The Center for Contemplative Practice
A Lay Cistercian Looks at Spiritual Reality
Category: contemplative prayer
THE SEDUCTION OF FALSE SILENCE AND SOLITUDE
One day, last week, wearing my mask, I went to Costco to buy some Kona Coffee (my favorite). In their famous food court, I watched a table of six teenagers sitting, eating either pizza or Costco’s famous hot dog and drink combo, or in… Continue Reading “THE SEDUCTION OF FALSE SILENCE AND SOLITUDE”
GOD IS NOT FAIR BUT HE IS JUST
My latest Lectio Divina(Philippians 2:5) took me to a place I had not visited before. Have you ever had a particularly complex dream in your sleep, then awoke with the strange feeling that everything you thought tooks hours, lasted only a few seconds? It… Continue Reading “GOD IS NOT FAIR BUT HE IS JUST”
YOU CAN’t BE CONTEMPLATIVE IN YOUR SPIRITUALITY BY YOURSELF
The Gathering of Lay Cistercians of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Monastery.
HATERS ANONYMOUS
Almost everyone has heard of Alcoholics Anonymous and the 12 Step Plan. I thought about what is going on in our country now and how all of us could use the 12 Step Plan that Christ gave us to quell the hatred of others… Continue Reading “HATERS ANONYMOUS”
POWER AND GLORY
Who is the most powerful person you know? My answer is, my wife! To make it more specific, “What is the most powerful object in the universe?” I had to look it up on Google Search. Turns out that there is a Youtube video… Continue Reading “POWER AND GLORY”
moving from self to god…slowly but surely
Here is a blog post I made over a year ago. I had been thinking about using and applying Cistercian practices and seeking charisms. I had the thought that my monastery is not just the world, but confined to the limits I discover each… Continue Reading “moving from self to god…slowly but surely”
CHAPTER 4: rENOUNCE YOURSELF IN ORDER TO FOLLOW CHRIST
You would think that a person who has tried to follow the teachings of The Master for all these years (80, to be exact), would have mastery over his mind and body to be able to reach a state where he did not struggle… Continue Reading “CHAPTER 4: rENOUNCE YOURSELF IN ORDER TO FOLLOW CHRIST”
I HAVE HEART PROBLEMS
In keeping with seeking God daily in everything in every way, I have an appointment today at 2:20 p.m. with my Cardiologist to check my recently installed pacemaker. This discipline is now called electrophysiology and it looks at the heart from the viewpoint of… Continue Reading “I HAVE HEART PROBLEMS”
IF YOU ARE A ROOM…
One of my Lectio Divina meditations (Philippians 2:5) centered around an idea I have been romancing for some time– spiritual hoarding. Most of the people to whom I tell this idea discount it as being foolish. How can hoarding spirituality be bad? The way… Continue Reading “IF YOU ARE A ROOM…”
WHAT HELPS ME RECITE THE LITURGY OF THE HOURS?
FIVE PRACTICES THAT HAVE HELPED ME COMMIT TO PRAYING THE LITURGY OF THE HOURS When I think of prayer as part of my Lay Cistercian principles (silence, solitude, work, prayer, and community), I don’t see it apart from other prayers I do (e.g. Eucharist,… Continue Reading “WHAT HELPS ME RECITE THE LITURGY OF THE HOURS?”
THE GATHERING
My Lectio Divina today (Philippians 2:5) took me to a place I had not visited before. I thought about the very early Church and how they must have had a struggle to “have in them the mind of Christ Jesus.” I thought about my… Continue Reading “THE GATHERING”
how long can you hold your spiritual breath?
HOW LONG CAN YOU HOLD YOUR SPIRITUAL BREATH? When I was young and adventuresome, I tried holding my breath for as long as possible. It was all part of my preparation to be able to swim in the deep section of Rainbow Beach in… Continue Reading “how long can you hold your spiritual breath?”
SILENCE: THE ENTRANCE TO FOREVER
Whenever I think of silence, I mean real silence, I think about going into a cave in Northern Florida. The absence of any noise is deafening. All humans relate to the reality before them through the five senses which feed the brain and direct… Continue Reading “SILENCE: THE ENTRANCE TO FOREVER”
wonder-filled resources that fill up the emptiness of my heart while i age in place.
