Tonight was the second consecutive Sunday that I’ve been at the compline at Abbey of the Genesee. I’ve been coming to the abbey for nearly 28 years now and with increasing frequency in the past two years. I first went to the bread store just to enjoy the heavenly aroma of fresh baked “Monk’s Bread.” … Read more
Today I had the rare privelege of sharing the same space as a real American hero. I attended a campaign rally for New York State’s 29th District Candidate for the US Congress, Eric Massa. Accompanying Eric on the campaign trail is former Senator Max Cleland. I have undying admiration for Senator Cleland. As I watched … Read more
The following came from an email from Pace e Bene. Sept. 11, 2006 marks the 100-year anniversary of satyagraha, when Gandhi called on the Indians of South Africa to organize and nonviolently resist oppression. Satyagraha literally means “clinging to the truth” and has also been translated as “soul force” or “love in action.”To realize the … Read more
Happiness is not what makes us grateful. It is gratefulness that makes us happy.–David Steindl-Rast Count your blessings and make your blessings count! That’s an old adage and similar to this quote from Brother David Steidl-Rast. Often times as I leave the house on my way to work I ask God for a grateful heart … Read more
I have had some obstacles in my life to overcome lately and it’s given me an opportunity to revisit some of my favorite scriptures. Scripture is full of wisdom and the words that have been in my heart and on my tongue lately come from Isaiah 43 and Psalms 63 and 91. I like the … Read more
“Man has an instinctive need for harmony and peace, for tranquility, order and meaning. None of those seem to be the most salient characteristics of modern society. A book written in a monastery where the traditions and rites of a more contemplative age are still alive and still practiced, could not help but remind men … Read more
Gratitude can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. It makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. –Melody Beattie I have been getting down on myself a bit lately. I’ve been feeling a lack of confidence in much … Read more
The happy heart gives away the best. To know how to receive is also a most important gift, which cultivates generosity in others and keeps strong the cycle of life.–Dhyani Ywahoo–Voices of Our Ancestors We have been taught that it is better to give than to receive. It is a line in the popular prayer … Read more
Vision is not physical. It is a quality of the soul. People with vision hone in, laser-like, to the presence of God in life. They see the holy, bleeding, suffering, feuding world as God sees the world: as one and as sacred. In love with a loving God, they are impelled to love God’s world … Read more
There once was a bunch of tiny frogs who arranged a climbing competition. The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower. A big crowd had gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer on the contestants. The race began. No one in the crowd really believed the tiny frogs … Read more
