Last night I drove to Mt. Irenaeus in the dark and cold of a spring snowstorm. I didn’t really know what to expect. How would the friars celebrate the Vigil tonight amidst all the snow and cold. Continue reading “Holy Fire”
A man of suffering
Today I didn’t make it to the traditional Good Friday services. It’s the first time I’ve missed in recent memory. I fell asleep on the couch while I was reading “Living with Christ.” Continue reading “A man of suffering”
Down in Adoration Falling
Tonight is one of my favorite in all the church year. It was the liturgy of the Lord’s Supper. Tonight at Mt. Irenaeus-Franciscan Mountain Retreat the evening began with a “dish to pass” supper. The friars supplied two big hams and guests brought dishes to pass. Continue reading “Down in Adoration Falling”
Aquinas vs. Scotus
I’ve written about this before. Franciscans believe in the primacy of Christ. In other words Christ came into the world primarily because God loved the world and not primarily because of Adam and Eve’s sin. This theology is what really separates Franciscans from the rest of the Catholic Church and probably most of Christianity. Continue reading “Aquinas vs. Scotus”
The crucified
Today on my way to Mass at Mt. Irenaeus I recited the Franciscan Crown Rosary. It’s a prayer that has become more and more a part of my life. I can’t really explain why either. It just has. Nonetheless, I stopped at a convenience mart nearby, bought some gasoline and walked into the store to get some orange juice and eggs. Continue reading “The crucified”
Humanity to others
I’ve been using an Ubuntu desktop for nearly a year now and I really appreciate the ease of use. I use open source software on Windows too, but when I’m home and using the Internet or writing I spend the bulk of my time on a Linux desktop. That’s been the case now for almost four years. Continue reading “Humanity to others”
Easter Surprise
I can’t quite contain my concern that we are heading towards a nuclear Armageddon.
“The Bush administration continues moving closer to a nuclear attack on Iran, and we ignore the obvious buildup at our peril. Continue reading “Easter Surprise”
Life renewed
It’s 62 degrees fahrenheit here in Franklinville, New York and Mother Earth is beginning to come to life after winter. Continue reading “Life renewed”
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 a mission before so this was first. It is quite ornate and I took some pictures which I will post when I get a chance. This mission was originally established by a Jesuit priest, Fr. Kino in 1692. The interior of the mission church is unbelievably elegant. After visiting the mission we continued our drive south on Interstate 19 until we arrived at the Tubac Golf Resort. After checking into our room, we decided to explore the village of Tubac which is filled with artists and shops to peruse. While in Tubac we visited the Presidio of Tubac. This is an Arizona State Park and there is yet another Franciscan connection.
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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 be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you.”
If you want to be succesful help someone else to succeed. I heard that first at a entrepreneurial seminar a few years back. In Matthew 20:16, “the last shall be first, and the first last.” Taken together all of these expressions point to a common theme and that is that paradox rules the world of the spirit. Jesus said that the “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” He who is great among you must be your servant. The quotes go on and on. The secret to success is this life is to live the Gospel and that world is upside down. St. Francis comprehended this well. The Kingdom of God is like standing on your head and seeing the world from upside down.
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