Shows
"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfA Contemplative PracticeIn this final episode of the Fourth Season of the "Life, Love, & Light" podcasts, we examine a method of contemplative prayer that can help us come to a greater awareness of the reality of Christ’s resurrected life that lives within us. I draw on Part Two of our book, "Living Resurrected Lives," which was written by my daughter, Dr. Eva Natanya. Eva is a theologian, a scholar, translator, writer, teacher, spiritual director, and a dedicated contemplative.As Eva points out, the spiritual logic is simple. If we have any hope of co...2022-04-3057 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfLiving Resurrected LivesDuring this first week of the Easter Season, today's "Life, Love, & Light" podcast examines how we might actually begin to live resurrected lives -- even now -- amidst our sorrows, sufferings, questions, worries, and fears. This is what Christ's resurrection calls us to do.You may ask: Why should we? Why does it matter? Because, one day – whether we like it or not -- we will be hit with the stark realization that we are going to die. A medical diagnosis, a near-fatal accident, the passing of someone we love: any one of thes...2022-04-231h 01"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfWisdom & DivinizationIn this week's episode of "Life, Love, & Light," we continue to explore how personal identity might be sustained after death and bodily decomposition. We consider the twenty-one qualities of Wisdom (Greek, Sophia) and the transformative process by which our minds are purified and transformed by the graced energy of the Holy Spirit. In both the Eastern Orthodox and Western Christian traditions, this process of radical transformation is called divinization (Greek, theosis)—that is, “becoming divine.” By the power of the Holy Spirit, we are given new eyes of wisdom and new hearts of compassionate love. And this power i...2022-04-0834 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfAugustine & Aquinas on IdentityThis week's podcast of "Life, Love, & Light" examines the writings of Augustine and Aquinas on the nature of the resurrected body. The Augustinian doctrine of resurrection focused on the necessity of divine reconstruction by God of every aspect of the body parts, rather than the Pauline metaphor of the seed in the ground that centered on a radical transformation. Inevitably, because of the wide dissemination of Augustine’s writings, his staunchly physical interpretation of Paul’s “spiritual body” became the standard Western view of eschatology. As we discused in the previous podcast, generations of early apologist...2022-04-0247 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfDust, Bones, & IdentityIn this week's "Life, Love, & Light" podcast, we recognize that Paul’s idea of a transformed spiritual body never addressed whether every single atom of the corrupted corpse would have to be reassembled by God to form a resurrected body. Nor did Paul discuss how the soul might continue to exist while separated from the body during the interim period after death and before resurrection. Furthermore, Paul did not specifically define where the singular identity of the human person lay. Was it inherent in the putrefied flesh? The liberated soul? The infused spirit? Or the resurrected body/so...2022-03-2650 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfThe Spiritual BodyIn this week's "Life, Love, & Light" podcast, we continue delving into Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians and examine the difference between the archetype of a human being -- namely Adam -- who came from the earth, and Jesus Christ, who came from heaven. We discuss in detail Paul’s glorious teachings on the “spiritual body.” For Paul, the spiritual body defines the transformed human person who has died completely to sin and lives in the resurrected glory of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. This resurrected, divinized spiritual body is the fully actualiz...2022-03-1946 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfPaul and The Resurrected BodyIn this week's episode of "Life, Love, & Light," we examine the teachings of St. Paul on the resurrected body. In his letters to the Corinthians and Galatians, Paul dealt with issues concerning the resurrection that are still being debated today: Was Jesus resurrected bodily? Will our own bodies be resurrected? If so, what kind of body will it be: physical or spiritual? Paul used both vigorous argument and evocative metaphor to make the concept of bodily resurrection abundantly clear for the newly converted Greeks . . . and indeed, for generations to come.We reflect on Paul's faithful proclamation of...2022-03-1248 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfAltered States of Consciousness?In this week's episode of "Life, Love, & Light" podcasts, we investigate more "alternate