I use these resources nearly every week to help me fill in the big holes in my life due to COVID-19 and the hatred our culture seems to have for one another. Using the analogy of a room, each of us has a room… Continue Reading “wonder-filled resources that fill up the emptiness of my heart while i age in place.”
seeking god during covid-19
The interesting thing about viewing our COVID-19 situations are the many lessons we can gain from this experience. Not all of these lessons are without some form of inconvenience or even outright suffering, but they are what is happening. I look at what is… Continue Reading “seeking god during covid-19”
HOW TO SEEK GOD IN THREE UNIVERSES
I woke up this morning at 2:16 a.m. for my usual bathroom break. Going back to bed, I usually do a mini-Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5). This time my focus was on how God puts all these signs and wonders in front of us and… Continue Reading “HOW TO SEEK GOD IN THREE UNIVERSES”
seeking god at the va clinic
I had an appointment at the VA Clinic in Tallahassee, Florida today. I never know what the day will bring but that doesn’t matter. I try to seek God wherever I am. I finished my business then got on the elevator to go from… Continue Reading “seeking god at the va clinic”
HOW GOD SPEAKS TO ALL OF US.
How does God speak with us? In the Old Testament, the Prophets gave us insights into what God wants of us. In the New Testament, Jesus gives us how to love others by doing what he does for us. The Holy Spirit speaks directly… Continue Reading “HOW GOD SPEAKS TO ALL OF US.”
SLOW DOWN! lISTEN TO YOUR HEART
I use photos to help in my focus and concentration as I do Lectio (Philippians 2:5.) meditation, prayer and, hopefully, contemplation. This photo has significance for me because it comes close to describing what I think contemplation might be. Contemplation is sitting on a… Continue Reading “SLOW DOWN! lISTEN TO YOUR HEART”
SHARING INTERNET SITES I USE
Every so often, I look around my house and think about all the nice but not necessary THINGS I have accumulated over the years. It seems I am a functional hoarder and not a dysfunctional one. Every so often, my wife says we should… Continue Reading “SHARING INTERNET SITES I USE”
Youtube clips that have helped me in contemplation
In my Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5), I have found that, when trying to seek God each day wherever I am and as I am, I try to look at the reality in front of me with the love of Christ in my heart and… Continue Reading “Youtube clips that have helped me in contemplation”
TEARING DOWN RATHER THAN MAKING ALL THINGS NEW
Here are some thoughts to ponder. When we tear down something rather than reform it, we have nothing to replace it with except our self. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2a2fAEQaGo Any reform based on justice without mercy is not only doomed to fail but will fail its supporters.… Continue Reading “TEARING DOWN RATHER THAN MAKING ALL THINGS NEW”
STRENGTH TRAINING FOR BECOMING MORE LIKE CHRIST
One of the ways to approach the Sacred is to follow a daily routine. Some people call it a habit. Here is a challenge. Try to do these practices for 30 days, then sit down and think about it. If you are unable to… Continue Reading “STRENGTH TRAINING FOR BECOMING MORE LIKE CHRIST”
THE MYSTERIOUS WHY QUESTION
Humans differ from other species because we have reason (some more than others) and the ability to choose good or evil (no one chooses what they think is bad for them). The problem comes when humans think something is good for them but don’t… Continue Reading “THE MYSTERIOUS WHY QUESTION”
THE SIXTY-SECOND CATHOLIC
Here are some thoughts for Dads on their secular holiday. FIVE YES’S AND ONE NO THE BEGINNING Creation began as a YES (Let it be) from God. That which is created takes on the characteristics of the person creating it. THE BEGINNING OF HUMAN… Continue Reading “THE SIXTY-SECOND CATHOLIC”
LECTIO DIVINA: ENHANCEMENTS
During my Lectio Divina, I sometimes use enhancements to my lectio, meditatio, oratio, and contemplatio. I don’t know what else to call them. Some people use a mood to create an ambiance that will provide them with the best way to use their silence… Continue Reading “LECTIO DIVINA: ENHANCEMENTS”
THE TRINITY: ARCHETYPE FOR FOREVER
When was the last time you consciously thought about the Trinity? For me, it was at 2:40 AM this morning, when I got up to use the bathroom. Usually, when I try to go back to sleep, I do a mini-Lectio Divina in order… Continue Reading “THE TRINITY: ARCHETYPE FOR FOREVER”
YOU may be ASKING THE WRONG QUESTION?
Wrong questions always lead to wrong answers. Humans differ from other species of animals because we have the ability to reason and also to choose between options of what seems reasonable to us. I have given up watching television news of any kind because… Continue Reading “YOU may be ASKING THE WRONG QUESTION?”
LESSONS AVOIDED
Everyone is upset about what is going on in society. Protestors want meaningful change. Law and Order folks want the Rule of Law and not lawlessness. Let’s not forget that there are consequences, some of which are unintended, with each choice. Here are some… Continue Reading “LESSONS AVOIDED”
EMAIL FROM JESUS
Michael: Â Sorry for waking you up at 9:56 pm but you did ask me to help clarify all the confusion and turmoil around you. Before I begin, St. Michael wants me to tell you that he appreciates your thinking of him in your… Continue Reading “EMAIL FROM JESUS”
10 questions about WHAT HEAVEN will BE LIKE?
