Thoughts on Spirit and Life

Reflections on family life as a little monastery

“Life in the world can be like a little monastery.” So said one of my monk mentors. My hope in writing this book and continuing its reflections in this blog is to show how the lessons of the monastery can give light to family life. This means talking about Lectio Divina, the psalms, sports, theatre, mistakes, breakthroughs, special meals and moments of exquisite tenderness that break through sometimes, like sunbeams on a cloudy day. Or cardinals streaking low, across a lovely meadow.

Grace Across A Chain Link Fence

Yes, through it all, light passes, grace passes – in her brief and quiet radiance – to bathe in momentary glory two fragile, growing souls.

Uncreated Wind

I try to elicit, in the kids, marvel at this question, while inwardly I marvel myself. Especially that such an insight should come from a boy whom I had just sent down to see the Dean of Students.

Holiness in the Ordinary

Commencent Address. Holy Family Home School Class of 2024.   “Has there even been a people who heard the voice of the living God, speaking

Take. Eat.

Jesus, the Passover Lamb, gives his disciples a way to enter into communion with the Father and the Son. This is the fulfillment of the Promised Land.

The Least Of My Brothers

His heart goes out to him. He stops what he is doing. He gives him his time. He treats him like family. He binds his wounds.

The Unseen Wedding

What kind of bridegroom brings a wedding feast with him while he travels about at night?

Faith Like A Mustard Seed

“I believe. Help my unbelief.” (Mk. 9:24) It is the perfect prayer, the perfect way of responding to this revelation that a prayer of deep faith can move that which seems immoveable.

Deep Waters

In today’s story, Jesus draws Simon Peter from his day-to-day tasks to the deep waters of an encounter. Christ’s glory breaks through the ordinary and Peter is changed.

Transfigured

The same transfiguration of humanity in the Father’s love that happened to Jesus on the holy mountain can happen to us. It is what we were created for.

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