theories" that have been raised by some modern and postmodern theologians and scholars who consider the resurrection appearances of Jesus Christ to have been brought on by "altered states of consciousness." Were these appearances merely visions induced by wishful thinking? Or personal hallucinations? Or mass hallucinations experienced at the same time and in the same place by all the disciples? Or a mass ecstasy? Did Peter experience a psychotic delusion that, by a chain reaction, resulted in a group fantasy? And was the Apostle Pa...2022-03-0542 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfQuestions, Doubts, and FaithIn this week's episode of "Life, Love, & Light," we discuss the epilogue to the gospel of John, in which the Risen Jesus appears to seven disciples as they return from a frustrating night of fishing on Lake Tiberias. This resurrection appearance includes another miraculous catch of fish, a breakfast with Jesus on the beach, and a poignant conversation between the Lord and Peter, in which the disciple who denied Jesus three times is given the opportunity to affirm his love three times.Then we examine repeated attempts at "alternative interpretations" of all Christ's appearances that have...2022-02-2644 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary Rolf"We Have Seen The Lord!"In this week's episode of the "Life, Love, & Light" podcasts, we go in depth to examine the stories of Christ's resurrection appearances: to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary in the gospel of Matthew; to Magdalene alone in the gospel of John; and to the two disciples, possibly husband and wife, on the road to Emmaus in the gospel of Luke. We realize that the weeping and disconsolate Magdalene did not recognize Jesus in the garden until he "called her name" and that the two disciples only recognized that the Stranger on the road was Jesus in "th...2022-02-191h 02"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfThe Empty TombIn this week's episode of Life, Love, & Light, we examine the four gospel accounts of the discovery of the empty tomb of Jesus Christ by the women. It has long been observed that there are numerous disparities in the empty tomb stories. Unfortunately, for some readers, these variations and inconsistencies have given rise to doubt and even disbelief. Since the four canonical gospels diverge not only in details, but in personal viewpoints, we must delve deeper to discover what was deemed absolutely necessary to convey. To deal with these issues, we ask: What is the historical bedrock...2022-02-1256 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfWhat is Resurrection?In the Fourth Season of Life, Love, & Light podcasts, we delve into the all-important but rarely discussed topic of Resurrection, based on my recent award winning book, Living Resurrected Lives: What it Means and Why it Matters, co-authored by my daughter, Eva Natanya, PhD. In this first episode -- entitled What is Resurrection? -- we consider ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Hebrew ideas about the afterlife: what it was, what it was not. Then we examine biblical references to life after death in the psalms, prophets, apocalyptic literature, and the Book of Wisdom...2022-02-0551 min
Gospel Simplicity PodcastThe Remarkable Life and Theology of Julian of Norwich (w/ Veronica Mary Rolf)This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gospelsimplicityJulian of Norwich is admired by theologians, feminists, historians, and everyone in between. She's a figure that's hard to pin down and whose influence can be seen from bumper stickers to Ph.D. dissertations. In this interview, Veronica Mary Rolf explains how Julian is both the most and least well-known Medieval woman. In doing so, she brings the theology and life of Julian of Norwich alive, revealing her to be much more than her famous saying (which...2021-10-061h 11
Buddha at the Gas Pump612. Eva NatanyaEva Natanya is Co-Founder and Resident Teacher at the Center for Contemplative Research at Miyo Samten Ling.
A scholar of Indian and Tibetan Buddhism, Christian theology, and comparative religion, Dr. Natanya has served in many capacities as a spiritual teacher, academic lecturer, translator, and editor of Tibetan texts, writer, and retreat leader. Following a nine-year career as a professional ballet dancer with both the New York City Ballet and the Royal Ballet of England, she earned an MA in Christian Systematic Theology at the Graduate Theological Union and a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from the University of Virginia. Her...2021-08-242h 02"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfPresence of GodIn this final episode of Season Three of "Life, Love, & Light" podcasts, we examine the goal of The Mystical Path, which is union with God as sons and daughters of the resurrection. Too often, we are so consumed with our sufferings, our fears, and