This morning, more precisely at 2:34 A.M., I did one of my three or four Lectio Divina meditations, using lasting twenty minutes or more. My Lectio is always Philippians 2:5 and this morning was not an exception. At nearly 80 years of age, my… Continue Reading “10 questions about WHAT HEAVEN will BE LIKE?”
HERE IS A TEMPTATION FROM SATAN YOU MAY NOT SEE COMING
My Lectio Divina never happens in a vacuum. In the process of seeking God in my daily life, where I am and as I am, certain events impact my consciousness and I takes those experiences with me as I try to focus on my… Continue Reading “HERE IS A TEMPTATION FROM SATAN YOU MAY NOT SEE COMING”
THE HAPPINESS OF DOING NOTHING
What follows is a series of thoughts that are the result of one of my recent Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5) meditations.I experienced these thoughts while sitting on a park bench in the density of winter, waiting for Christ to come and share His Real… Continue Reading “THE HAPPINESS OF DOING NOTHING”
TEN MISCONCEPTIONS PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT BEING A CATHOLIC
Recently, a rash of people have commented on some of my writing by saying “That is just your opinion.” Of course, it is who else’s opinion would it be? One of my assumptions in writing these types of reflections is that they do not… Continue Reading “TEN MISCONCEPTIONS PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT BEING A CATHOLIC”
MY new END TIME
Everything has a beginning and an end in the physical and mental universes. We don’t think about that idea much in the midst of a Covid 19 Pandemic. I only bring this up because that was the main thought of my Lectio Divina meditation… Continue Reading “MY new END TIME”
COSMIC RESONANCE: WHY JESUS IS THE MESSIAH?
My latest Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5) has taken me to a place that I would never have thought possible, linking Christ as the Messiah and the fulfillment of the Old and New Testaments. The way my thinking progressed, as I sat in silence and… Continue Reading “COSMIC RESONANCE: WHY JESUS IS THE MESSIAH?”
THE CONSEQUENCES OF SEEKING GOD DAILY
Philippians 2:5 is my Lectio Divina mantra. Today, I thought about the consequences of a simple YES or NO to seeking God in daily living. YES is usually seen as an enabling word while NO is usually, but not always, blocking (e.g. NO to… Continue Reading “THE CONSEQUENCES OF SEEKING GOD DAILY”
FOCUS: AT THE NEXUS OF THE STRUGGLE BETWEEN SPIRIT AND FLESH
What follows are some reflections about one of the most difficult expressions of contemplative prayer, one that I never get rid of, one that is with me as long as I traverse the halls of silence and solitude in search of God wherever I… Continue Reading “FOCUS: AT THE NEXUS OF THE STRUGGLE BETWEEN SPIRIT AND FLESH”
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR US TO LOVE OTHERS AS CHRIST LOVES US?
THE CHRIST IMPERATIVES LISTEN TO ME, FOR I AM MEEK AND HUMBLE OF HEART. Matthew 11:28-30 Thirsty? Drink of the living waters! John 7:37. Hungry? Eat the food that gives eternal life! John 6:33-38. Bewildered? Believe in the Master! John 3:11-21. Without hope? Be… Continue Reading “WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR US TO LOVE OTHERS AS CHRIST LOVES US?”
RELAX!
What follows are my reflections on some ideas that came up during my Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5). Here are ten things you don’t need to worry about as you live out your spiritual life. The Church Universal is going to disappear and collapse. If… Continue Reading “RELAX!”
MONOS
What I am experiencing, as I move through the stages of the Coronavirus 19 effects on my personal space, my environment, my relationships, is isolation and the failure of those human structures I have built up to sustain my life on a daily basis.… Continue Reading “MONOS”
THE MARTYRDOM OF seeking god every day
When you read this title, you may find it a bit discombobulating. Isn’t martyrdom shedding your blood for Christ? Isn’t that reserved only for the Saints? What can any of this have to do with Lay Cistercian spirituality and contemplation? I found the answer… Continue Reading “THE MARTYRDOM OF seeking god every day”
WHAT I WILL PACK FOR THE TRIP TO HEAVEN: SPIRITUAL READING
In a recent Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5), the thought of how lucky we are to have Sacred Scriptures presented itself to me. You can’t make this stuff up, with so many people writing about God. One thought, in particular, stood out for me: God… Continue Reading “WHAT I WILL PACK FOR THE TRIP TO HEAVEN: SPIRITUAL READING”
wHERE ARE THOSE OLD WEDDING PICTURES NOW
When is the last time you looked at your wedding pictures, assuming that you are married? This seemingly innocuous statement contains several layers of complexity that I recently explored as I thought about my Lectio Divina center (Philippians 2:5), “have in you the mind… Continue Reading “wHERE ARE THOSE OLD WEDDING PICTURES NOW”
TEN THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE DEVIL
While taking a break from watching movies in my downtime, due to the pandemic, I found myself looking at the titles of movies. What is astonishing is the sheer number of movies out there about demons, the devil, possession, Dracula (although that is a… Continue Reading “TEN THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE DEVIL”
WHY CHRIST DOESN’T MAKE SENSE
Don’t be fooled by the title. I actually want to talk about the sign of contradiction, God becoming human. When I think about it, one of the reasons God did become one of us, with all our frailties and sinfulness, was to tell and… Continue Reading “WHY CHRIST DOESN’T MAKE SENSE”
WE ARE DEFINED BY OUR CHOICES.
