to humility. In a detailed reading that spans pages 9 to 11 of the paperback edition, we shall learn that, in the eyes of the divine, we are nothing without His mercy. Importantly, to truly embrace this state of littleness, we must not only perceive ourselves accurately—recognizing both our potentials and our flaws—but also find joy in this realization.

The “Little Way” of Spiritual Childhood: Day 3~Ch 1 § 2-3

In today's episode, we will delve into Chapter 1, Sections 2 and 3, covering pages 4-8 of the paperback. This session specifically focuses on the qualities we must embody as children of God—embracing our littleness and weakness while wholeheartedly committing ourselves to His divine will.

The “Little Way” of Spiritual Childhood: Day 2~Ch 1 § 1

In today's episode, we read Chapter 1, Section 1,  a reflection about our identity as children of God, shaped by the sacrament of baptism and inviting us to approach our Heavenly Father with the innocence and trust characteristic of a child.
The core theme of this reading centers on the concept of spiritual childhood, an aspect of our Christian faith that emphasizes our relationship with God as a loving father. The chapter opens with the certainty that through baptism, we have not only received divine life but have also been welcomed into the family of God. St. John captures this magnificently when he proclaims the love of the Father who calls us His children. This idea of divine sonship is not only foundational but also recurrent throughout the Gospel, constantly encouraging us to see God as our Father—a notion Jesus highlights repeatedly.

The “Little Way” of Spiritual Childhood: Day 1~Foreward

This month’s book is  The “Little Way” of Spiritual Childhood by Fr. Gabriel Martin, a French priest and close confidant of St. Therese's family. He also gave the homilies for both her beatification and her canonization. Fr. Martin's work, written just 26 years after St. Therese's passing, seeks to make accessible her teachings on  the “Little Way.” Topics will include:
Spiritual Childhood
Littleness and Weakness
Poverty
Confidence in God
Love
Holy Abandonment
Zeal
Simplicity

The Practice of the Presence of God: Day 28~Conclusion

In the Book’s concluding podcast, William Wilson summarizes the key teachings of Br. Lawrence: practicing the presence, abandonment, distractions, faith, suffering & sickness, and more. William also previews next month’s book.

The Practice of the Presence of God: Day 27~Life: Conclusion

As we draw nearer to the end of B’r. Lawrence’s life, we witness a man who embraces suffering as a sacred call, transforming pain into a vehicle for divine love. He reflects on his singular desire: to suffer for the love of God. In a remarkable testament to his faith, he chooses to endure the agony of illness with a spirit of gratitude. Even when he experiences sharp, debilitating pain, his fervor for God remains undiminished. He appreciates suffering, stating, “My only uneasiness is that I do not suffer,” demonstrating an extraordinary alignment of his will with the Divine.

The Practice of the Presence of God: Day 26~Life: V

The episode further uncovers the physical tribulations that Nicolas faced, particularly his battles with gout and other debilitating illnesses. His acceptance of suffering is shown as he engages in conversations with his physician, revealing his unique perspective on life and death. He notably expressed a poignant sentiment: "Ah, sir, your remedies succeed too well. You have delayed my happiness," demonstrating his longing for divine union over the prolongation of earthly existence. In a world often grappling with the fear of death, Nicolas's attitude serves as a testament to faith’s capacity to empower and reassure.

The Practice of the Presence of God: Day 25~Life: IV

Brother Lawrence's profound faith anchored his spiritual journey. It was this faith that kindled a burning desire within him to seek God above all, leading him to perceive created things as trivial in comparison to divine love. This faith transcended mere intellectual assent and deepened his reverence for holy mysteries, particularly for the sacrament of the altar, where the unseen presence of Christ reigns.
Hope, a vital offshoot of his faith, cultivated in Brother Lawrence a radical trust in God’s mercy and providence. With unwavering confidence, he embraced life's uncertainties, leaning not on his strength but wholly on divine support. In moments of trial, he embodies resilience, drawing strength from his belief that God’s grace is sufficient for every challenge.
Lastly, charity emerges as the crown of his virtues, transforming his heart into a vessel of divine love. Brother Lawrence’s love for God was pure and disinterested; his motivations were rooted not in a desire for reward or fear of punishment but in a genuine yearning for God’s glory. Even in the throes of his final illness, his spirit remains free—a testament to his total abandonment to the Divine will.

The Practice of the Presence of God: Day 24~Life: III

Throughout this episode, you will hear about Br. Lawrence’s physical suffering—a painful ulcer on his leg that led to his temporary removal from the kitchen where he had worked diligently for thirty years. But rather than seeing this as a setback, Br. Lawrence viewed this shift in his assignment as an opportunity to deepen his relationship with God.