our worries, that we come into the dark tomb of our hearts in meditation expecting to find a corpse. We don't expect to experience the resurrection. The Lord asks us: "Why are you weeping?" Yet, like Mary Magdalene, we don't recognize him until he calls our name. We don't...2021-04-2456 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfPath of UnionAs we continue examining The Mystical Path in our "Life, Love, & Light" podcasts, we consider the importance of trust in the hidden work of transformation that the Lord is doing in the soul. We must learn to trust through many a dark night and interior struggle, even on the Path of Illumination. But soon, the light will break through the darkness and the distinction between the Path of Illumination and the Path of Union will disappear -- when the sense of being a "separate self" disintegrates altogether. Now Divine Reality is...2021-04-1755 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfPath of IlluminationToday, in our series of "Life, Love, & Light" podcasts on The Mystical Path, we consider the Path of Illumination. We hear Julian of Norwich describe her own experience of illumination when she saw the sudden and blissful transformation of Christ on the cross -- from suffering to perfect joy. Julian herself was lifted up in a transport of ecstasy. This is the illumination that the disciples, male and female, experienced at Easter. Like them, Julian was overwhelmed by the reality of resurrection -- that Christ had conquered suffering and death once and for...2021-04-1049 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfNight of the SoulIn this Good Friday episode of our "Life, Love, & Light" podcasts, we consider the dark "night of the soul" that every mystic must endure on the Path of Illumination. We relate this dark night to the passion of Jesus Christ. We reflect on the words of the beloved medieval mystic, Julian of Norwich, as she describes her visions of Christ's sufferings -- the most graphic account of the passion in all medieval literature. We hear Julian speak of Christ's "precious plenty of his dearworthy blood" that flows from his body and is "ready to...2021-04-021h 00"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfEssential PracticesIn this episode of "Life, Love, & Light" podcasts, we consider the essential thoughts about the nature of reality and discuss the essential virtues that we need to cultivate on The Mystical Path. Drawing on the wisdom of the East, we examine four thoughts that turn the mind towards God: becoming aware of the preciousness of this body and this moment; realizing the impermanence of this life; recognizing that our actions -- good or bad -- have consequences; and finally, seeing the reality of suffering as a necessary part of the path of purification. We discuss...2021-03-2759 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfStages of the PathIn this week's "Life, Love, & Light" podcast, we go in depth to examine the three stages on The Mystical Path: the path of purification and recollection; the path of illumination; and the path of divine union. We discuss what "the path of purification and recollection" entails and why a daily practice of meditation is absolutely necessary to our growth in the mystical life. We reflect on the words of mystics like St. Teresa of Avila and Julian of Norwich, Johannes Tauler and St. John of the Cross concerning the value of self-discipline and mortification...2021-03-2059 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfOvercoming DistractionsIn this week's episode of "Life, Love, & Light" podcasts on The Mystical Path, we deal with the all-important topic of distractions: the barrage of thoughts, images, memories, and emotions that rise up and clamor for attention in our mind just when we want to be silent and focused in meditation. We consider different types of distraction, from agitation and dullness, to spiritual inspiration and the desire to become a mystic! We discuss antidotes to distraction, as taught by the Desert Fathers, the Cloud of Unknowing, St. Teresa of Avila, and modern mystics. We...2021-03-1354 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfSilence, Stillness, SurrenderAs we continue our "Life, Love, & Light" podcasts on The Mystical Path, we consider three essential aspects of contemplation that Julian of Norwich and countless other mystics have practiced: Silence, Stillness, and Surrender. We examine what each of these practices means and why each is crucial to a mystical life. We discover that meditation is essentially learning to still the mind in the midst of the constant motion of thoughts, feelings, and memories that threaten to derail silent attention. We question why is it so hard to stay aware and watchful...2021-03-0647 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfThe Role of FaithIn this week's "Life, Love, & Light" podcast on The Mystical Path, we focus on the