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A new image for healthy boundaries
Last week, I was helping with a residency for the spiritual direction program at Divine Mercy University. There were 20 in the cohort – a beautiful and diverse mix of men and women,…
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A new way to practice of the presence of God
I just finished leading a retreat which included reflections on practicing the presence of God. I used examples from the 17th-century spiritual classic, The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence. …
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The best advocate in the chaos
There are times when we need an Advocate. We need someone to advance our cause, to put into words what we’re feeling, and to speak truth to the powers holding us back. The…
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But this is more than a moment to me…
I had a weird dream. A group was holding religious services in the chapel at the conference and retreat center where I used to work. They decorated the chapel with kitschy 70s disco…
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The Lord’s command: Be strong and courageous
“Don’t forget Laura.” That’s what several of the homeless people on my bus said as they pointed to a woman sitting alone in her walker in a distant parking lot. Because of her disability,…
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The most important part of prayer – remembering
Last month, I visited one of the oldest churches in Puebla, Mexico, the beautiful Templo de Convento de San Francisco. It was built by the Franciscans in 1516 as a monastery and place…
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Mary sees her risen son. I see my mom.
There is a fascinating meditation in the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius: Imagine what it would be like if Jesus appeared to his mother after his resurrection. (#299) Though not recorded in scripture,…
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Cómo mantener fluyendo el don de la Divina Misericordia
¿Qué imagen describe mejor tu discipulado? ¿Estás tras puertas cerradas de tu fe? ¿O estás proclamando con valentía a Jesús en el mercado con tus palabras y acciones? ¿Cual es la diferencia?
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How to keep the gift of divine mercy flowing
In scripture, there are two different images of the disciples. In the gospel (Jn 20:20), they're behind locked doors. They are afraid. At least one is filled with doubts. In Acts (5:12-16), they’re…
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How Pope Francis Changed My Life
When a friend or family member dies, I often write a letter to that person in my journal. Below is the letter I wrote to Pope Francis the morning I heard of his…