One of the characteristics of being human is the need to belong. Another one seems to be the need to be spiritual, and why we must struggle to be spiritual, and why we, of all living beings, have the ability to reason. From the… Continue Reading “WE ARE DEFINED BY OUR CHOICES.”
I SAW AND HEARD JESUS YESTERDAY
Yesterday, at 10:15, Easter Sunday, reliving the Resurrection of Christ, I actually saw Jesus. Calm down! I am not a spiritual zealot. You can see Jesus, too, if you go to this website and click on the live stream triangle for the 10:15 Mass… Continue Reading “I SAW AND HEARD JESUS YESTERDAY”
AT THE CORE CENTER OF MY LIFE IS NOT THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Before you look for the matches to burn me at the stake, think about this. This was one of my Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5) during Holy Week. Consider that there are two characteristics that separate humans from all other living things; a)the ability to… Continue Reading “AT THE CORE CENTER OF MY LIFE IS NOT THE CATHOLIC CHURCH”
THE RESURRECTION ENIGMA
On a recent television show, I watched as two of the experts gave opinions about Jesus a) not existing at all or, b) being a deluded young man who fantasized about being the Messiah. In traditional arguments of the Historical Jesus group, they said… Continue Reading “THE RESURRECTION ENIGMA”
in THE STILLNESS OF TIME
Sitting before the Blessed Sacrament while thinking about my lectio divina phrase (Philippians 2:5), I realized how much I have changed since I first began this leg of my journey of life, that of a Lay Cistercian. http://www.trappist.net. This was not a mental construct… Continue Reading “in THE STILLNESS OF TIME”
FILLING HOLES, FILLING TIME, FILLING SPACE
As I usually do every morning, I turn on the computer and watch ESPN or one of the variations of Fox Sports. I stay away from major network news, Fox News, etc… because of the hatred, negativity, false or misleading information, and mainly I… Continue Reading “FILLING HOLES, FILLING TIME, FILLING SPACE”
contemplative prayer as you wait out the coronavirus19
Today, my Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5) was about how fortunate I am to have time to focus on Christ and taking time to meditate on various topics and look up things on the Internet to help me do that. Yes, the coronavirus is bad.… Continue Reading “contemplative prayer as you wait out the coronavirus19”
PROFOUND LISTENING
As I was trying vainly to describe contemplation to prisoners at the Wakulla Correctional Institution (Annex) near Tallahassee, Florida, I happened to use the words “profound listening.” I reflected on these words in light of the admonition of St. Benedict to his monks in… Continue Reading “PROFOUND LISTENING”
POPE FRANCIS ON PRAYER AND FASTING
Pope Francis on Fasting and Prayer Here are some penitential practices for all year long.Pope Francis proposes these 15 simple acts of charity as concrete manifestations of love: SMILE. A Christian is always cheerful Say THANK YOU for little things (even if you don’t… Continue Reading “POPE FRANCIS ON PRAYER AND FASTING”
WONDER IF….
As I sat musing the state of my world with the introduction of the Coronavirus, I kept wondering what would happen if certain scenarios played out. One such outcome is, this virus would mutate, become airborne, and kill millions of people, including myself. Such… Continue Reading “WONDER IF….”