essential role of faith, because what nourishes faith nourishes mysticism. We delve into the meaning of the words "contemplation" and "meditation," and discuss the difference between "cataphatic" and "apophatic" forms of mystical prayer. We also consider the ultimate end of the mystical path, which is union with God. And we focus on the importance of maintaining "a constant intention of the mind" in order to reach that end. We reflect on teachings from the Desert Fathers Abba Moses and John...2021-02-2745 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfWhat is Mysticism?In our third season of "Life, Love, & Light " podcasts, we will explore "The Mystical Path." We will discuss what is involved in following such a path – not only through the practice of contemplative prayer – but in every aspect of our daily lives. I will also be guiding you in forms of meditation that great mystics of the past, both East and West, have promised can inform and radically transform our lives. I hope these meditations will enrich your own daily practice. In our first episode, we consider "What is Mysticism?" in its...2021-02-2048 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfPaul & ResurrectionIn this episode of "Life, Love, & Light" podcasts, we discuss the great Apostle Paul, who called himself the least and also the last of all the apostles. We examine his life story and his personal experience of seeing the Risen Lord. We delve into questions that are frequently asked today: Was Jesus resurrected bodily? Will our own bodies be resurrected? If so, what kind of body will it be: physical or spiritual? Early Greek converts to Christianity had serious resistance to belief in the resurrection of the body. They were convinced, like modern ske...2021-02-1357 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfWho was Magdalene?In this episode of Life, Love, & Light podcasts, we search for the identity of Mary Magdalene in the four canonical Gospels. Was she the public sinner who washed the feet of Jesus with her tears and dried them with her hair? The unnamed woman with the alabaster jar or perfume who anointed Jesus' head? The woman who anointed the feet of Jesus for burial with an ointment made of pure nard? Or the woman caught in adultery? For centuries, Magdalene has been associated with each of these women, by popes and painters, scholars and theologians. W...2021-02-0550 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfThe Divine Love StoryIn this "Life, Love & Light" podcast, we consider The Divine Love Story as revealed in the Hebrew Bible through the mystical writings of some of the prophets – specifically Jeremiah, Isaiah, Hosea, and Micah. We see how Yahweh was understood as Father, Divine Lover, tender Shepherd, nursing Mother, Creator, and faithful Husband to Israel. We hear the prophets plead with the Israelites to return to the Lord to be forgiven, comforted, and healed.Then we see how, in the New Testament, these prophecies of Yahweh's love were fully realized in Je...2021-01-3048 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfMartha & Mary: Sister MysticsIn this week's "Life, Love, & Light" podcast, we encounter two women in the Gospels, sisters with very different personalities, yet both emerging mystics: Martha and Mary. We enter into the scene in Luke's Gospel in which Jesus dines at their home and Martha complains bitterly because Mary sits and listens to Jesus and does not help her in the kitchen. We look at the two personality types: the pro-active, highly capable, but overworked and stressed-out Martha and the more passive, retiring, and mystically inclined Mary. We recognize that we, also, are of these "two minds" a...2021-01-2357 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfPsalmic MysticismThe Second Season of the "Life, Love, & Light" podcast series continues with the Mysticism of the Psalms – that collection of 150 songs and prayers in the Hebrew Bible that were composed by mystics who lived thousands of years ago . . . all of whom were anonymous. We ask: "Can we still relate to the psalms as mystical prayer in our own time and circumstances? " And we discover that in the psalms we not only hear the Israelites praying, we hear 2,000 years of Christian prayer as well. We examine the structure of different types of psalms -- psalms of pra...2021-01-1650 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfMary & JosephIn preparation for Advent, this episode of the Life, Love, & Light podcasts focuses on the beloved New Testament mystics, Mary and Joseph. We go in depth to consider St. Luke's Gospel account of the annunciation to Mary and St. Matthew's Gospel narrative of the dream revelations to Joseph. We imagine the painful conflicts these two devout but very human people must have endured; conflicts we can recognize as similar to our own. We enter into the couple's decision-making process and consider how they were able to