When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible but in the end, they always fall — think of it, ALWAYS!–Mahatma Gandhi. This gives me hope when thinking of the Iraq War and … Read more
We live with the conviction that acts of goodness reflect the hidden light of His Holiness. His light is above our minds but not beyond our will. It is within our power to mirror His unending love in deeds of kindness, like brooks that hold the sky.”- Rabbi Abraham Heschel I read a well written … Read more
A while back I read Albert Nolan’s, “Jesus Today: A Spirituality of Radical Freedom.” In the book Nolan had a quote taken from the Koran. When I read, “God is as close to a man as his jugular vein.” I knew at once I was face to face with truth. I can’t prove such an … Read more
Reading the news and spin today of the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group is cause for one of those, “I told you so” moments. Four years ago, I was among a group of Americans and Franciscans who wrote numerous letters to the President of the United States and members of Congress asking them not … Read more
This morning before I left the house to run I read the readings for today’s Mass. I love the first reading from Isaiah. It is one of my favorites and hangs near the entry to the House of Peace at Mt. Irenaeus. “On this mountain the LORD of hostswill provide for all peoplesA feast of … Read more
I’m reading a book “Music of Silence” by Br. David Steindl-Rast. I drove to Mt. Saviour Monastery yesterday after Mass and Brunch at Mt. Irenaeus. I wanted to spend some time in their bookstore and some quiet time in their chapel on the First Sunday of Advent as we prepare for the coming of the … Read more
My daughter came home from college overnight. She’s leaving again today. Today she told me I was “post modern”. I said, “What does that mean?” She said, it’s a period of time that began about 1970. According to her most post-moderns are obsessed with death and they don’t trust the government. I love my daughter, … Read more
Advent By Daniel Berrigan It is not true that creation and the human family are doomed to destruction and loss —This is true: For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son,that whoever believes in him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life. It is not true that we must accept … Read more
I owe the inspiration for this post to Paula at MoreLight. She had a link from her site that led me to a tremendous film by Gerry Straub. Even more poignant is the fact that four members of our St. Irenaeus Secular Franciscan Fraternity are spending this week in the Kensington District of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania … Read more
With the holidays right around the corner I’ve got a gift suggestion for you. It will go to support one of my favorite sacred places. The monks at Genesee Abbey in Piffard, New York earn their living by producing “Monk’s Bread.” It’s been for sale in stores in Western New York ever since I was … Read more