SeekING GOD AT COSTCO
Several days ago, I found myself looking at a very low tire pressure on my right front tire of my car. It looked like a slow leak. The next day, I went to Costco, Tallahassee, Florida, where I had purchased the tires and told… Continue Reading “SeekING GOD AT COSTCO”
KERNELS OF FAITH
If Faith is the infinite storehouse of God’s goodness for us as adopted sons and daughters of the Father, then Belief is how we take the kernels of Faith and dispose them to those around us. For those who consciously seek God where they… Continue Reading “KERNELS OF FAITH”
ONE SOLITARY LIFE
I share with you something I have read and re-read over time. It is humbling. “One Solitary Life Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village. He worked in… Continue Reading “ONE SOLITARY LIFE”
i have a problem
For the last several weeks, I have been experiencing some very unusual thoughts. I would not say they are bad thoughts, but just persistent. Let me share. For the last month, I have been waking up at night almost always about 2:30 a.m. I… Continue Reading “i have a problem”
SIMPLICITY of contemplation
One of the characteristics I learned about contemplation as practiced by the Cistercian monks at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit (Trappist) is that of simplicity. Like so many of the attributes that have influenced me, simplicity is one of those hidden gems that… Continue Reading “SIMPLICITY of contemplation”
LINKING life’s lessons
Sometimes, thoughts trickle into my Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5) reflections from very unlikely places. I have noticed recently that my focus is interrupted by sources, like my wife asking me to take her to Publix or Trader Joe’s. I always take her, or anyone… Continue Reading “LINKING life’s lessons”
A LAY CISTERCIAN REFLECTS ON WEALTH AND HAPPINESS
In a recent Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5), the following thoughts emerged. I am still trying to decipher what it all means, but I wish you share it with you. How many rooms do you need in your house? How many cars do you need… Continue Reading “A LAY CISTERCIAN REFLECTS ON WEALTH AND HAPPINESS”
THE TOWER OF BABEL rEDUX: the INEXPLICABLE race by our race toWARDS ignorance and self delusion
Where I am in my spiritual journey is not where I expected to be at this point in my life. The first part of my life (from birth to my profession as a Lay Cistercian at Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Monastery (Trappist),… Continue Reading “THE TOWER OF BABEL rEDUX: the INEXPLICABLE race by our race toWARDS ignorance and self delusion”
SIXTY SECOND CATHOLIC: aRE YOU WASTING TIME JUST WAITING TO DIE?
Unless you have been hiding under a blanket for the last thirty years, you have probably heard of the New One Minute Manager, Ken Blanchard’s view of leadership. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4VnMmSr0HM I like to think of this blog as the Sixty Second Catholic, the concentrated orange… Continue Reading “SIXTY SECOND CATHOLIC: aRE YOU WASTING TIME JUST WAITING TO DIE?”
liturgy of the hours:GUIDE TO PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH UNIVERSAL TO THE FATHER THROUGH CHRIST
When I made my promises as a Professed Lay Cistercian at the Monastery of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit, I promised to seek God every day where I might be and in whatever venue I might find myself. This is a lifetime promise… Continue Reading “liturgy of the hours:GUIDE TO PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH UNIVERSAL TO THE FATHER THROUGH CHRIST”
Liturgy of the Hours: WWW.DIVINE OFFICE.ORG
A favorite site of mine is the URL http://www.divineoffice.org. Divine Office is another name for saying the Liturgy of the Hours, like Lectio Divina is a more in-depth look at contemplation. The purpose of all of these prayers is to “have in you the… Continue Reading “Liturgy of the Hours: WWW.DIVINE OFFICE.ORG”
FIVE PITHY SAYINGS THAT PACK A CONTEMPLATIVE PUNCH
I like the word “pithy” because it is not common usage and sounds a bit naughty. As I use it, the word means poignant and concise. It is like drinking concentrated orange juice. Good, but you need to add water to make it taste… Continue Reading “FIVE PITHY SAYINGS THAT PACK A CONTEMPLATIVE PUNCH”
MOVING FROM SELF TO GOD
REFLECTIONS OF A SEEKER When reading the book The Cistercian Way, by the late, great Cistercian Abbot, Dom Andre Louf, O.C.S.O., he impressed upon me the need to continuously move from self to God. It is not so much as one action, one time,… Continue Reading “MOVING FROM SELF TO GOD”
CONTEMPLATION: Sharing
THE SIXTY SECOND CATHOLIC: Here are some of my thoughts from a Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5) on sharing. I was thinking, as I always do, about “have in you the mind of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5) and h THE SIXTY SECOND CATHOLIC: Here are… Continue Reading “CONTEMPLATION: Sharing”
A SPIRITUAL AUDIT
Everyone during tax season seems to be doing an audit (filing taxes), our parish just concluded an audit of their books and procedures. I wondered what it would look like if I conducted an audit on my spiritual experiences today. It would be a… Continue Reading “A SPIRITUAL AUDIT”
CANTICLE OF PURE ENERGY
What follows is the Canticle of Daniel’s prayer as the three where praising God in the fiery furnace. At 3:50 A.M., this Saturday morning, I awoke suddenly and started my Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5). What came out was Daniel’s Canticle, but with a twist.… Continue Reading “CANTICLE OF PURE ENERGY”
CONTEMPLATION: Focus on Christ alone
I must admit to having trouble focusing on Christ, an acquired skill. I can think of Christ for a while, but my spiritual attention span is minutes, if not seconds. What has helped me is my introduction to Cistercian Spirituality, in terms of contemplative… Continue Reading “CONTEMPLATION: Focus on Christ alone”
SLOW DOWN YOUR PRAYER
This past weekend, I attended the annual retreat for Lay Cistercians of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Monastery (Trappist), Conyers, Georgia. It was a three day retreat (from Friday evening through Noon on Sunday). The theme was Praying with Mary, a topic of… Continue Reading “SLOW DOWN YOUR PRAYER”
CRAZY THOUGHTS IN MY LECTIO DIVINA
As you know, if you have tried to focus on the Lectio part of Lectio Divina, thoughts can sometimes come out of left field for a second and then disappear into the blackness. Here are some of my thoughts that I had and cast… Continue Reading “CRAZY THOUGHTS IN MY LECTIO DIVINA”
DO YOU LOVE GOD MORE THAN YOUR SPOUSE?