surrender totally to the will of God, even though they did no...2020-11-281h 03"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfMoses & The ExodusIn this extremely relevant episode of the "Life, Love, & Light" podcasts, we consider the duel of wits between Moses and Pharaoh, which is really a duel of conflicting theologies. We recall the Passover of the Israelites and of Jesus at the Last Supper, during which he established a new covenant between God and humans, a covenant that would be sealed in his own blood on the cross. We watch the Israelites flee in terror from the pursuing chariots of Pharaoh's army and witness the miracle of the parting of the waters at the command of Moses. We...2020-11-2142 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfMoses, Unlikely MysticIn this episode of Biblical Mystics in the "Life, Love, & Light" podcasts, we enter into the dramatic encounter of Moses, the "unlikely mystic." We experience his life-transforming encounter with Yahweh in the burning bush. We hear God's call to Moses to go back to Egypt to liberate the Israelites from slavery. We explore the meaning of the Divine Name given to Moses and the revelation of Christ as the Messiah given to Peter. We recognize the questions, doubts, objections, and even final plea of Moses as our own reluctance to follow God's call. We, too, may be "...2020-11-1446 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfJoseph & His BrothersIn this episode of "Life, Love, & Light" podcasts on biblical mystics, we continue the story of Joseph and experience the dramatic encounters with his brothers who travel to Egypt during a severe famine, seeking food from the Grand Vizier. Little do they know that this great prince is actually their own brother Joseph, who they once sold into slavery. We see the ways in which Joseph severely tests his brothers in order to make them fully aware of their own guilt, and so that they may come to contrition. This is a heartrending saga, with en...2020-11-0751 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfJoseph's Tragedy & TriumphIn this week's "Life, Love, & Light" podcast, we embark on the saga of Joseph, the highly favored son of Jacob in the Book of Genesis. This self-contained story is based on ancient legends. But it was completely refashioned by Israelite narrators to create a deeply moving account of sibling jealousy, hatred, and betrayal; prophetic dreaming and the interpreting of dreams; severe testing and forgiveness; and above all, faith in divine protection. There is such a wide range of human emotions and actions in this legend, it is really more than...2020-10-3141 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfJacob's Deceits & DreamsIn this highly dramatic episode of Life, Love, & Light podcasts, we encounter the story of a most unlikely biblical mystic: Jacob, the son of Isaac. This crafty, wily man deceived his twin brother Esau not once but twice, stealing both his birthright and his father's blessing. Nevertheless Jacob became the recipient of divine revelations in extraordinary dreams. We examine the distasteful aspects of the saga as well as its ancient roots and intentional humor. We delve into Jacob's dreams and their sublime meaning. We question why it is that God grants mystical revelations to sinners. A...2020-10-2448 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfHeavenly MessengersIn this second episode of "Biblical Mystics" on the Life, Love, & Light podcasts, we discover how God makes another covenant with Abram, during which his name is changed to Abraham and all the previous promises of land, wealth, fame, and blessings to his offspring are renewed and reinforced. Then, in another scene, Abraham is visited by three Heavenly Messengers. Who are these Heavenly Messengers? What is their message? It is such a dramatic story filled with very recognizable human reactions -- both from Abraham and from his wife, Sarah. We reflect on how we have been visited by...2020-10-1730 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary RolfAbram: Father of FaithIn this Second Season of the Life, Love, & Light podcasts, we will explore a fascinating variety of biblical mystics -- the very mystics who inspired and guided Julian of Norwich, whose Revelations of Divine Love we explored during our First Season of podcasts. Indeed, mystics throughout the ages have always been steeped in and nurtured by the stories and characters of sacred Scripture. Over the next weeks and months, we will be meeting these men and women who faced major challenges and crises in their lives . . . made some really big mistakes...2020-10-1049 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary Rolf"Julian's Gospel"In this final episode of the Revelations of Julian of Norwich, she reflects that "This book is begun by God’s gift and his grace, but it is not yet performed, as to my sight." Julian is aware that until every soul is