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A symbol of pilgrimage, the scallop shell reminds us that wherever our journeys begin, we arrive at the same place: the embrace of the Holy One.
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February 2, 2012
Tags:
prayer, President Obama, common good
President Obama at the National Prayer Breakfast
"And it's a chance to step back for a moment, for us to come together as brothers and sisters and seek God's face together. At a time when it's easy to lose ourselves in the rush and clamor of our own lives, or get caught up in the noise and rancor that too often passes as politics today, these moments of prayer slow us down. They humble us. They remind us that no matter how much responsibility we have, how fancy our titles, how much power we think we hold, we are imperfect vessels. We can all benefit from turning to our Creator, listening to Him. Avoiding phony religiosity, listening to Him." from President Obama's National Prayer Breakfast Address
This morning I happened to be at home when President Obama addressed those assembled for the National Prayer Breakfast. I was drinking a cup of tea and preparing my own breakfast when the news channel began live coverage of the event. I sat down and listened. The opening remarks cited above reminded me of how I have become caught up in the busyness of life and have not taken time to slow down in prayer often enough. If the president can begin his day with prayer and a little Scripture, certainly I can do the same.
The past week an good friend of forty years (can't be!) came by for a visit. We rarely see one another and squeezed in a lot of catching up in the couple of hours remaining until I needed to leave for work. At one point in the conversation she said, "I don't have the time that I used to have to just pray. To just be still and pray. I need that." (more…)
January 28, 2012
Tags:
Thomas Aquinas, truth tellers
Saint Thomas Aquinas 1225 - 1274
Saint Thomas Aquinas was educated by Benedictines but eventually chose to join the Dominican order, much to his family's dismay. He continued his education in Paris and Cologne under the tutelage of Albert the Great. During this time, the writings of Aristotle had been rediscovered and were causing ferment in the Christian world of philosophy and theology. Why would a follower of Christ have any interest in the work of an ancient pagan philosopher? Did Aristotle's writings threaten the Church and its mission to spread the word of God?
As I read about Thomas this morning on one of my favorite sites, Universalis, a phrase in Martin Kochanski's short commentary on Thomas caught my attention-"Truth cannot contradict truth: if Aristotle (the great, infallible pagan philosopher) appears to contradict Christianity (which we know by faith to be true), then either Aristotle is wrong or the contradiction is in fact illusory."
This quote reminded me of a conversation I had years ago with my then five-year-old daughter who is now an archeologist. One night, when I climbed the steps to check on her, I found her wide awake, looking at the ceiling and the glow in the dark moon stuck to it.
"What's wrong, honey?" I asked.
She turned her wide eyes toward me and said, "I don't know what to do. I love God, but I love science, too. And the Bible says God made the world in seven days and some people say dinosaurs and people lived at the same time, but science says that isn't true.” She took a deep breath. “I don't know what to pick." (more…)
January 14, 2012
Tags:
art, music, song, food, convivium
The weekly Convivium, or gathering for lunch and conversation, was one of my favorite events during my year at the Collegeville Institute. Sponsored by the School of Theology, the lunch was prepared by a different group each week and showcased ethnic foods of the students and residents as well as good old American standards. "Convivium" comes from the Latin meaning "feast," or in a more broad understanding, "living together" from "con" + "vivio."
The experience in Collegeville followed noon prayer (also led by students) and provided an opportunity to share good food, conversation, news of upcoming events, while contributing to the sense of community.
I am blessed to share a monthly meal, conversation, and prayer with a small group where I live. We have been meeting for about seven years and bring one another joy and support. In our society, taking time to sit together, savor food and enjoy others' company is becoming less common. Many families have difficulty finding time to eat together as they juggle work, school, sports, and other activities. (more…)
January 10, 2012
Tags:
light, present to the moment
PhOTO: Mary van Balen
This winter has been mild, giving us some almost balmy sunny days. One morning the light coming in my bedroom window was so strong that I grouped plants from around the room onto one dresser so they could benefit from the rays. I sat on my bed and looked at them, enjoying the shine on their leaves and imagining the roots stretching and moving around in the warm soil.
Today I decided to ignore usual "day off chores" and soak up the sun as well. I stepped outside and decided to walk toward the used furniture store that provided my dining room table. I crossed to the sunny side of the street, took a deep breath, and savored the sun's warmth on my face. (more…)
December 19, 2011
Tags:
Advent, Trans Siberian Orchestra, joy, song, energy
PHOTO: Mary van Balen
Last night, this old hippie attended her first rock concert. Well, the Trans Siberian Orchestra is not a true "rock band," as my daughter who accompanied me pointed out, but it is close enough. I was propelled to buy two tickets one night when I was hungry for music, music that would energize as well as entertain. Having listened to Rochmaninoff's "Vespers," Handel's Messiah," and Pavorrati's "O Holy Night" countless times, I logged on the internet only to find that the singalong Messiah, and any holiday offerings of the symphony were past. Few options remained before the new year.
One group, Trans Siberian Orchestra, sounded familiar. My work schedule actually would allow me to attend their Sunday afternoon concert. I googled the group, an eclectic mix of strings, percussion, guitar, and vocals, and decided to give it a go. (more…)
December 15, 2011
Tags:
Advent, common good, justice, poverty
Today's headlines include an AP article about the increase of poverty in the US. According to census figures, 1 in 2 people in the US are poor or low income. The figures are not surprising since the economy has been struggling for years, and government programs that act as safety nets have been decreased. My job, fulltime at a large department store, would put me in the low income range even though I work 35-39 hours per week. It does provide good benefits, and many of those who work there are not the sole income earners for themselves or their families. Still, I am blessed to have other sources of revenue to supplement my pay check. All are not so fortunate.
