Catholic Audiobook in a Month Podcast

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 gl...

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 situat...

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 existenc...

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...

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,...

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.

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, portrayi...

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...

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...

In this episode, we delve deep into the essence of Brother Lawrence's teachings through the first part of “The Ways of Brother Lawrence,” illuminating his character and insights into a living faith. Brother Lawrence’s doctrine is not merely theoretical; it is a call to engage with God in every moment of our lives. He compels us to weave our duty to worship and love God into our daily actions. The...

This episode features Spiritual Maxims 5 and 6, we look at the framework established by Brother Lawrence regarding how we can draw closer to God in our daily lives. We also hear the conclusion of a cliffhanger left from the last episode, examining the crucial means by which we can attain the divine presence of God in each moment. First and foremost, Brother Lawrence emphasizes the importance of le...

In today’s episode, we dive into Day 3 of The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence, where we will explore Spiritual Maxims 2-4. We begin with discussion on the essence of worshiping God in spirit and in truth. We are called to confront our own shortcomings and the ways in which we stray from His will. The act of worship becomes a sincere offering that reflects our true selves and ou...

Today, you will hear Day Two of The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence, focusing on the Introduction to Spiritual Maxims and Maxim Number One.  The introduction lays down four foundational points: the importance of regarding God in all our actions, the inevitable adversities we face as part of our spiritual journey, the notion that these trials serve our ultimate good, and the vit...

Today is Day One of our exploration of The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence. In today's episode, we explore the fundamental themes of Brother Lawrence's teachings, emphasizing the importance of practicing God’s presence in our daily lives. Brother Lawrence emphasizes that establishing this presence involves a continuous dialogue with God, an ongoing conversation interspersed thr...

Today, we dive into a special bonus selection from Abandonment to Divine Providence by Fr. Jean-Pierre de Caussade. This episode contains two letters penned by Fr. Caussade. These letters emphasize the extraordinary happiness that arises from a complete surrender to God’s will, offering listeners a rich and reflective conclusion to this month-long engagement with the book.

This episode reaches a culmination with a series of appendices rich in spiritual exercises and acts of confidence in God's providence. Each prayer encapsulates a response to God's will, urging listeners to embrace a loving union with the divine. We commence with a guided exercise by St. Francis de Sales, encouraging listeners to kneel in humility before God’s inexhaustible goodness. Next, we are i...

Today, we read Appendices 2 and 3 of Abandonment to Divine Providence by Fr. Jean-Pierre de Caussade. The first part of our reading, Appendix 2 on Perfect Abandonment, emphasizes the readiness that arises from a complete surrender to God's will. We learn that true liberation comes when we cast off the burdens of self-love and ego, finding ourselves filled entirely with the love of God. In moments...

In today’s episode, we read Appendix 1 of Abandonment to Divine Providence,  "A Very Easy Means of Acquiring Peace of Heart,"  by Fr. Jean-Joseph Surin, an esteemed figure of the Society of Jesus in the 17th century. We begin with a brief biography of Fr. Surin, a priest who displayed virtues and resilience amid trials throughout his life. Born in 1600 in Bordeaux, he dedicated himself to God at a...

In this episode, we read Chapter 12 of Abandonment to Divine Providence by Fr. Jean-Pierre de Caussade, marking the conclusion of the original text. Fr. de Cassade opens the chapter by emphasizing the apparent weakness of divine action in the world, which serves to magnify the merit of those souls who steadfastly adhere to God’s guidance. A striking dichotomy unfolds, wherein the forces of pride a...

Today is Day 23 of Abandonment to Divine Providence by Fr. Jean-Pierre de Caussade. In this episode, Fr. de Caussade guides us through teachings on the dangers of intellect divorced from piety and humility. Chapter 10 begins with a compelling assertion: the faithful soul derives unprecedented strength from humility and submission to the will of God, a stark contrast to the destructive pride that l...

Welcome to Day 22 of Abandonment to Divine Providence by Fr. Jean-Pierre de Caussade. Today's episode features Chapter 9. In this chapter, we begin with a reflection on wisdom derived from Psalm 110 (Vulgate), which underscores the vital importance of practicing God’s precepts for a deeper understanding and connection to Him. Fr. de Caussade emphasizes that a heart wholly devoted to God becomes th...

Welcome to Day 21 of Abandonment to Divine Providence by Fr. Jean-Pierre de Caussade. Today, we delve into chapters 7 and 8, exploring themes of trust, surrender, and the divine workings of God. In Chapter 7, we are encouraged to embrace self-abandonment to God, where justification is found not in our words or actions, but in the divine action itself. Here, Fr. de Caussade illustrates how the soul...

In today's episode, we continue our journey through the teachings of Fr. Jean-Pierre de Caussade in his seminal work, Abandonment to Divine Providence. Hosted by William Wilson, this 20th day brings us to Chapters 5 and 6, where we delve into the remarkable themes of trusting in divine action and the pivotal role that our enemies can play in our spiritual growth. Fr. de Caussade presents a strikin...

In today’s episode of the Catholic Audiobook in a Month podcast, William reads chapters 3 and 4 of Abandonment to Divine Providence by Father Jean-Pierre de Caussade. We read about the Night of Faith and these chapters contain the famous metaphor of divine workings within the soul being like the back of a tapestry—a messy, chaotic view that only reveals its beauty when seen from the front. Also, w...

Welcome to Day 18 of Fr. Jean-Pierre de Caussade's Abandonment to Divine Providence. Fr. de Caussade begins by illustrating how a soul fully surrendered to God's will often finds itself cloaked in mystery. He notes that as God withdraws light and clarity from our understanding, it is precisely then that He guides us most safely. The author references St. John’s assertion that true knowledge is imp...