brought up to heaven, her shewings will not have been truly “seen” by all those for whom Christ intended them. Her greatest concern is that God’s work through the Revelations might be left incomplete. She begs her future readers, whom she will never know, to “pray together” out of love, as Christ himse...2020-10-0346 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary Rolf"A Lesson of Love"In this episode of the "Life, Love, & Light" podcasts, Julian of Norwich reveals the most sublime "lesson of love" that Christ gave her. It is perhaps the most important teaching of all, which sums up all the other teachings Julian received from her sixteen Revelations. She speaks of four essential things our courteous Lord wishes us to know; of the "the endlessness and the unchangeability of his love"; and "that the love between him and our souls shall never be separated in two without end." Julian also writes of the three precious gifts that God...2020-09-2552 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary Rolf"Humility and Awe"In this episode of the "Life, Love, & Light" podcasts, Julian of Norwich considers the dangers of false humility and the great harm that comes to the soul because we think our sins are not forgiven. Julian warns us that "This dread we sometimes mistake for meekness, but it is a foul blindness and a weakness." Such false humility can do great harm to our love-relationship with God, leading us into doubt and despair; whereas, true humility trusts mightily in the Lord and rejoices in our salvation. Julian further defines four kinds of "dread" or "fear"...2020-09-1946 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary Rolf"Mighty Trust in God"Following her Sixteenth Revelation, Julian of Norwich reflects on the three faces of Christ that we are shown in this life and also on the suffering that we must endure because of sin -- when we feel we have fallen "in a part of hell." But Julian reassures us that even though we may feel "dead" to ourselves, we are "not dead in the sight of God," who offers us pity, compassion, and mercy. Julian warns us -- just as she must have warned those who came to her anchorage window for spiritual counseling -- to beware...2020-09-1147 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary Rolf"Christ in the Soul"In the Sixteenth and final Revelation, Julian of Norwich is gifted with an inner vision of Christ sitting in rest in her soul as in a vast citadel. He is "sovereign might, sovereign wisdom, and sovereign goodness." She understands that the soul is where God delights in dwelling, as his "homeliest home." Julian also hears the final locution -- or inner words -- spoken by Christ within her soul. These words assure her that “it was no raving that thou saw this day” during all her Revelations (which she had, for a brief moment doubted). She...2020-09-0557 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary Rolf"Betrayal & Healing"In her Fifteenth Revelation, Julian of Norwich reveals that Christ taught her the importance of patience in our times of suffering and that we must try to "overpass" our pain so that we, who have been chosen by love, may take delight in our salvation even now. The aftermath of this sublime Revelation, however, is completely unexpected and utterly shocking. Indeed, it is rarely mentioned by those who write about or discuss Julian's Revelations. In the most candid and personal language, Julian confesses her own momentary betrayal of the Revelations when her physical pain returned. If you...2020-08-291h 03"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary Rolf"The Motherhood of God"In the Fourteenth Revelation of Julian of Norwich, we discover Julian's mystical theology of The Motherhood of God. These inspired reflections on divine nurturing have made Julian's writings both challenging and extremely relevant for our time -- especially regarding the role of women in the church. In language that is extremely daring and tenderly intimate, Julian reveals the full range of the work of our Mother Christ, who labors to give birth to us on the cross, feeds us with himself, teaches us, disciplines us, and brings us up into the fullness of...2020-08-2255 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary Rolf"How Christ Saves Us"In this episode of the Life, Love, & Light podcasts, we continue delving into the Fourteenth Revelation of Julian of Norwich. We enter into the mystery of the Parable of the Lord and a Servant that took Julian twenty years to interpret. It is a many-layered dramatic story, full of discoveries about why it is that God looks at us without blame, even in our sinfulness. Julian's understanding of this Parable became the foundation for her entire mystical theology and the key to her understanding of all the other Revelations. Please listen...2020-08-1559 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary Rolf"Mercy and Grace"This week's