Tag: last third of life

Practicing Light in the Darkness as We Age

Sometimes, getting older feels like the “dark night of the soul” that St. John of the Cross wrote about. Most significantly, says Alice Fryling, “the dark night is not a sign of failure or weakness but a means of growth—growth that happens through surrendering.”

Read the reflection.

From the De Pree Center at Fuller Seminary.

The Way of a Pilgrim

The Apostle Paul calls us to “Pray without ceasing”  in his first letter to the Thessalonians (5:17). But how exactly do we do that when there are so many worldly demands on our time?

Read the reflection.

From Center for Action and Contemplation.

Permission to be Sad

“Today neither our culture nor our churches give us sufficient permission to be sad,” asserts Fr. Ron Rolheiser. But sometimes our soul is telling us to be sad, and we best pay attention.

Read the reflection.

From the blog of Fr. Ron Rolheiser.

Fox-Walking

Fox tracks are almost always in a single straight line. That is because the gait of a fox is such that their back paws land exactly in the print of their front paws. “It speaks to me of purpose and direction,” says  Deacon Joanna Seibert. “So, what stride, direction, and pace do I strive to follow?” she asks.

Read the reflection.

From the blog of Joanna Seibert.

Longing for a Palliative World

It was sitting around a picnic table where Courtney Martin found neighbors who practiced palliative care with her demented father, just by being kind and caring.

Read the story.

From The Examined Family.

Synchronicity

Have you ever been feeling blue and lonely when suddenly your best friend calls? Carl Jung called it synchronicity.  We call it “a God thing.”

Read the short reflection.

From Joanna Seibert.

Mastering the Art of Forgiveness

We’ve been told over and over that the person most being harmed when we refuse to forgive is us. But, says Dr. Robert Leichtman, forgiveness is more than demonstrating our good manners in words and gestures of kindness.

Read the essay.

From Insight Timer.

Life-changing Witness: The Feast of St Alban

The story says that St. Alban was converted to Christianity by watching and listening to a priest at prayer. Perhaps the Christianity that we show by our lives will bring others into God’s kingdom in ways we may never know.

Read the reflection.

From Society of St. John the Evangelist.

Knowing Our Neighbors

Do we more easily care for our neighbors whom we know than for total strangers? Do we not recognize the dignity of every person in each of them? Can we at least not look away?

Read the meditation. 

From Center for Action and Contemplation.

When Birds Nest in the Doorway, Go Out the Window

What would you do if mama birds were sitting on nests above both of the doors into your house? This family grabbed a ladder and went in and out the kitchen window.

Read the story.

Found in Daily Good.

Love Is Stronger than Hope

One of our problems is that we tie hope to outcomes, says Brian McLaren. “When our prime motive is love, a different logic comes into play. We find courage and confidence, not in the likelihood of a good outcome, but in our commitment to love.”

Read the reflection.

From Center for Action and Contemplation.

A Jeweler’s Eye

Suleika Jaouad writes that he would not reverse his diagnosis of cancer if he could. It has given him a “jeweler’s eye” – the ability to focus on the reality of what is right before you. “Rather than fighting your circumstance, rather than wallowing in sorrow and anger, you can begin to see it as an invitation. You can begin to interrogate it, to watch new and unexpected things emerge.”

Read the reflection.

From Awakin.

Honoring Grief and Taking Action

Frances Perkins was the first woman to serve on a U.S. Cabinet, appointed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as Secretary of Labor in 1933. Among her practices was taking a personal retreat once a month. “Who better to advocate for the needs of the everyday worker than one who knows her own need for refreshment?” writes Ann Benton Fraser.

Read the reflection.

From Grow Christians.

Faith Seeking Understanding

The story of Thomas is one of the most moving in the gospels, writes Br. Geoffrey Tristram. It is a story of love, not proof.  “The story of Thomas is rather the story of a man who comes to believe not because he has enough proof, but because he has actually touched the mystery of divine, self-sacrificial love.”

Read or listen to the sermon.

From Society of St. John the Evangelist.

The Rise in Multigenerational Households

An old trend has become a new trend – three or four generations living together. It’s mostly about cost of living, says this article. It’s also good for both older and younger families.

Read the article.

Found in Marketplace.

A Quiet Morning

If you live in the San Antonio area,
join us for a morning of quiet and reflection
on the beautiful grounds
of the Bishop Jones Center,

Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m. to noon.

Click here for the details.

12 Truths I Learned from Life and Writing

With her characteristic wit and wisdom, Anne Lamott offers some lessons for all of us to think about. “Number two: almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes — including you.”

Read or watch the TED talk.

Found in Daily Good.

Feet

Joanna Seibert recalls the story of the accident that changed her life and set her on the course of ministry that became her life’s work. Her career in pediatric radiology, working in recovery, becoming a spiritual director, and being a pastoral caregiver—all have opened up to her as a direct result of her broken feet, she says.

Read the reflection.

From Joanna’s blog.

The Transformative Power of Art

“Art images are real and alive and have the power to change us and cause change,” says Richard Rohr. “They can shift our perspective on what we thought we knew and understood about a subject.” Art is more than decoration, he says. It can be an entirely new experience, “which perhaps cannot be accessed in another way.”

Read the reflection.

From Center for Action and Contemplation.

Love Alive

When you are troubled, speak your truth and stay in community, says Br. Luke Ditewig. “If you are waiting for new life, tell a trusted companion or group your experience and let them wait with you,” he adds.

Read the reflection.

From Society of St. John the Evangelist.