Reflections
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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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The Magi’s Wonderful Gift to Me
Following the invitation of Saint Ignatius to enter a scriptural scene using my imagination, I joined the Magi on their journey to Bethlehem. On the eve of the Epiphany, I thought I…
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The most important part of a rule of life
After Christmas, I joined my family for a little time at the beach. Standing on the tide’s edge early one morning, I gazed out to the rising sun, took a deep breath, and…
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When discernment needs a new lens
Which is clearer, one or two? The images flashed by on the viewfinder at the eye doctor’s office, accompanied by the question, “Which is clearer?” Sometimes I’d say “one”, sometimes “two”. One occasion,…
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Advent faith found on a top bunk
Last Wednesday, I volunteered at a rescue mission for the homeless. I discovered a profound dimension to my Advent faith. It came after an encounter with Carolyn. She is 61 years old, weighs…
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When new life sprouts from old stumps
On that day, a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. (Is 11:1) I was hiking around the Lake Shore Trail at Lake Norman…
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A simple way to deepen connection
The highlight of my Thanksgiving week was a long hike around North Mountain in Phoenix. My son and I paired up, left our spouses behind, and started walking and talking. It was one…
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The Holy Man on the Bluff
Brené Brown gives this advice about facing difficult situations: Don’t shrink. Don’t puff up. Stand your holy ground. Here’s a story that illustrates all three, and might be helpful if you sense some…
