I have always loved the beauty of trees. My time in the forest usually gives me time to slow down, breathe and contemplate the important things in life. Recently, I combined a work conference in Fort Collins, CO with an opportunity to spend some time at the Benet Hill monastery, in Colorado Springs. This is the home of my Spiritual Direction Certification program.
Continue reading “To Be A Good Tree”
I’ve always been drawn to this beautiful prayer called Anima Christi or Soul of Christ, a 14th century prayer usually said after communion.
Continue reading “Make Us Like You Lord”
“For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” Think about our hearts like a bank vault, a place where you store your most valuable possessions, your treasure. To wake up and be aware of how much value we put on our treasure, both earthly and heavenly, we need to regularly discern what it is we love and what we would do if we lost it.
If wealth was taken away, would we keep our faith in God’s providence? If we lost our health or the health of a loved one, would we continue to hope in God’s goodness? If any of our less tangible earthly treasures (reputation, relationships, social standing) were compromised, would we walk in justice, prudence, fortitude, and temperance as God’s trusting child, forgiving and giving to those who oppose us?
We are presented with a sobering teaching to help us discern if we are on the narrow road that leads to life (cf. Mt 7:13-14). Jesus, the light of the world, leads the way to all treasure, both earthly and heavenly. Can we honestly say we are following Christ through the narrow gate with all our heart? Are we loving with a selfless love always willing the good of the other?
Lord, I lift up my soul it is in you I trust. Make me know your ways, teach me your paths. Guide me by your love and fidelity. Teach me, for you are God my savior. Amen
Each year, the Holy Father asks for our prayers for a specific intention each month. You are invited to answer the Holy Father’s request and to join with many people worldwide in praying for this intention each month.
Continue reading “Finding Compassion”
In our society, the various aspects of aging, especially the physical aspect, are invariably part of daily conversations. But when one thinks about the spiritual aspect, the process of “aging is a natural monastery,” writes Father Ronald Rotheiser:
Continue reading “Our Spiritual Monestary”
Are you a friend of Christ or a slave to the world? As the Spirit opens my eyes, I see there is no middle ground. This is the narrow path that we hear about that few are able to walk.
Continue reading “Knowing God”
We can’t think our way into relationship with God. It’s only through living the mystery can we know God. The Gospel tells us when the Spirit comes, he will guide us into all truth.
Continue reading “Living Our Way to God”
A lot of people think of the Most Holy Trinity as a mystery that we can’t really understand, so they give up or don’t try. The truth is that we aren’t meant to really understand the mystery of the Trinity but to love it. The mystery keeps us restless until we find and rest in God.
Continue reading “Loving the Mystery”
I’ve always loved Psalm 85 which gives us a vision of a land where the glory of our Lord dwells:
Continue reading “Finding Truth in God”
Smitten With Goodness 