Back in the early 1980’s, during my first year at the seminary of St Mary of the Barrens in Perryville, Missouri, I experienced a week-long directed retreat. The fruits of that retreat have remained with me, ebbing and flowing in my spiritual memory, over the years; but, this particular time of year brings the experience into much clearer focus for me. …
THE FORCE AWAKENS
Even without photographs, I can still see my grandmother’s Christmas tree. The image is enfolded in a peaceful blanket of consolation and joy that is hard to describe. Large colored lights on green that burn and blur in calmness as my heart’s eye watches them. …
ALL ABOUT EVE
In the first reading of the Scripture for today’s celebration of the Immaculate Conception GN 3: 9-15, 20, we hear a recounting of perhaps the original biblical “blame game.” Suddenly, after eating of the forbidden tree in the garden, Adam realizes he is “naked.” …
Advent Flames
Where is the wick of compassion
From Candles snuffed out
Too often with violence?
Lying beneath now solid wax,
Awaiting a Phoenix to burn yet again!
Light the wick and quicken the wax!
Carve it out and trim it down;
For Flames to reach skyward
Need wax and wick,
Both birthed and berthed in generous care!…
MOUNTAIN REUNION
Recently, from another room at a friend’s house, I heard Leonard say, “I miss the mountains.” I was immediately distracted from the conversation I was having and placed mentally somewhere “out West” in a National Park, hiking a trail, admiring nature, and talking loudly to ward off potential encounters with bears. …