Imperfection and nonviolence

“There is so much focus on the distinction between nonviolence and violence, between nonviolent people and violent people. But in reality it’s not that easy to take sides like that. One can never be sure that one is completely on the side of nonviolence or that the other person is completely on the side of … Read more

Voodoo Chile

I came across a post on “Crooks & Liars” today that featured a clip from a 1970 Jimi Hendrix concert in Berkeley. I am a fan of Jimi’s. He was and is one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Here is the video from the concert. Peace. Technorati Tags:jimi hendrix, voodoo chile, rock and … Read more

Brian McLaren on The Da Vinci Code

This is an interview from yesterday’s issue of SojoMail. I enjoy reading Sojourner’s Magazine and their regular electronic correspondence. I’m posting it here because I think Brian McClaren makes some valid points. His reaction to The Da Vinci Code is not hysterical and I think that is an approach that has merit. Peace. An interview … Read more

Brother if you don’t mind…

Last night I began to read the “Engage” workbook that we received at last weekend’s Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation retreat. It’s very good reading and I wanted to share one of the stories from the book with you. I hope it challenges you to think of implementing nonviolence in your life. Peace. “Brother, … Read more

Mission of the contemplative

“The mission of the contemplative in this world of massive conflict and collective unreason is to seek the true way of unity and peace without succumbing to the illusion of withdrawal into a realm of abstraction from which unpleasant realities are simply excluded by force of the will. In facing the world with a totally … Read more

Spirituality of Nonviolence

This weekend I attended a Peace and Justice Retreat at the St. Francis Springs Prayer Center in Stoneville, North Carolina. The retreat was sponsored by Holy Name Province of the Order of Friars Minor. We used principles developed by Pace Bene. I’ll write and react more to what I experienced but I wanted to post … Read more

Justice and Peace will kiss

This weekend I’ll be participating in a Justice and Peace Retreat coordinated by the Friars of Holy Name Province. We’re traveling to Stoneville, North Carolina and the St. Francis Springs Prayer Center. I’m excited as I always am before a long trip. Tonight I’m having dinner with the Friars at Holy Peace Friary and then … Read more

A dark protective wall

I draw prayer round me like a dark protective wall, withdraw inside it as one might into a convent cell and then step outside again, calmer and stronger and more collected again.–Etty Hilsum. I get quotes sent to me everyday from Gratefulness.org a ministry of Brother David Steindl-Rast. Today’s quote was what I needed to … Read more

May Day

Minor Friar has a good post regarding May Day 2006 and the the current immigration debate. He’s also got a link to a good book on Catholic Social Teaching. The media and corporations have framed this debate falsely. Gee, what a surprise! The real issues is the greed of corporations in driving American citizens from … Read more

More Light: Behind the Da Vinci Code

More Light: Behind the Da Vinci Code Paula has written an insightful piece on the DaVinci Code. I have not read the book but I’ve read some of the reactions by readers. My mother who is an old school Catholic was pretty upset when my nephew confronted her about some points made in the book. … Read more