Life, Love, & Light podcast continues delving into the Fourteenth Revelation of Julian of Norwich, in which she insists that in her visionary experiences, she did not see any "wrath or blame in God" because "God is that goodness that may not be wroth, for God is nothing but goodness." Julian reveals how God's unconditional love is expressed through his constant outpouring of mercy and grace -- that heal, comfort, teach, and guide the soul on its journey into divine love. Julian's understanding of the "two forms of judgment" -- how God...2020-08-0851 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary Rolf"How to Pray"In the Fourteenth Revelation, we hear the most sublime teachings on prayer that Julian of Norwich received directly from Christ -- how to pray, the manner of prayer, prayer in times of desolation, prayer of thanksgiving, contemplative prayer, and the prayer of union. Julian reveals her own personal struggles with prayer, and shares her radical new understanding of who actually initiates our prayer. For anyone who has ever questioned the value of prayer, the methods of prayer, or the goal of prayer, these teachings are invaluable. They will transform your attitude toward prayer forever!...2020-08-0153 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary Rolf"The Working of Miracles"Continuing her account of the Thirteenth Revelation, Julian of Norwich reveals what Christ told her about his working of miracles. She understands that miracles always follow upon great "sorrows, suffering, and anguish." We examine the inexplicable transformations of healing and forgiveness that have occurred in our own lives and realize that we, too, have been the recipients of miracles. Julian also admits that Christ told her she would sin, but that he would never love her -- or us -- any less, even in our sinfulness. Christ also reveals that the suffering we must endure...2020-07-2554 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary Rolf"The Great Deed"In this episode, part of the Thirteenth Revelation of Julian of Norwich, we hear Julian's deep concern that “there are many evil deeds done in our sight and such great harms suffered, that it seems to us that it would be impossible that it ever could come to a good end." Julian questions the all-pervasiveness of sin and wonders how Christ's promise that "all shall be well" can be fulfilled if even one soul is damned. Then Julian reveals her understanding of the "Great Deed" that will be done at the end of time to make all th...2020-07-1852 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary Rolf"All Shall Be Well"In the Thirteenth Revelation of Julian of Norwich, at last we delve into the sublime words she heard Christ speak to her; words that are uniquely associated with Julian throughout the world: "All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well." There are some surprising discoveries to be made concerning what Christ's words to Julian mean and what they do not mean. We explore their implications for how we move through the crises and carry the crosses of our lives with faith and trust. Please share these 2020-07-1149 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary Rolf"I It Am That Thou Lovest"In the Twelfth Revelation, Julian of Norwich experiences Christ in glory more fully than she had before and hears him pour out a magnificent litany of who he is: "I it am. . ." This litany describes, in Christ's own words, the endless ways in which he is present to the human mind and heart. We reflect on what "I it am" means to us, in our present time of suffering, fear, and anxiety. The Guided Meditation at the end of the podcast reflects on the nature of our awareness that is one continuum with Christ's own...2020-07-0434 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary Rolf"Wilt Thou See Her?"In the Eleventh Revelation, Julian of Norwich sees Christ look down from the cross to where his mother stood during his passion. He asks Julian "Wilt thou see her?" Julian greatly desires to see Mary as she sees Jesus in physical form, but is given instead an imaginary sight of her in heaven, "exalted and noble and glorious and pleasing to Christ above all creatures.” Julian understands that Christ wants us to rejoice in Mary his mother and that he exalted her above all other creatures precisely so that Julian might see how much she is loved . . . an...2020-06-2740 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary Rolf"Lo, How I Loved Thee"In the Tenth Revelation, Julian of Norwich accepts Christ's tender invitation to enter mystically into his Sacred Heart and there find rest, and joy, and the greatest bliss in his unconditional love. It is an astounding revelation of Christ's deep desire to tell Julian -- and each one of us -- "Lo, how I loved thee." Please listen and share with those you love, especially on this day, June 19th, which is the Feast of the Sacred Heart and the celebration