Meditations for Mothers: 12 Reflections from The Better Part

Has it ever been harder to be a confident, spirit-filled mother? You've got financial pressures to deal with. Constant child-rearing quandaries. Stubborn marital strains.

And always, you're hearing the call of the world to take the path of least resistance, to have as your number one priority a 'happier, healthier you.' Or, by the other side of that two edged sword, you're pressured by well-meaning friends in the faith who ominously warn that you re not doing enough to live our your vocation in a way that's perfectly pleasing to God.

Take heart. There's a better, more balanced way - a Bible-based and Christ-centered path through the emotional and spiritual minefield that modern Christian motherhood sometimes seems to be.

Father Bartunek selected these 12 reflections from his best seller The Better Part - incorporating Gospel passages, commentaries, and jewels from our spiritual and cultural heritage, making it perfect for personal study, discussion groups, or simply discussing with a friend over a hot cup of coffee.

Fr. John Bartunek, LC, S.Th.D., received his BA in History from Stanford University in 1990. He comes from an evangelical Christian background and became a member of the Catholic Church in 1991. After college he worked as a high school history teacher, drama director, and baseball coach. He then spent a year as a professional actor in Chicago before entering the religious Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ in 1993. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 2003 and earned his doctorate in moral theology in 2010.

He provided spiritual support on the set of Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ while researching the 2005 Catholic best seller, Inside the Passion, the only authorized, behind-the-scene explanation of the film. Fr. John has contributed news commentary regarding religious issues on NBC, CNN, Fox, and the BBC. He also served as the English-language press liaison for the Vatican's 2005 Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist.

His most widely known book is called The Better Part: A Christ-Centered Resource for Personal Prayer. His most recent books are Seeking First the Kingdom: 30 Meditations on How to Love God with All Your Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength, and Answers: Catholic Advice for Your Spiritual Questions.

Fr. John currently splits his time between Rhode Island and Rome, where he teaches theology at Mater Ecclesiae College and Regina Apostolorum. In his Order's General Directorate in Rome, he continues his writing apostolate. Fr. John answers questions about the spiritual life at SpiritualDirection.com.