The Practice of the Presence of God: Day 23~Life: II

Brother Lawrence struggled during the early years of his religious life, a span where sorrow and desolation marked his spiritual pursuits. He was said to have no true taste for prayer and experienced nights filled with anguish at the foot of the holy altar—where his faith remained his only support. This testament to fortitude resonates deeply, reminding us of the night faced by saints such as St. John of the Cross. In a pivotal moment, Br. Lawrence arrives at a resolution of total abandonment—his heart crystallizing around a singular goal: to remain affectionately united to the will of God, making this unwavering dedication his entirety.
For more on the theme of abandonment, check out camp.fm/abandonment.

The Practice of the Presence of God: Day 22~Life: I

William shares about uncovering a rare edition of Brother Lawrence's writings from 1727, a remarkable find considering it was only 36 years after his death. (Life of Nicolas Herman-1727)  It's a period marked by the Counter-Reformation under the reign of Louis XV, with the allure of religious fervor beginning to wane among the French nobility, giving way to the rationalism of the Enlightenment. Here, we witness the contrast in values, as Brother Lawrence’s emphasis on inner experience, simplicity, and faith stands in opposition to the intellectual coldness of his era.
The narrative introduces us to Nicholas Hermann, whose humble origins and upbringing provided him with a strong foundation of virtue and spiritual awareness. His story progresses from a soldier caught in the tides of conflict to a man of contemplative faith. Faced with existential threats and the chaos of warfare, his unwavering patience and tranquility shine as exemplars of true Christian character, ultimately leading him to abandon his military exploits for a higher calling. His acceptance of near-death experiences and imprisonment reveals a profound indifference to worldly fears, rooted in a well-formed conscience and a deep reliance on God’s omnipotence.

The Practice of the Presence of God: Day 21~Letters: 14-16

In the fourteenth letter, Brother Lawrence writes to express his deep concern for Rev. Mother’s prolonged suffering. He encourages her to shift her perspective, seeing her trials as divine tokens of God's love. Rather than seeking relief through human remedies, he advises her to wholly surrender her anguish into the hands of God, trusting that her resignation may bring her healing.
Moving to the fifteenth letter, Brother Lawrence shares his own experiences of intense suffering. He discloses that during his tribulations, rather than praying for relief, he sought the strength to endure his pain with grace and love. He reflects on the joy of suffering alongside God, suggesting that true paradise is found in communion with Him, even amidst trials.
In the sixteenth letter, Brother Lawrence explores the concept that everything God allows in our lives—both joys and sorrows—is for our ultimate good. He invites us to view our afflictions through the lens of God’s profound love, recognizing that understanding this love lessens the bitterness of our trials. He calls us to prioritize knowing God above all else, arguing that deepening this knowledge naturally leads to a more fervent love for Him, which transcends our circumstances.

The Practice of the Presence of God: Day 20~Letters: 11-13

Brother Lawrence begins his Eleventh Letter to Madame with a heartfelt note on the importance of trusting in God at all times. He emphasizes that confidence in God is essential, especially during moments of loss and suffering. The letter encourages Madame to view her reliance on God as a nurturing friendship, reassuring her that divine love is paramount above all earthly attachments.
Moving to the Twelfth Letter, Brother Lawrence shifts focus to the theme of suffering. He shares his deep conviction that, rather than seeking freedom from difficulties, one should seek patience and strength to endure them. His words reveal an understanding of suffering as a divine favor rather than merely a trial. He challenges the reader's perspective on illness and pain, urging them to accept these experiences as merciful gifts from God that lead to spiritual growth.
In the Thirteenth Letter, Br. Lawrence emphasizes the transformative power of God's presence in the face of pain. He posits that regular communion with God can alleviate the burdens of bodily afflictions and spiritual distress. He encourages faithful listeners to engage in constant conversation with God, even in their suffering, suggesting that such communication reinforces one's reliance on the Lord. Through faith, he suggests, we can access a profound peace that overshadows physical discomfort and emotional turmoil.

The Practice of the Presence of God: Day 19~Letters: 7-10

This episode covers Letters 7 through 10:
Letter 7: Brother Lawrence begins with an earnest call to seek the invaluable treasures of the gospel.
Letter 8: Brother Lawrence extends encouragement to his friends, urging them to cultivate a continual awareness of God.
Letter 9: Brother Lawrence addresses a common struggle that many believers face: wandering thoughts during prayer.
Letter 10: Brother Lawrence candidly speaks about the essence of life as solely aimed at pleasing God.