of Juneteenth. Blessings to all!2020-06-2044 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary Rolf"Are You Well Satisfied?"In the Ninth Revelation, Julian of Norwich hears Christ ask her if she is "well satisfied" that he suffered and died for her on the cross. She stutters her great thanks and Christ responds: "If thou art satisfied, I am satisfied." This astonishing Revelation gives a completely new meaning to the medieval theology of redemption. There are many more surprises in store, as Julian realizes how much Christ wanted to redeem us and the great joy and delight he had in doing it. Please listen and share this episode with family and friends who may be in...2020-06-1353 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary Rolf"Transformation of Suffering"In the astounding Eighth Revelation, Julian watches the sufferings of Christ as he languishes on the cross in front of her. She fully expects to see him dead. Instead, suddenly he is transformed into glory before her eyes! Her joy is ecstatic. She reflects on the fact that we are now with him on the cross "in our pains and in our passion, dying." But suddenly, he will transform everything we suffer into his own perfect joy. More than ever before, when the world is mired in so much suffering, we need to reflect on this Revelation!2020-06-0647 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary Rolf"Mood Swings in Prayer"In the Seventh Revelation, Julian experiences a series of spiritual mood swings between the most blissful joy and security in divine presence and a sense of acute annoyance and desperation within herself. She understands that God allows these extreme oscillations to occur in our life of prayer so that we learn not to cling to feelings, but only to our faith. She counsels that God wants us to "pass over" all our pains and sufferings and "hold ourselves in the endless delight that is God." A powerful teaching that challenges us right now!2020-05-3044 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary Rolf"I Thank Thee"In the Sixth Revelation, Julian of Norwich hears Christ on the cross thank her for her service and her labor in her youth! This astonishing experience generates Julian's vision of the heavenly banquet and the three degrees of bliss that every man or woman shall receive who has served God in any station in life. It is a joyous Revelation that should encourage us all!2020-05-2333 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary Rolf"No Wrath in God"In the Fifth Revelation, Julian of Norwich hears Christ's voice reassure her that, by his suffering on the cross, he has overcome all sin and evil. She also introduces the astounding Revelation that will become central to her mystical theology: that she saw "no wrath in God."2020-05-1643 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary Rolf"The Precious Plenty"On this, Julian's Feast Day, we explore the Fourth Revelation, in which Julian sees "the precious plenty of Christ's dearworthy blood" flowing out from his wounds on the cross to cover, forgive, and heal the whole world. In our Guided Meditation, we allow Christ to pour out his healing light from our own hearts to those we love who are suffering right now.2020-05-0933 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary Rolf"God-in-a-Point"In the Third Revelation, Julian of Norwich experiences "God-in-a-Point" of mystical awareness and realizes that God is in all things and does all things and that all God does is righteous and good. However, she also questions: "What is sin?" but admits she was not shown the working of sin in creatures, only God's sublime working of good in all creation. This brings Julian the ecstatic joy of beholding God in all things.2020-05-0239 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary Rolf"Seeking and Beholding"In this episode we explore Julian's Second Revelation as she watches Christ suffer on the cross in front of her. She longs to have more light to see Christ better. Then she comes to understand that the spiritual life is a constant balance between "seeking" and "seeing" (or "beholding") God. Julian tell us how to seek patiently and persistently, always trusting "mightily" that God will appear "suddenly" and then we may "behold' him.2020-04-2539 min"Life, Love, & Light" with Veronica Mary Rolf"Sheltering In Place"In this episode we examine the deeper spiritual meaning of "sheltering in place" during a pandemic by exploring the life and times of Julian of Norwich, the fourteenth century English mystic who survived at least four cycles of the Bubonic plague and became a solitary anchorite, "sheltering in place" for twenty-five years! During a near-death illness, Julian received sixteen Revelations of Christ on the cross and set them down in the first book ever written by a woman. She is best known for the words Christ spoke to her: "All shall be well, and all shall be well, and...2020-04-181h 02