I was recently taking a contemplative walk in my neighborhood offering it as morning prayer. It was a restorative action on my part to counter all the “doing” and “input” of my life. No music, no podcast, no phone call. Just me and the Spirit walking to the tune of the sun rising and the birds singing.
Continue reading “The Mess of our Lives”
Spring is always uplifting I think because we see God’s creative nature in full bloom…literally. The silence of winter is shaking off its sleep and the birds are bursting in song. It’s a cacophony on my back patio as I listen to at least six different birds sing their song. I even was buzzed by a “hummer,” a sacred moment for me each time it occurs.
Continue reading “Lovely Day”
Going through the Passion each Lent starting on Palm Sunday, never fails to find me asking again for forgiveness and expressing my deep desire for a renewed relationship with Jesus.
Continue reading “Invited to More”
The word “faith” is the most misunderstood word in the religious vocabulary. And this is unfortunate, for faith stands at the very heart of what it meansto be a Christian. The opening line of Hebrews 11 has the right definition: “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Continue reading “Understanding Faith”
In the human eye, there is a “blind spot” this is the spot where the optic nerve passes through the retina and does not detect images. Emde Mariotte, a Catholic priest and pioneering physicist, made this discovery which greatly impacted the field of optics, offering a greater understanding of the natural world while offering a deeper appreciation for the genius of God’s creation. He integrated his faith and scientific work, seeing each other as complementary to the other.
Continue reading “Blind Spots”
Today’s world says do what makes you happy. As Christian’s we are to do what makes us holy.
Continue reading “Made To Be Holy”
Do you feel like you’re on a treadmill that never stops? Do you need some quiet time? Some family time? Some time when you can renew your mind, your body and your spirit? Things that make us the “good life?” Then maybe it’s time to reclaim Sunday as a day of rest and a special day.
Continue reading “Reclaim Sabbath”
Lately, I’ve been drawn to the idea of “stuff is not your friend.” Not in the minimalist way but in the fact that it is a distraction. It occupies space in my heart and mind requiring time, attention, and care, leaving less time for what really matters.
On a pilgrimage to Assisi a few years ago, Saint Francis encouraged me to live simply.
Continue reading “Clearing the Clutter”
I recently came across the concept of the cosmic egg and have been contemplating this idea. This concept is a great visual of the transformation Christ is drawing us into. It is the path of the mystic or someone in a personal, intimate relationship with the divine. The person who lives within the total cosmic egg is the mystic, the prophet, the universal human, the saint, the whole one living in Christ.
True transcendence frees us from the tyranny of I am, the idolatry of we are, and the scapegoating of they are. When all four stories are taken seriously, as the Bible shows us very well, we have a full life—fully human and fully divine. – Richard Rohr
This path is what is meant by “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” The path of discipleship is the path of self-sacrificing love, and that means the path of suffering.
And the great paradox: “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the Gospel will save it.” Put that over on your screensaver. There is no better one-line guide to the happy life.
In just a couple weeks, we’ll enter the desert when Lent begins. It’s a season where we’re encouraged to quiet the distractions around us so that we can better hear the voice of God and grow closer to Him.
The Lord says, “My sheep know my voice.”
Continue reading “Knowing God’s Voice”
Smitten With Goodness 