The Practice of the Presence of God: Day 18~Letter: 6

Today you will hear Letter 6, in which Brother Lawrence defends his approach to spiritual practice, emphasizing a life dedicated to the constant awareness of God's presence.
Brother Lawrence shares his profound journey, illustrating not only the challenges he faced in the early years of his spiritual quest but also the transformative power of humility and faith. In his communication with a Reverend Father, he confesses that for a decade, he grappled with feelings of inadequacy and concern over his dedication to God. Despite such struggles, he discovered a deeper relationship with the divine, characterized by surrender and simple faith. He speaks candidly about abandoning traditional devotions that did not resonate with him, choosing instead to cultivate a quiet and habitual attentiveness to God, akin to "holy inactivity."

The Practice of the Presence of God: Day 17~Letters: 4-5

The fourth letter, addressed to a Reverend Mother, reveals Brother Lawrence's wisdom on the appropriate use of devotional practices. While acknowledging the importance of these practices as pathways to experiencing God’s presence, he emphasizes that they should not become ends in themselves. Instead, he guides us to focus on maintaining a heart that rests in the Divine, asserting that the true exercise of devotion involves a heartfelt connection with God, free from the constraints of ritualism.
In the fifth letter to Madame, Brother Lawrence extends his heartfelt counsel, urging her to shift her focus towards a life dedicated to worshiping God. He gently reminds her that divine companionship can be nurtured even amidst daily responsibilities; one does not need to confine their prayers to the church. Imagery of the heart as a personal oratory is used beautifully to convey how one can cultivate a constant awareness of God in any situation.

The Practice of the Presence of God: Day 16~Letters: 2-3

In the second letter,  which we'll read today, Brother Lawrence recounts the sentiments of a “fellow member” of their society, who has dedicated over forty years to religious life. (Really it’s him!) This devout individual exemplifies the essence of practicing the presence of God, illustrating how consistent devotion results in grace. We learn how this person’s soul is perpetually nourished by the divine, often feeling the presence of God so intensely that it manifests as overwhelming joy. However, Brother Lawrence cautions us about our own blindness, urging us to recognize the abundance of God's treasures and not to be satisfied with mere fleeting feelings.
In the third letter, Brother Lawrence  draws our attention back to the core theme of God's presence. Here, we hear a gentle exhortation to cultivate a heart that is singularly devoted to God. He implores that we strive to always keep our hearts free of distractions, for in such emptiness, God can fill us abundantly. He expresses that the sweetest and most delightful life is found in walking continually with God, yet stresses that this relationship should be pursued not for pleasure, but out of a deep love and obligation to God.

The Practice of the Presence of God: Day 15~Letters: Preface & 1st

This episode marks a transition as we shift from third-person accounts of Brother Lawrence's spirituality to his own first-person reflections captured in his letters.
We begin with the preface, originally penned in 1692, which sets the stage by acknowledging the legacy of the Carmelites and highlighting Brother Lawrence, who humbly sought to avoid the spotlight during his life. The preface describes how, despite his humility, Providence has chosen to spotlight his saintliness posthumously, making his teachings accessible to those yearning for a deeper understanding of divine intimacy. Brother Lawrence’s letters, filled with devotion and practicality, have been compiled to share with a wider audience, inviting all Christians to glean wisdom from his practice of constant communion with God.

The Practice of the Presence of God: Day 14~Conversation 4

In today's episode Brother Lawrence expounds on the act of praising, adoring, and loving God without ceasing, urging us not to be dismayed by our shortcomings. He reassures us that regardless of our failures, God's grace is ever available, provided we remain mindful of His presence. Our sanctification lies not in changing our actions but in performing our daily duties and common tasks for God's glory. Here, we learn the importance of recognizing that the path to God is not bound by traditional notions of prayer but is woven into the fabric of our everyday actions, performed with pure intention and love.

The Practice of the Presence of God: Day 13~Conversations-2 (cont’d) and 3

In this episode, Brother Lawrence shares that all bodily mortifications hold little value unless they lead to a true union with God. This notion serves as a pivotal theme throughout the conversations; our actions should be rooted in love for God, transforming even the most mundane tasks into opportunities for divine communion. You’ll hear about Brother Lawrence’s contentment in various life situations, illustrating that true peace comes from performing one’s duties for the love of God, irrespective of external circumstances. His reflections remind us that the time set apart for prayer should not differ from our everyday engagements, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a constant connection with God throughout our lives.

