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Don’t romanticize the high in the spiritual life
A couple of weeks ago, I had a good heart-to-heart talk with Mark (who has given permission to share). He’s homeless but on a hopeful path. Eight weeks ago, he was sleeping in…
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Unhurriedness – the key to a rich spiritual life
Early Saturday morning, my wife and I set out on the two‑and‑a‑half‑hour drive to Raleigh for my grandson’s birthday party. As we were getting ready, my wife asked me to sign the card—a…
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A Lenten Challenge: Respond to Holy Discontent
Last Saturday, I had the privilege of presenting on Dilexi Te, I have loved you, Pope Leo’s exhortation on the poor, co-sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and Catholic Charities of Charlotte. Seventy generous…
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Surprised by some unexpected evangelists
Pope Leo, in his inaugural exhortation Dilexi Te, says something that initially struck me as almost unsettling: “Let [yourself] be evangelized by the poor and acknowledge the mysterious wisdom which God wished to share…
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How to be the light of your world
Homily for the 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time Jesus tells us today, “You are the light of the world… set on a lampstand, it gives light to all in the house.” (Mt 5:13-16) …
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Suscipe: A beautiful prayer when Jesus is silent
I was meeting with a man in the middle of an ugly divorce. All he wanted—desperately—was reconciliation with his wife. Each attempt to reach out, however well-intentioned, was reported as a violation of…
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A dream: from the altar to the world
I awoke in a panic. Two different groups have recently asked me to do Lenten days of reflection (see below). I chose as an organizing theme Pope Leo’s inaugural exhortation, Dilexi Te (I have…
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How to remain in the right story
Last week, I helped facilitate a residency at Divine Mercy University. Twenty-four men and women were gathered there, each in the final stages of formation as spiritual directors. The group included priests, deacons, religious…
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The sure way to deflate the angel of darkness
In the Second Week of the Spiritual Exercises, Saint Ignatius warns that the angel of darkness often comes disguised as an angel of light with the subversive intent to gradually lead us away from…
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Time to step into the waters with Jesus
Homily for the Baptism of the Lord Today, the Church concludes the Christmas season and begins ordinary time with the baptism of Jesus, moving from the mystery of the incarnation to the ministry…
