In the Franciscan Way, Father Richard encourages students in the Franciscan mystical practice of respectful gazing:
Continue reading “Week 50. Respect. Looking for God’s Goodness and Weekly Reflection Summary.”
When I try to picture what heaven might be like, it looks a little like paradise in my mind’s eye. A place that is comforting and safe where I can be free.
Continue reading “Week 48. Gentleness. Paradise.”In a culture where everyone is screaming for their rights, are we losing who we are? Are we asleep to the people that God created us to be?
Continue reading “Week 44. Living Justly. Filling Gaps.”The spirit of faithfulness is manifest when we give others their due, have an attitude of faith and always seek to know and live God’s will for our lives. We are given the gift of faith; however, most of us have to work to find this gift. When I put my agenda aside, seek God’s will, and surrender to the call, I live a good life the way it was designed.
Continue reading “Week 43. Faithfulness. It’s Simple. “
Reverence, by definition, is profound respect and love. The virtue of temperance helps us develop reverence. When we have a reverent attitude toward God, we honor Him, express our gratitude, and are drawn to obey His commandments. As I grow in reverence towards God, I see my belovedness and value myself. As I lose reverence, my ego and will reigns.
Continue reading “Week Thirty-Seven. Reverence. His Will. “
Moderation allows us to avoid excess and extremes in our behavior and opinions. This virtue allows us to live a life of temperance knowing our value and another’s value. It is in this space that we can stand solid in who we are, where we own our story, and we can witness another’s story. In today’s practice of finding God’s goodness, Sikh activist Valarie Kaur shows us how she has made a commitment to listen to those with whom she disagrees. Here, in this reflection, she describes some of the practices that make it possible:
Continue reading “Week Thirty-Two. Moderation. Looking for God’s Goodness and Weekly Reflection Summary.”There is a saying in recovery that fear is faith that hasn’t said its prayers. I can be lulled into the comforts the world offers and fall spiritually asleep. Then I wonder why I feel dull and lack inspiration. I’m not reaping the benefits of moderation. I’ve become lazy and this laziness breeds spiritual disconnectedness.
Continue reading “Week Thirty-Two. Moderation. Encouraged.”Perhaps one of the most precious and powerful gifts we can give another person is to really listen to them, to listen with quiet, fascinated attention, with our whole being, fully present. This takes presence within and a stance of self-control. Where we moderate our own thoughts, perspectives, and agendas and empty ourselves to create space and holy ground, this is sacred listening.
Continue reading “Week Thirty-Two. Moderation. Sacred Listening.”Moderation creates space. It invites possibility rather than keeping us entrenched in a certain attitude, opinion or behavior. It’s important to my well being to live in the hope of what’s possible. It is easy to get distracted by the darkness of our world and lose sight of God’s goodness. The space of moderation orients my heart toward meaning. Love defines my attitude and brings peace and hope to my day.
Continue reading “Week Thirty-Two. Moderation. Making Space.”Are you stretched thin by the anxieties of everyday life? Are you impacted by fatigue, sadness, or apathy? Does it feel like your relationships are stagnating, despite your best efforts? Are wounds from past relationships affecting your ability to live joyfully?
Continue reading “Week Thirty-Two. Moderation. Well-being. “
