Don

Understanding impermanence can give us confidence, peace, and joy. Impermanence does not necessarily lead to suffering. Without impermanence, life could not be. Without impermanence, your daughter could not grow up into a beautiful young lady. Without impermanence, oppressive political regimes would never change. We think impermanence makes us suffer. The Buddha gave the example of … Read more

Just now as I’m sitting on my porch enjoying the warmth of Brother Fire I heard the sound of a gaggle of Canada Geese flying overhead. The sound of the geese coming and going on this flyway is a blessing. They are a benediction for me. It is a sacred moment and a bell of … Read more

When we are driving, we tend to think of arriving, and we sacrifice the journey for the sake of the arrival. But life is to be found in the present moment, not in the future. In fact, we may suffer more after we arrive at our destination. If we have to talk of destination, what … Read more

“The monastery is the center of the world.” This drastic statement by John Eudes in Chapter this morning reminded me of exactly the same statement made by Thomas Merton when he came to the Abbey of Gethsemane for the first time. The monastery is just not a place to keep the world out but a … Read more

I saw this quote tonight on a sweatshirt and I really liked it. I hope it works for you too. “When you lose the rhythm of the drumbeat of God, you are lost from the peace and rhythm of life.” –a Cheyenne saying

Thich Nhat Hanh’s quote from the other day has gotten me to thinking again about its similarities and the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the work of St. Francis of Assisi. “Many of us claim to be disciples of the Buddha, of Jesus Christ, of Mohammed, but we don’t listen to their teachings…We must think … Read more

“It is no exaggeration to say that democratic society is founded on a kind of faith: on the conviction that each citizen is capable of, and assumes, complete political responsibility. Each one not only broadly understands the problems of government but is willing and ready to take part in their solution. In a word, democracy … Read more

The theme change has a Marian character to it. I’ve been thinking a lot about Our Lady and I love the color blue. The two go together for me. Blue is also one of my favorite colors. Blue and Green are among my favorites along the brown of the Friars Minor. Lately I’ve been thinking … Read more

Today, three more of our fraternity made their profession as Secular Franciscans. It was great to see the emotion and the support of family, friends from our fraternity and the friars present. It was a reminder of my own profession just a little over four years ago. Reflecting on their profession and sharing this day … Read more

Many of us claim to be disciples of the Buddha, of Jesus Christ, of Mohammed, but we don’t listen to their teachings. Hatred cannot overcome hatred. Violence cannot overcome violence. The Bible, the Koran, the Torah, and the Sutras teach us that. But we don’t always believe in our spiritual path. We must think that … Read more