Publicly resisting evil and making peace in the world are at the heart of every authentic spirituality. Unfortunately, few of us make the critical connection between the spiritual life on the one hand, and war, poverty and nuclear weapons on the other. Most of us disconnect our private spiritual experience from “the real world” of … Read more
It’s been a great two days of retreat at Mt. Irenaeus. I needed to get some time alone with nature. I live a good life and have a lot of contentment, but there is something special about coming here to a place that is so peaceful. There are less distractions here. A walk in the … Read more
Eleven years ago I began blogging. I was afraid at first because I’d never really put myself and ideas out there. It’s risky to blog and yet over the years I’ve really come to enjoy it. I’ve had times where the content flowed and times when it has dried up. It’s fun to look back … Read more
The celebration of the Eucharist at St. Philomena’s was something I planned to attend last night when I retired to bed. This morning at 6:30 I was thinking of excuses not to attend and to stay between the flannel sheets. The spirit moved me out of bed at 6:40 and after an abbreviated yoga routine … Read more
For the second time in the last four years I am embarking on an educational journey at St. Bonaventure University. Yesterday and today were my first classes at the Franciscan Institute. I’m taking a course called “Retrieving a Franciscan Philosophy for Social Engagement.” This class leapt out of the catalog in March and after two … Read more
For months and even years I’ve been praying for direction. Today as I meditated and now as I mindfully walk along the Allegany river near St. Bonaventure University the answers seem to flow. All of my life I have wanted to teach, to help and heal people. I recall making tests up for my brother … Read more
It’s not winter by any stretch. It’s a lovely fall evening as I walk along the bike trail around Red House Lake in Allegany State Park. But, on my walk I thought of Robert Frost’s poem, “Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening.” Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is … Read more
In the quiet of my favorite hermitage at Mt. Irenaeus I come for rest and renewal. In these quiet woods I have walked upon wet leaves and enjoyed the fragrance of peace that surrounds everything here. “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” -Matthew 11:28. Here at … Read more
It’s raining and every time it rains like this I think of Thomas Merton. It’s so peaceful when it rains. I feel protected and close to my creator. “I came up here from the monastery last night, sloshing through the cornfield, said Vespers, and put some oatmeal on the Coleman stove for supper. It boiled … Read more
Today I received an email from one of my relatives which caused me to look again at one of my favorite quotes from the Book of Isaiah. There are many who decry what has happened to our society and our country and some are quick to blame the President, Congress and each other. We have … Read more