This topic is like walking in quicksand. If I am talking with my wife, of course, she is more important because she is more present to me (and, I would get killed if I said otherwise). If I am honest with what I believe… Continue Reading “DO YOU LOVE GOD MORE THAN YOUR SPOUSE?”
ARE YOU A SPIRITUAL HORDER?
This past Wednesday, I had the privilege of presenting my thoughts on contemplative spirituality to some of the inmates of Wakulla Correctional Institution-Annex. This is part of a series I am writing on the Foundations of Contemplative Spirituality, using what I have gained so… Continue Reading “ARE YOU A SPIRITUAL HORDER?”
May the Peace of Christ be with you.
My Lectio Divina for Christmas Day (Philippians 2:5) takes me to a place I have never entered. We throw around the word, Peace is such a cavalier way that it almost becomes like eating oatmeal without the sugar and a dab of butter for… Continue Reading “May the Peace of Christ be with you.”
HOW GOOD ARE YOU AT FILLING HOLES?
My Lectio Divina has transported me to many unusual places. This is a recent one. My Lectio is always Philippians 2:5, but, when meditating (meditatio), I find that recent events pop into my consciousness (or is that unconsciousness?) I was recently talking with a… Continue Reading “HOW GOOD ARE YOU AT FILLING HOLES?”
ALL SOULS’ DAY
Today is All Souls Day. It might seem morbid to pray for someone who is already dead. If someone dies and is cremated, there are only ashes remaining, that is, if you don’t believe in the Resurrection. If you do hope that the words… Continue Reading “ALL SOULS’ DAY”
COME, SHARE YOUR LORD’S JOY
My favorite Aunt died last week at St. Mary of the Woods, Indiana. She was 99.9 years of age. What follows is what I wrote in an obituary for the funeral home. May she rest in the peace of Christ. https://spsmw.org/ “Florida calling. Sister… Continue Reading “COME, SHARE YOUR LORD’S JOY”
NOW WHAT?
As an immutable part of living, one of the aspects we take for granted is, everything we do has a beginning and an end. Why is that? I just returned from visiting my 99.10 year old Aunt who is a Sister of Providence at… Continue Reading “NOW WHAT?”
CHAPTER 4: Entitlements?
Unless you are a person who hs no television and does not know what Google means, you will recognize the sayings: Be All You Can Be, and, The Few. The Proud. A Marine. These statements suggest that, if you belong to the Army or… Continue Reading “CHAPTER 4: Entitlements?”
TEN REASONS PEOPLE FALL AWAY FROM THE FAITH
I write this because my Lectio Divina this week took me to a place where the Scriptures said even Jesus could not work miracles because of their lack of Faith. What comes first my belief or Faith? Scriptures also teaches us that no one… Continue Reading “TEN REASONS PEOPLE FALL AWAY FROM THE FAITH”
The Mystery of Faith
I never learned to read and speak Hebrew. I came close a couple of times. All language is simply learning the words and then applying them so that others can understand what you are saying. I have come to the awareness that there are… Continue Reading “The Mystery of Faith”
MY GROWTH IN CHRIST JESUS
One of my spiritual directors told me that I needed to keep growing in Christ Jesus every day in order to sustain my faith, hope, and love. Growing can mean many things, but I had a Lectio Divina meditation on it the other day… Continue Reading “MY GROWTH IN CHRIST JESUS”
THE SHIBBOLETH OF GOOD WORKS
Is there such a thing as a shibboleth of good works? What seems like a mouth full of gummy bears might actually have some importance for contemplative practice. THE TOWER OF BABLE It would be easier to be tossed into the proverbial briar patch… Continue Reading “THE SHIBBOLETH OF GOOD WORKS”
HEROES AND HEROINES
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS, O.P. When I use the word “saints” (lower case), I refer to a group of people all of whom are baptized with water and the Spirit, those in Heaven, those awaiting purification, and those special persons whom we hold up as… Continue Reading “HEROES AND HEROINES”
BIRTHDAY THOUGHT FROM A BROKEN-DOWN, OLD, LAY CISERCIAN
Here is what came out of my Lectio Divina meditation on my 79th birthday. That in all things God be glorified. –St. Benedict. Listen to the poem in silence and solitude. –A traveler in a foreign land
SPIRITUAL READING
Part of what it means to be a Lay Cistercian is a reverence for the word (lower case) that writers have for the Word (upper case) of God and how they interpret it. Cistercian authors advance the understanding of the Word by their words.… Continue Reading “SPIRITUAL READING”
A PRAYER BY THOMAS MERTON
Here is one of my favorite prayers from Father M. Louis (Thomas Merton), O.C.S.O. 6 months ago “My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it… Continue Reading “A PRAYER BY THOMAS MERTON”
YOU ARE RETIRED, NOW WHAT?
