Anger and the ax When I was young, anger was my most powerful emotion. At slight provocation, it would pour into me like molten metal. It would burst through my meager defenses and spew across my family like lava from a volcano. After years of practice and prayer (mostly my mother's prayers...), I was able … Continue reading The Reason in Emotion
Moment of Grace
They brought the boy to him. And when he saw him, the spirit immediately threw the boy into convulsions. As he fell to the ground, he began to roll around and foam at the mouth. Then [Jesus] questioned his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” He replied, “Since childhood. It has often thrown … Continue reading Moment of Grace
The Inefficiency of Love
This culture [of death] is actively fostered by powerful cultural, economic and political currents which encourage an idea of society excessively concerned with efficiency… The first to be harmed are women, children, the sick or suffering, and the elderly. The criterion of personal dignity—which demands respect, generosity and service—is replaced by the criterion of efficiency, … Continue reading The Inefficiency of Love
Love Is Come Again
In the grave they laid Him, Love by hatred slain, Thinking that never He would wake again. Laid in the earth like grain that sleeps unseen: Love is come again, like wheat arising green. Easter Carol Now the Green Blade Rises ____________ Love Is Come Again For me this Easter, finding humility was a lot like … Continue reading Love Is Come Again
Sheep
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and … Continue reading Sheep
Work
By the sweat of your brow you shall eat bread, Until you return to the ground, from which you were taken; For you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Genesis 3:19 ____________ Work Work is man's gift and his curse. Curse We start life hating work. It's doing something we don't want to … Continue reading Work
Gracefulness
"Hail, full of grace!" Luke 1:28 ____________ Gracefulness Grace and gratitude It is interesting that the words "grace" and "gratitude" have similar etymologies. They derive from the Latin word gratus, which means both pleasing and thankful (pleased). This reveals a practical way of understanding John Paul II's description of mercy as "bilateral", or two-sided: An act of … Continue reading Gracefulness
Expectations
Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is to come! Hosanna in the highest! Mark 11:9-10 ____________ Expectations Lent of opposing expectations Most years, we expect a very round experience. Winter, spring, summer, fall. Every year, the cycle of holidays comes … Continue reading Expectations
The Joy of Humility
We proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 1 Corinthians 1:23-25 ____________ … Continue reading The Joy of Humility
Adoration
I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26 ____________ Adoration Humility Humility can be summed up in this prayer: "Jesus, help me to love myself as you love … Continue reading Adoration
A Grain of Salt 