I’m really enjoying a new iPhone app called Instagram. Tonight when I was at Nannen Arboretum in nearby Ellicottville, New York I used Instagram to transform a lovely picture into one that appears a bit more surreal than it was. I love the qualities of the photo and it captured a dimension of the beauty … Read more
Spiritual
Nannen at dusk
Once again I’m sitting beside a pool of still water. Only the occasional croak of a frog breaks the silence. It’s almost dusk. It’s restful here and a great way to end a busy day that saw local temperatures in the low ’90’s. What a contrast from the cold snow of winter and the abundant … Read more
We are not saints
The following quote comes from a Quaker house of worship and it is prominently displayed in the library under the chapel at Mt. Irenaeus. I first saw it on a Sunday in the spring of 2000 and it still is powerful for me. That Sunday I was wondering what God may be and I’m still … Read more
Imagination
“Imagine a world where the representatives of the greatest military power on earth are humbled by an unarmed healer from the backwaters of Galilee. If you can imagine this kind of world, you possess … an imagination ready to discern the reign of heaven.” – Stanley Saunders
The moon
Tonight after arriving home and exiting my car I looked up. The night sky was clear and glistened with stars, a quarter moon and at least one aircraft moving slowly with blinky lights from south to north. Tonight is one of those nights that invites us to be still and look not just at the … Read more
Incarnation Spirituality
This is one of my favorite articles on the Incarnation. When I first heard this about ten years ago it made sense to me. Prior to that time I had always felt ill at ease with other explanations of the theology of creation and the place of Christ in the universe. This made sense to … Read more
The Little Flower
I came to Mass today feeling a bit under the weather but glad to get out if town for awhile. It has been two weeks since my last visit to the Mountain. I am really glad I came. At brunch I met several people who touched my life and gave me direction. I’m sitting now … Read more
The lilies of the field
Driving toward Mt. Irenaeus this morning I stopped along Hydetown Road and these buttercups invited a photograph and a moment to recall Matthew’s Gospel. Not even Solomon was arrayed as one of these. “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and … Read more
To garden is to walk with God
“To cultivate a garden is to walk with God” This quote hangs at the entrance of the friars garden at Mt. Irenaeus. My wife is one of the angelic gardeners in my life. Today she begins the transformation of our front yard to her own prayerful garden.
I will give you rest
A week ago I was complaining a bit about being worn out and I have been given a sacred cold which has provided me with some much needed recuperation. Runny nose and eyes are not conditions I covet but I’m happy to be horizontal for a couple of days. I also received word from St. … Read more