Kathleen Norris on treating spiritual dryness, jealousy, and bad thoughts

New York Times bestselling writer, Kathleen Norris, joins host James Martin, S.J., on “The Spiritual Life” podcast to share her experience with Benedictine monks, which formed the basis of her beloved book "The Cloister Walk," and to introduce her new book, "Rebecca Sue," a memoir about her younger sister who had a developmental disability. Kathleen retrieves spiritual wisdom from the ancient desert fathers and mothers on dealing with perennial psychological challenges, including jealousy, boredom, and bad thoughts. Timecodes: 0:00 Bad thoughts, not sin, was the focus in Early Christianity 1:10 The “Kathleen Norris-effect” 4:37 Getting to know the desert fathers and mothers 9:10 Kathleen Norris gets acquainted with monastic life 17:58 Hospitality is at the core of Benedictine spirituality 26:30 Rebecca Sue- Kathleen’s sister with a mental disability 30:57 Dealing with jealousy 33:15 Finding God in the desert 37:15 How the desert fathers and mothers dealt with sin 39:35 Acedia-restlessness, sadness, boredom 45:20 Audience Question: How important should it be that the parish we attend feel like a spiritual home? Read Fr. Jim’s review of Kathleen's book, "Rebecca Sue": https://www.americamagazine.org/books/2026/02/12/review-kathleen-norris-on-a-sisters-love/ Do you have a spiritual question for Fr. Jim? You can write to us at: thespirituallife@americamedia.org

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