I am well educated and have a wide variety of experience and a strong social network that gives me support. What about those who have less education? Who have young children to support? Who are single parents? Who have been out of work for years? If I had difficulty finding a job, imagine the plight of so many others. As I said, the figures were not surprising.
What bothered me in the article was a comment by Robert Rector, a research fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation. He questioned whether those classified as poor or low-income in the census report actually suffered material hardship. He thinks the safety-net governmental programs offered to such people have been overdone. His rationale? Some of them have cars, decent sized homes, and widescreen TVs. (more…)
December 7, 2011
Tags:
blessing, Presence, grace, sacred space
Last night, after dinner and prayer, my spirituality group blessed my new flat! A beautiful surprise. One arrived with a sprig of green and placed it in a vase on the buffet. When the evening was drawing to a close, Noreen said, "There are six spaces here, and six of us. Each pick a space and bless it, speaking from your heart."
Dipping the green into a bowl of water, Ann went without hesitation to the kitchen where she sprinkled the counter built by my brother, the stove, sink, and pantry made by my daughter and spoke of the joy of preparing food for self and friends, and hoped I would enjoy this kitchen space as much as she enjoys hers.
Denis took the sprig and blessed the dining area and table where friends and family gather. "May they be filled and satisfied not only with food, but with spirit."
Lavonne took the sprig. "We're traveling," she said and walked to the bathroom where the colorful "map of the world" shower curtain adds brightness to the small space. (more…)
December 6, 2011
Tags:
friends, Presence
Friends are coming to dinner tonight. We meet once a month for dinner, conversation, and prayer. This is the fist gathering I have hosted in my new place, and I am looking forward to it. I cleaned, put on "Vespers" by Rachmaninoff, and lit candles. What a wonderful way to celebrate the feast of St. Nicholas. Three gold coins sit on each plate, remembering' the story of Nicholas helping a poor man and this three daughters by tossing a bag of gold coins into the young women's window, providing a dowery for each. One story claims the gold fell into their stockings, and thus, we hang Christmas stockings to be filled with small gifts.
Tonight, as we gather for prayer, we will read over today's Scriptures which speak of God's great love for every person and desire to take care of the poor. God is compared to a shepherd caring for his sheep, searching for one who wanders away, not wanting to lose even one. Readings from Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Mark echo the theme of Love wrapping us up, protecting us, and making sure we arrive safely home. (more…)
December 3, 2011
Tags:
Advent, waiting, Caryll Houselander
Sometimes we do anything to drive darkness away. The empty space inside our hearts, the "virginal emptiness" as Caryll Houselander calls it, can be uncomfortable. Even as we "wait" during Advent, we can fill our days with enough activity and preparation for Christmas day that we have no time or desire to experience the emptiness which God alone can fill. And honestly, who can blame us? Darkness can be scary. Like when we were children and wanted a night light or at least the bedroom door left ajar to let in light from the hallway. Who knew what lurked in the darkness under our beds, in the closets, or in the night?
When I saw this house and lawn covered with lights and every imaginable decoration from Santas to moose sitting on packages, I was reminded of the human tendency to light up the dark, even if the end result is as confusing and garish as these Christmas decorations. A nativity scene is tucked into the display, but is not lit and is better seen when the sun comes up and the electricity goes off. (more…)
December 2, 2011
Tags:
light, faith, Advent
Moon, Jupiter, Venus PHOTO: Mary van Balen
Today's readings are full of light. The morning Psalm (69): "Lord answer for your mercy is kind; in your great compassion, turn toward me. Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in distress..."
From the book of Tobit, who had become blind: "Tobit saw his son and threw his arms around him. Weeping, he exclaimed, "I can see you, son, the light of my eyes! Then he prayed, 'Blessed be God, blessed be his great name, and blessed be all his holy angels.'"
From Isaiah 29: "On that day the deaf shall her the words of a book; And out of gloom of darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see."
From the gospel, Matthew 9: "As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out, 'Son of David, have pity on us!' When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them, 'Do you believe that I can do this?' 'Yes, Lord,' they said to him. Then he touched their eyes and said, 'Let it be done for you according to your faith.' And their eyes were opened..."
From Psalm 27: "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The Lord is my life's refuge; of whom should I be afraid? One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek: To dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life...Wait for the Lord with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord."
I read today's readings. Then I read articles in The New York Times. An Afghan woman, 19, who was raped and gave birth to her child in prison will be pardoned...if she marries the rapist. Democrats and Republicans at odds over tax bill that would extend tax cuts to millions of middle class workers and increase taxes on millionaires and billionaires. No new taxes is the Republican mantra. Cautious steps towards opening relations with Myanmar on conditions of opening politics and ending violent oppression.
Ready to leave for work, I wonder about my faith in the Light. Can I, can those suffering in ways I cannot imagine, "Wait for the Lord with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord?"
Come, Lord Jesus, Come.
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Devotional
A book of reflections based on the spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi Inspirational
A celebration of marriage that encourages the reader to embrace all the seasons.
A collection of anecdotes and reflections upon the presence of the Sacred in ordinary life Biography
The story of a courageous woman who traded a life of wealth for one of service |
UniversalisProvides readings for Liturgy of the Hours and Mass of the day. Includes information on feast days.
Saint John's Abbey Collegeville MNInformation, daily reflections, many links to life at the Abbey and St. John's
The Martin de Porres Center A wonderful venue for retreats, art exhibits, small groups, programs. Link to scheduled events
Celebrate!Pastoral magazine for those involved in liturgy planning and celebration
The Soft EarthWebsite of Joan Lederman and her pottery studio in Woods Hole, MA. Joan uses sediment from the ocean floor (from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute) as glazes to finish her beautiful variety of unique pieces.
The Private Eye Educational site; hands-on investigation using jeweler's loupe and questions
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