Reflections from the Heart

Originally written as daily Lenten reflections, out of love for my family, grew into a collection of related insights from a lifetime of lay spiritual practice and service. Over the years in my faith's journey, I came to the realization that reflections are not just for a particular season, or a particular day. Reflections are for every day, any day, any time, in every season. Reflection leads to meditation and meditation reveals the inner practice of faith that keeps us connected to God while engaged in earthly endeavors. Daily reflection could place us on a path that we may grow in an increased faith with a better understanding of the love of God, the message of Jesus Christ, the influence of Holy Spirit, our love for our neighbor and of ourselves. Reflections from the heart, form the heart.

Reflections from the heart, form the heart. Reflection leads to careful thought which leads to meditation which we hope will lead us to be inspired by the Love of God. Originally written as daily Lenten reflections, out of love for my family. For me, positive Lenten projects as alternatives to the traditional Lenten acts of mortification. For years I shared these reflections only with my family. Over the years in my faith's journey, I came to the realization that reflections are not just for a particular season, or a particular day. Reflections are for every day, any day, any time, in every season. A member of my family suggested I expand these reflections, and another suggested I put them in book form, and I thought, "Oh sure!" I'm neither a writer nor a theologian, but we do not have to be, to express our thoughts and our love for God. After my retirement, a pandemic, and the inspiration of the love of God, I had accumulated what I thought would be enough reflections for a book, so why not? I'm a Catholic lay person, and these reflections are on Scripture of the Old and New Testament of the Bible, including the Ten Commandments, on the statutes of the Catholic Church, and on the Word of God on universal moral issues. I hope these reflections have universal appeal. A priest that received a hard cover copy of this book, before the soft cover version was available, wrote, that he thought it was wonderful, and he was inspired by those who would share their faith stories for others to ponder and reflect on. He looked forward to their insights and their reflections. He added let's pray for one another. I pray that, if nothing else, these reflections will encourage self-reflection, careful thought, meditation, and a deeper love for God.

John L. Silberstein is author of Reflections from the Heart and The Tallest Little Christmas Tree. Born to humble and loving Catholic parents, Silberstein is the oldest of six children. He attended Temple University where he received a degree in pharmacy and then entered the U.S. Army Medical Service Corp. After the army, he married and with his wife opened a pharmacy in Southern California where they raised three children and served the local community for over 40 years. What began as daily Lenten letters to his family, Reflections from the Heart grew into a collection of relatable insights culled from a lifetime of lay spiritual practice and service. These meditations reveal how the inner practice of faith keeps one connected to God while engaged in earthly endeavors like building a successful business and supporting a happy family. These themes are echoed in his story for children The Tallest Little Christmas Tree, a heart-warming tale about finding one's place by following the path of faith, self-sacrifice, and love.