Several people around me, myself included, have retired from a regular job. Retirement affects each individual differently. The big question seems to be, can I keep busy doing something that is meaningful to me. Had I placed my job at the center of my… Continue Reading “YOU ARE RETIRED, NOW WHAT?”
WHERE ARE THOSE OLD WEDDING PICTURES, NOW?
When was the last time you looked at those old wedding pictures? Blow off the dust and take a look at them again. They transport you back to a time when you celebrated something wonderful, your marriage with each other and your reliance on… Continue Reading “WHERE ARE THOSE OLD WEDDING PICTURES, NOW?”
BLUE SKYS
Here is a story that brings to mind all kinds of spiritual linkages. It is one that I heard from my wife, a true story that is happening in our days. When meditating on Philippians 2:5, this blue sky story led me to places… Continue Reading “BLUE SKYS”
CONCENTRATED ORANGE JUICE
Try to drink this cup of the Mystery of Faith! It is like concentrated orange juice–very tasty but strong. I had to address this in one of my Lectio Divina meditations (Philippians 2:5). I warn you, this is way out there (out there is… Continue Reading “CONCENTRATED ORANGE JUICE”
READINGS IN CONTEMPLATIVE THOUGHT
In order to develop contemplative practice, you must practice contemplative thinking. One way I do that is by reading. If your reading on a daily or weekly basis is on topics that deepen your “capcitas dei” the capacity to grow in Christ, then reading… Continue Reading “READINGS IN CONTEMPLATIVE THOUGHT”
THE POLITICS OF HATRED
Do you remember the late Sen Ted Kennedy and Sen. Alan Simpson, (R-Wyoming) debate in the early 1990s? https://jfk.blogs.archives.gov/2018/09/24/facing-off-senator-ted-kennedy-debates-his-republican-colleagues/?subscribe=success#blog_subscription-5 Now, the era of civility in politics is out the door. Respect for the office of President is lacking among lawmakers. Oh, did you look… Continue Reading “THE POLITICS OF HATRED”
MAKE A CONTEMPLATIVE RETREAT
Making a retreat is one of those events where there are a thousand reasons not to go but only one good one to go– to grow in the capacity to move from self to God. Movement is a sign you are alive. You can… Continue Reading “MAKE A CONTEMPLATIVE RETREAT”
JOIN THE SCHOOL OF LOVE
St. Benedict composes a Rule (d. 649 A.D.) to organize monks into forming a school for charity (love) in which they can move from the false self to the true self. What follows is an excerpt from my book on Learning How to Love.… Continue Reading “JOIN THE SCHOOL OF LOVE”
SLOW DOWN
The first time I attended the recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours (4:00 a.m.) at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit (Trappist), Conyers, Georgia, I noticed that the monks were deliberate with their prayers and said them slowly. While trying to stay awake… Continue Reading “SLOW DOWN”
LUMEN GENTIUM: The Mystery of the Church
There is no more challenging sign of contradiction of our Faith than that of the Church. At once, holy and sinful, one yet diverse, catholic yet individual, and apostolic and current in each age. The Ecumenical Council of Vatican II produced a profound statement… Continue Reading “LUMEN GENTIUM: The Mystery of the Church”
ALL IN
There was a casino scene in a James Bond Film, Casino Royale, where the suave and debonaire Mr. Bond plays against the bad guys. The thing I remember about it is that players can make various degrees of wagering. One in particular that has… Continue Reading “ALL IN”
YOU HAVE NO IDEA
Once, there was a highly educated and refined woman, who wanted to become more spiritual. She began attending Eucharist almost every day. She was very happy when attending the meetings with those who also shared her Faith. The opportunity presented itself to attend a… Continue Reading “YOU HAVE NO IDEA”
DO WHAT YOU SAY
Maybe you have read my blog on Mean What You Say (maybe not). Meaning what you say is about aligning your mind with the words you say. Doing what you say is about aligning your heart with your activity. Christ is always urging his… Continue Reading “DO WHAT YOU SAY”
MEAN WHAT YOU SAY
In one of my Lectio Divina meditations (Philippians 2:5), I chanced to think about why I have so much difficulty in concentrating when I pray. It does not happen always, but when it does, it is irritating and distracting. It takes an act of… Continue Reading “MEAN WHAT YOU SAY”
ARE YOU LISTLESS?
