The horrific events at Virginia Tech caused me to look again at a book I purchased at least a year ago. Thich Nhat Hanh is one of my favorite authors and
contemplative
A heart without words
Today’s massacre on the campus of Virginia Tech staggers the mind. As the parent of a college age student I frequently am concerned about the safety of our children.
Everyone a mystic
“Every one of us is a mystic. We may or may not realize it, we may not even like it. But whether we know it or not, whether we accept it or not, mystical experience is always there, inviting us on a journey of ultimate discovery. We have been given the gift of life in this perplexing world to become who we ultimately are: creatures of boundless love, caring compassion, and wisdom. Existence is a summons to the eternal journey of the sage – the sage we all are, if only we could see.”
—Brother Wayne Teasdale, The Mystic Heart
Blessed is the man
Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
Traveling in Southern Arizona
We’ve just returned from a couple of days on the road in southern Arizona. Yesterday we left my sister’s home in Tempe and drove south on I-10 headed eventually for Tubac Golf Resort. On the Interstate 19 just south of Tucson we stopped at the Franciscan Mission, San Xavier del Bac. I had never visited … Read more
Moral Theology of the Devil
It sometimes happens that the men who preach most vehemently about evil and the punishment of evil, so that they seem to have practically nothing else on their minds except sin, are really unconcious haters of other men. They think the world does not appreciate them, and this is their way of getting even.–Thomas Merton, … Read more
Spirituality and Paradox
No one has ever become poor by giving.” — Anne Frank Another expression that I like is, “you gotta give it away to keep it.” If you want more of what you have the answer is always lies in giving away what you have. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus says, “Give, and it will … Read more
Magnificat anima mea, Dominum
Hail Mary, full of grace.The Lord is with youBlessed are you among women,and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God,pray for us sinners,now and at the hour of our death.Amen. How often have I prayed those words and then felt a peace and closeness that is beyond all understanding. Today … Read more
What is pacifism?
Yesterday, Brother Jonathan asked me in a comment if I was a pacifist. I couldn’t answer that immediately until I did some dictionary work and even some pondering. Today I’m more sure but not positive I have a definitive answer. It’s funny how being an advocate for peace can be labeled as pacifism. Pacifism has … Read more