I just got home from a few days at St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia. I went there to help and I was helped. St. Francis of Assisi said, “it is in giving that we receive,” and that is what happened. I have never witnessed such poverty nor ever lived among its victims and I am deeply touched by what I have witnessed. I don’t have the words yet for all that has happened in the last few days. There are not words adequate to explain what I have seen and heard.
Tonight while attending an Evening of Re-Creation at Mt. Irenaeus a fellow Secular Franciscan asked if I’d like to accompany a group of seculars to St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia, PA. I really wasn’t sure, but after asking my wife I consented to go.
I may have written about this before, but it’s more timely each day. It’s a story that isn’t told much on mainstream media. Today’s politicians are focused on “important issues” like gay rights, gay marriage and abortion. The media has a larger story to tell about Paris Hilton and other celebrities. The MSM can’t be … Read more
Today was timeout. A day of silent retreat in my own hermitage. Today I read a book that’s been around for a relatively long time. I was aware of some of the principles in the book and I even practice them in my daily life, but I had forgotten to be gentle with myself and today was the day for that.
Today’s paper has an article about how the United States culture has strayed from the original intent of the founding fathers. In particular the author was taking umbrage with the interpretation of the establishment clause of the United States Constitution. Many so-called conservative Christians are quick to point out that God is mentioned frequently by the founding fathers and that this country was founded on a Judeo-Christian tradition.
I just finished reading a book I read rather quickly because it was tough to put down. I recommend “The Messiah of Morris Avenue.” I think it’s a timely book and I wasn’t quite prepared for its message and ending. I’ve thought for a long time if Jesus ever did come back to earth that … Read more
One of my friends, PlainFoolish has written a thoughtful piece on the current state we find ourselves in here in the United States. It is hot here today and yet there is a peaceful gentle wind blowing, but half a world away in the deserts, streets and villages of Iraq there is enormous slaughter.
Nowadays, much of what passes as patriotism is actually fanaticism. In some quarters our attempts to combat fanatical forces that oppose us has actually engendered a movement towards fanaticism. I read this quote from Thomas Merton tonight and reflected on its message for today.
The people of the land have practiced extortion and committed robbery; they have oppressed the poor and needy, and have extorted from the alien without redress. And I sought for anyone among them who would repair the wall and stand in the breach before me on behalf of the land, so that I would not … Read more
I read the book, Peace is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh about 6 years ago. It was right after 9/11/2001. I remember how much I savored every word. This film sums up some of that sentiment.
