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Road to Emmaus

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I found myself on the road once again to Mt. Irenaeus. I’ve been a regular at the Mountain for over eight years now. It’s as much my home as the one I live in most of the time and the friars are as much my brothers as anyone in my family. This morning was one of those lovely spring mornings. The sky was a deep blue and not a cloud to be seen. Brother Sun was brilliant and his rays were warming the air temperature to nearly fifty degrees at 10:45 am as I made my way along Route 275 and then onto Allegany County Route 1. There were a couple of drivers behind me who were in a bit more of a hurry than I. I pulled off on the shoulder and let them pass. I continued to poke along at a leisurely 45 mph and then turned onto Hydetown Road where I slowed even further.

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Birthday

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Yesterday afternoon we drove to Rochester, New York to meet our son for dinner. Devin had turned 24,  April 4th but his work precluded our getting together that day.  Where have the last twenty-four years gone? All parents probably ask questions like that. We arrived at his apartment which is on the east side of … Read more

His voice

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Everyone that is of the truth hears my voice.–John 18:37 What is the truth? I don’t hear the voice, but I sense it in the silence of my prayers and in the silence of my life. Martin Luther King heard his voice. All the great prophets have heard that voice and it has moved them … Read more

St. Martin

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Today marked the 40th anniversary of assassination of one American who was truly blessed. Martin Luther King, should be elevated to sainthood. His life and his writings give testimony to his powerful spirit. I was fifteen years old and whenever I loved him then. My father whom I loved, was a bigot and he hated … Read more

A chill wind

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There’s a chill wind blowin’ in Washington today as Army Vice Chief of Staff told congress that you either change course or start the draft and/or face a broken army. I’m not in favor of the draft and neither are the politicians as it would spell doom to their endless war. I’d be in favor … Read more

Being present

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This quote came in today’s mail and it really resonates for me. Being present does not mean getting rid of emotions in order to stay calm. It is the ability to stay calm within the emotional world we inhabit. Emotions have real value. At the same time, we can avoid falling prey to their traps. … Read more

Glory to God in the highest

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This morning was beautiful, a radiant spring sun filled my heart with gladness as I drove through the crisp clear mid-twenty degree day toward Mass at Mt. Irenaeus. Upon arriving at the Mountain I noticed a number of vehicles parked in the driveway. I had a bit of trouble finding a parking spot, but soon did and then into the house to bring my offering of orange juice and a dozen eggs for brunch. On my way into the house I met a lovely young lady from the State University of New York at Buffalo who was part of the inter-collegiate weekend that had been held at Mt. Irenaeus. Normally, the Franciscan Retreat Center here is home to local villagers and St. Bonaventure University students, but today that circle included students from University at Buffalo, SUNY College at Fredonia, Alfred University, Nazareth College, SUNY Geneseo and St. Bonaventure University. There were about three dozen of these young men and women.

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A Moment of Peace

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As I read the news reports coming out of Iraq this morning I began to wonder what if we hadn’t invaded Iraq and we’d have saved all the good will we used to enjoy in the world. What if we’d spent the money we’ve squandered in Iraq on guns, bombs, and other weapons on education … Read more

Sugar Snow

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As March winds down, daytime temperatures rise into the thirties and forties. The winter snows recede each year. The rising temperatures bring sweet sap flowing from our maple trees and producers large and small tap our trees to harvest maple syrup. Thursday night mother nature graced us with some sugar snow. That’s what my folks … Read more