Catholic Audiobook in a Month Podcast

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 undi...

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 lo...

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.

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...

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 co...

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 fifteen...

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 Twelf...

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 duri...

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 Fathe...

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 inv...

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 feelin...

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,...

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 t...

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 th...

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 s...

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 fa...

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, listene...