A weekly curated collection of essays, poetry, and reflections for your spiritual journey. From The Wisdom Years.
Every object or force of nature, every creature, was a gift in St. Francis’ eyes, and he recognized his deep connection with them all. We need his witness today to remind us of the sacredness of every plant, every animal, and every person that calls it home. We are stewards of this earth; not owners with license to use its resources in whatever way we wish.
Br. David Vryhof, SSJE
Read More.
A Mystical Way of Life
On this feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the Center for Action and Contemplation tells us that St. Francis found his calling when he met a leper on the road and was compelled to hug him. “He knew then what he was to do with his life: to embrace Jesus in the poor and rejected, in those who previously had repulsed him,” writes Franciscan priest and author Murray Bodo.
Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise
Authors Justin Zorn and Leigh Marz have studied the power of silence in our world and conclude that “There is a deep yearning for silence in a world of more and more noise.” Certainly, mindfulness meditation has come into favor in recent years, but, say the authors, a “one size fits all” approach does not work.
Read an excerpt from the new book Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise.
Found in Daily Good.
Dealing with Loss, Grief, and Obsessions
“When we are driven to our knees by loss and frustration, the best, and only useful, thing we can do is to genuflect in helplessness before a God who can help us and express our affection to anyone who can support us,” writes Fr. Ron Rolheiser in this essay about dealing with grief. Time will heal the wound, says Rolheiser, but its rhythm cannot be rushed.
More about Ron Rolheiser.
Three word theology
Much of our faith can be expressed in three words: God is love, Love your neighbor, Here am I. Three words in the Gospel of Luke – “Increase our faith” – spoken by the disciples to Jesus brought this realization to author Diana Butler Bass one recent Sunday morning.
Read the brief reflection.
From The Cottage.
Pilgrims Journeying Within
In week 5 of our study, we consider the practice of being uncomfortable. Author Christine Valters Paintner says that when we are able to stay present – to not run away – in uncomfortable circumstances, we open a space to grow spiritually. We must learn to “dance at the edge” of our discomfort.
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