Tag Archives: contemplative

All the statues are white

Posted on July 2, 2020 by

I’m at St. Mary Parish in Arcade, NY for Eucharistic Adoration and I’m facing a statue of St. Joseph. I’ve come here many times but today I’m struck by the flesh tones of the statue. I grew up in this … Continue reading →

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Home Again

Posted on June 16, 2020 by

This afternoon I returned to Mount Irenaeus for the first time in over three months. It’s been the longest absence in the past twenty plus years of my life. It was Sunday March 8, 2020 when I last walked the … Continue reading →

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America’s Original Sin

Posted on June 7, 2020 by

I’ve been reading James Cone’s, The Cross and the Lynching Tree.” It’s a powerful book and one that everyone in the United States ought to read. I thought I knew how much black folks had suffered but I really had … Continue reading →

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We are deeply flawed

Posted on May 27, 2020 by

We are deeply flawed and broken. Our racism and bigotry are on full display for the world to see. White folks who don’t want to wear masks storm state capitols with assault rifles and other paraphernalia. Yesterday police in riot … Continue reading →

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Mary in Heaven

Posted on May 22, 2020 by

This beautiful chapel was my favorite place at the Franciscan Sanctuary of La Verna. The beautiful statue of the blessed mother really captured my attention and imagination. The building was the Chapel of Santa Maria degli Angeli (Mary in Heaven), … Continue reading →

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A day of prayer for Covid-19

Posted on May 19, 2020 by

We adore you, Lord Jesus Christ, here, and in all your churches throughout the world, and we bless you, for by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. St. Francis of Assisi Two years ago I was in Assisi … Continue reading →

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Living in the present moment

Posted on May 13, 2020 by

I was listening to a Super Soul podcast with Oprah Winfrey interviewing Eckhert Tolle and as they were talking about the present moment I had a helpful insight. In the midst of all this stress and daily projection and worry … Continue reading →

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Expressing doubt is normal and healthy

Posted on May 10, 2020 by

Today I posted a picture of my rosary on Instagram and posed a rhetorical question about the effectiveness of that ancient prayer. The only way I learn is by experience and asking questions. That led one of my followers to … Continue reading →

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Morning thoughts

Posted on May 2, 2020 by

A year ago when I snapped this picture I felt the presence of a loving force for good in my life. One year later after almost two months of quarantine and thousands of deaths I’ve begun to question that presence … Continue reading →

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Communion of Saints

Posted on May 1, 2020 by

This beautiful reflection is from Sister Margaret Carney, OSF who is one of my favorite people. She’s also the past president of St. Bonaventure University. “These countless COVID-19 victims were not alone. In that final hour, the veil fell away … Continue reading →

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