Elise and the Lantern of the Soul: A Short Parable II
17 September 2026
Keeping the Flame of Faith Alive
In our lives, many things are offered to us to help us relax, feel better, or find peace. Some of these can be good, but we can sometimes be tempted to try everything (Yoga, Reiki, energetic naturopathy…) without taking the time to ask ourselves whether it truly aligns with what we believe.
When we choose to follow Jesus, our heart becomes like a small lantern: a flame of Faith that we must tend and protect.
Being Christian is not about fearing what is different. It is about learning to discern, to recognize what draws us closer to God and what can, without us even realizing it, lead us away from Him.
Jesus calls us to keep our eyes fixed on His light and to trust in Him.
So, like Élise, let us take care of our little inner flame: nourish it through prayer, trust, love, and faithfulness to Christ.
For a well-guarded little flame can continue to shine, even when the world around us offers a thousand other paths.
The prayer of the Rosary is also there to help us stay on this Path of Peace and Love with Jesus!
Activities:
Simple and effective alternatives for the well-being of the body!
And when you feel troubled or anxious, here is another alternative to calm down.
Annotated Bibliography
Carl, Linda. Yoga Unveiled: My Spiritual Journey from Darkness to Light.
In this personal testimony, Linda Carl recounts her long experience as a yoga practitioner and teacher before returning to a deeper Christian faith.
Sculley, Max. Yoga, Tai Chi, Reiki: A Guide for Christians.
This work offers a clear and structured Christian analysis of yoga, tai chi, and Reiki. Sculley carefully distinguishes physical exercise and relaxation techniques from their underlying spiritual and philosophical foundations, providing helpful guidance for discernment.
Locke, Laura. “The Dangers of Reiki.” Catholic Answers.
This article presents the testimony of Beth Anderson, a Catholic who turned to Reiki for health reasons, and explains why the practice is considered incompatible with Catholic teaching.
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Guidelines for Evaluating Reiki as an Alternative Therapy.
This official document examines the spiritual and philosophical foundations of Reiki, particularly its concept of a universal life energy.