Fr James Jackson FSSP, Author at Catholic Herald

Fr James Jackson FSSP

April 02, 2020

Most of the time, when Catholics say that they don’t pray well, what they mean is they have a lack of feeling for it, or don’t receive an immediate reward. Sometimes this is due to spiritual dryness, or being in a state of desolation. But often it means that they do not know how to

Lenten reflection: The fight of our lives

March 26, 2020

In this strange time of the suspension of public Masses and just about everything else that is public, it may strike you as odd to be concerned about your “predominant fault”. Yet this time is nothing short of a tremendous opportunity to hit the fault right where it counts. And if you want to do

Fix your eyes on Christ

March 19, 2020

Any good plan to combat your “predominant fault” will include things that are positive and things that are negative. Knowing the fault and your lesser sins will be the result of a good examination of conscience. As St Augustine said, “This is the very perfection of a man, to find out his own imperfections.” Among

Lenten reflection: Seeing beyond your weaknesses

March 12, 2020

Once we have identified our predominant fault, we need to identify the virtue opposed to it. For this, we need clear doctrine. An unclear or false understanding of the virtues and vices can make quite a bit of trouble for the soul trying to do the spiritual spring cleaning we call Lent. Sacred, orthodox doctrine

Lenten reflection: Pray, but don’t forget to play

March 05, 2020

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” – Mother Goose No serious Catholic would dispute the authority of Mother Goose, at least not with words. But in actions, many a Catholic does go against her advice. One of the great means to combat what Fr Garrigou-Lagrange called our “predominant fault” is good

You’re in for a fight this Lent, but stay calm

February 27, 2020

Last week, I discussed the importance of finding out what your predominant fault is. If you’re having difficulty discovering it, don’t give up! Keep searching. Ask God to shed light on the fault. Ask yourself, “Towards what do my ordinary inclinations tend when I get up in the morning or when I’m alone? Where do

One good Lent can change your life

February 20, 2020

Lent: there is an interesting word. It seems to come from the Old English word lencten, meaning “springtime or spring”. There’s also a connection with the West Germanic langitinaz, or “lengthening of day”. Any Catholic who is serious about reforming their lives knows that somehow Lent plays – or should play – an important role.

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