The Practice of the Presence of God: Day 12~Conversations-1 & 2

In today's episode, we delve into Conversation 1 and the first half of Conversation 2—which outlines Brother Lawrence's transformative journey toward understanding God’s providence through the imagery and symbolism of a tree. This tree becomes a pivotal emblem of Brother Lawrence's faith.
The podcast begins by setting the stage for Brother Lawrence’s initially awkward yet deeply spiritual existence. He shares with Beaufort, his compiler, about how he encountered God’s grace at the tender age of eighteen when he observed a leafless tree in winter. This seemingly simple observation ignited a profound understanding of hope, growth, and divine care—key components in unveiling the overarching providence and power of God in our lives.

The Practice of the Presence of God: Day 11~The Gathered Thoughts of Br. Lawrence-Part II

In today's episode, we delve into the second part of “The Gathered Thoughts of Brother Lawrence,” Brother Lawrence speaks to the insufficiency of human understanding and articulation in grasping the infinite perfection of God. He expresses a yearning that resonates deep within many believers—a desire for a relational experience that transcends mere intellectual knowledge. The narrative emphasizes that it is through faith that we can illuminate our spirits and gain deeper insights into our Creator. For Brother Lawrence, faith stands as the quintessential virtue that opens the door to divine revelation and a rich understanding of God’s love, which can only be truly known through experience rather than scholarly pursuits.

The Practice of the Presence of God: Day 10~The Gathered Thoughts of Br. Lawrence-Part I

Today, we delve into a unique section titled “The Gathered Thoughts of Brother Lawrence”, sourced from a rare 1907 edition of his Spiritual Maxims. This reading aims to inspire listeners with the contemplative essence of Brother Lawrence's thoughts, closely aligning with themes found in Abandonment to Divine Providence. For additional insights, visit https://camp.fm/abandonment .
In this episode, listeners will encounter the sentiment that “the whole world seems to be no longer real." Brother Lawrence juxtaposes the vastness and majesty of the infinite being with the simple acts of daily responsibility, illustrated poignantly by his return to the kitchen. This blending of the divine and the mundane serves as a reminder that our spiritual journey unfolds in the very places we serve, offering an extraordinary meditation on how God’s presence permeates our ordinary lives.

The Practice of the Presence of God: Day 9~The Ways of Br. Lawrence-Part V

Today marks Day 9 of  The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence. We read the concluding section of “The Ways of Brother Lawrence”, focusing on the profound theme of renouncing worldly attachments and emphasizing that this sacred practice is accessible to everyone, transcending the confines of cloistered life.

The Practice of the Presence of God: Day 8~The Ways of Br. Lawrence-Part IV

Preparing for death is a daunting task for many, yet Brother Lawrence’s approach is nothing short of inspirational. He meets this final journey with equanimity, free from anxiety. His willingness to embrace suffering for the love of God brings to mind the experiences of St. Thérèse during her own health struggles. Brother Lawrence’s reflections underscore a total surrender to divine will, portraying a heart that finds joy even amid trials. He remarks that true faith, at times, seems swallowed up by the direct experience of divine presence—perhaps a glimpse into the spiritual marriage that St. Teresa of Avila eloquently articulated.

The Practice of the Presence of God: Day 7~The Ways of Br. Lawrence-Part III

This episode recounts a poignant moment from Brother Lawrence's life when confronted with a personal disappointment. His ability to accept the authority of his superiors and the outcomes of their decisions speaks volumes about his indifference and trust in God's plan. Listeners will learn of his encounter with a saintly visitor when he was ill, illustrating that his heart was unclouded by earthly attachments, ready to accept whatever God willed.
In his practice of spirituality, Brother Lawrence demonstrated that all tasks, no matter how humble, are opportunities to experience and love God. He believed that the greater the sacrifice at hand, the more genuine the love expressed through that offering. His example is a testament to the fact that God values not the scope of our actions, but the heartfelt intent behind them.

The Practice of the Presence of God: Day 6~The Ways of Br. Lawrence-Part II

The reading unfolds with Brother Lawrence's metaphor of a leafless tree, which symbolizes a critical moment in his spiritual journey. This imagery foreshadows revelations to come in future episodes and captures the essence of finding God in the simplicity of everyday life. He reveals the challenges posed by a wandering mind, and encourages tranquility amidst chaos, asserting that initial struggles with prayer and presence are normal. As Brother Lawrence navigates through these mental disturbances, he teaches the importance of calmness and perseverance in steering one's focus back to God’s presence.
Listeners will appreciate the echo of St. Teresa of Avila’s teaching that “prayer is not to think much, but to love much,” resonating with Brother Lawrence’s assertion that love, not thoughts, forms the crux of spiritual connection. This essential truth aligns with the idea that small, loving actions hold great value in the eyes of God, reinforcing a lesson attributed to Mother Teresa: to accomplish little things with great love.