Reflections
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Marveling at those little acts of surrender
Last week, I attended the Spiritual Direction Symposium in Latrobe, PA. It had a slate of speakers who are the ‘rock stars’ in the spiritual direction universe. They included Dan Burke of Avila, Fathers…
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When the Holy Trinity Speaks in the Trees
I thought I would share one of my regular prayer practices. It might be something you want to try. I have a colloquy early in the morning with the Holy Trinity. Colloquy is…
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The Divine Prisoner is the Best Restorative Niche
In a recent pilgrimage to the shrines of Mexico, one of my three prayer intentions was to make this a great experience for my wife. This was our first big adventure after her…
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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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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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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…
