Inspiration

The Gift of A Son

Reflections for contemplative living

One of the most challenging and rewarding experiences in my life is my vocation as a parent. I’ve been blessed beyond measure with two beautiful children and three bonus children, one of which was born twenty-eight years ago today.

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Inspiration

Made for Mission

Reflections for contemplative living

We are sent by God, the father of mercy, to distribute this treasure to those in need. The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities. Instructing, advising, consoling, and comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently. St. Thomas Aquinas defined mercy as “the compassion in our hearts for another person’s misery, a compassion which drives us to do what we can to help him.”  Are you a missionary of mercy? 

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Inspiration

True Love

Reflections for contemplative living

One day a while back I was struck by the notion of wanting to “learn love.” I’d hit a wall with my teenage daughter who was struggling with her mental health and the love I was giving her wasn’t enough. The pain of this situation drew me towards my own transformation. And what a gift it was. 

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Inspiration

Sowing Abundance 

Reflections for contemplative living

In faith, we sow all sorts of seeds, and yet often the ones that grow abundant in fruit surprise us. We plant all sorts of seeds:  our work towards justice, taking care of others, both in prayer and relationship. We offer them all to God. We trust that what grows is God speaking in our world, through us.

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Inspiration

Cracking Open

Reflections for contemplative living

A seed can exist for a long time but unless it falls into the soil and cracks open, nothing further comes of it. Their life is inside, but it’s a life that grows by being given away and mixing with the soil around it. Paradoxically, when you look at a great tree, you simultaneously see none of the original seed and nothing but the original seed, now flourishing.

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Inspiration

The Praise Paradox

Reflections for contemplative living

To mature spiritually, we need to grow in wholeness which is body, mind, and spirit, living an integrated life. This way of living is hard, not for the faint of heart and what’s meant by the “narrow gate.” By living our best life, we worship God to the fullest, giving praise and all glory to our Creator. 

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