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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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Five ways to grow in hope
"How long, O LORD? I cry for help but you do not listen!" The first two chapters of the Prophet Habakkuk go from the pits of despair to the heights of hope. They…
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A weird scam at my retreat on hope
I’m a little embarrassed to share this, but I succumbed to a scam. Fortunately, no money was exchanged, but it completely changed the trajectory of a retreat I was leading. Even then, God…
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How to Wait with Blessed Hope
Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. (Lk 12:32-48) When I combine the message in all of the readings for the liturgy, one phrase comes to mind:“As we…
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A New Image for the Star of Hope
I’ve been preparing my notes for a day of reflection for Campus Ministers. The theme is “Hope”. With hope on my mind, I’ve also been working with a homeless man named Tom. He’s…
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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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To follow with love and longing
“Did I tell you I saw my son?” a mother asked me in a spiritual direction session. About a year ago, her adult son cut off all contact. Since then, her texts, emails,…
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A mystical message from a pop song of the 70’s
It was a year of sadness. But it was also a year when Mary spoke to me in a most unlikely way – through a pop song of the 1970’s. First the sadness. I…
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The Lord Spoke to Job in a Storm
My heart reaches out to the people in Western North Carolina. The devastation is unlike anything I’ve seen. I feel a deep emotional connection to the places that Helene has destroyed. Even The…