If you read this title you might be fooled by the actual purpose of this blog. Listless means being lifeless and without enthusiasm. It reminds me of those who seem to decry the state of imperfection in the World or the Church (or both)… Continue Reading “ARE YOU LISTLESS?”
THE DIDACHE
This blog has taken the liberty of copying the whole of the text of the Didache from http://www.NewAdvent.com because of its significance. There is no commentary following it. Read and ponder. New Advent is an excellent source for looking up readings from the early… Continue Reading “THE DIDACHE”
TEMPTATION AND FALLING AWAY FROM THE FAITH
This is an excerpt from my latest book, WE ARE DEFINED BY OUR CHOICES: A Lay Cistercian reflects on Temptation, Truth, Reason, and Free Choice and why people fall away from the Church. (out August 2, 2019) which are my reflections on the phenomenon… Continue Reading “TEMPTATION AND FALLING AWAY FROM THE FAITH”
WHAT LAS VEGAS HAS TO SAY ABOUT MY FAITH
If you haven’t done so already, then you know I must have flipped out or had too much to drink (I only drink holy water which makes the plastic flowers grow). I only say that because where my Lectio Divina (Phil 2:5) led me… Continue Reading “WHAT LAS VEGAS HAS TO SAY ABOUT MY FAITH”
THE END
According to Ecclesiastes, there is a time for everything under Heaven. A time to be born, a time to live, a time to discover and implement your purpose in life, a time to discover what reality looks like, a time to wonder about how… Continue Reading “THE END”
USING SCRIPTURE AS A TOOL FOR PRIDE
I keep bumping into them everywhere I go. You know the kind, the self-righteous, pompas, know-it-alls who have recently found Jesus in their hearts and want to spread their particular interpretation of who Jesus is to everyone who will listen. All religions have them.… Continue Reading “USING SCRIPTURE AS A TOOL FOR PRIDE”
HERITAGE LOST
There are not many topics that I try to avoid as much as the one of “Why Has My Family Abandoned their Catholic Heritage,” passed on from grandparents, parents and beyond that, all the way back to the time of the Apostles. What I… Continue Reading “HERITAGE LOST”
MERCY AND CONTEMPLATION
This seems to me to be an odd topic for my Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5), but here it is. In thinking about having in me the mind of Christ Jesus, my mind wandered into the aspect of Mercy, so important to the mission of… Continue Reading “MERCY AND CONTEMPLATION”
10 THING YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT CHRIST
Christ was not assumed into Heaven like Mary, He ascended into Heaven by the power of God. When Christ was on Earth as a son of Man, simultaneously, He is God. Only Jesus Christ had two natures, divine and human. Mary, his mother, overshadowed… Continue Reading “10 THING YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT CHRIST”
LISTEN WITH THE EAR OF THE HEART
There is nothing more difficult for a human being than to listen to God with the ear of the heart. That God would even consider speaking to me in the silence of my heart is, in itself, astounding. What I try to do as… Continue Reading “LISTEN WITH THE EAR OF THE HEART”
7 Pillars of Cistercian Spirituality
I came across this article from New Clairvaux Monastery (Vino, California) and thought you would be interested. https://www.newclairvaux.org/7-pillars-trappist-cistercian-spirituality 7 PILLARS OF CISTERCIAN SPIRITUALITY 7 Pillars of Trappist-Cistercian Spirituality Clearly, all Christians are one in the Love of Jesus Christ and a full-on life… Continue Reading “7 Pillars of Cistercian Spirituality”
THE SIXTY SECOND CATHOLIC- Don’t forget!
I share with you one of my Lectio Divina meditations (Philippians 2:5). Praise be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and forever. The God who is, who was, and who is to come at the end… Continue Reading “THE SIXTY SECOND CATHOLIC- Don’t forget!”
WHAT IS GREATER THAN FAITH?
If you are a person who places their whole Faith in Faith, you will not want to read the rest of this. Like everything is the spiritual universe, nothing is what it seems. Not only is everything a sign of contradiction, but much of… Continue Reading “WHAT IS GREATER THAN FAITH?”
10 THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT MARY, MOTHER OF GOD
Despite the bad press about Mary and her being divine and the object of a cult, she is the mother of Jesus, the Son of the Living God. Of course, none of this makes any sense using the assumptions of the World. It is… Continue Reading “10 THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT MARY, MOTHER OF GOD”
WHO DOES GOD THINK HE IS, ANYWAY? God?
Several months ago, a group of us in Tallahassee, Florida met to talk about forming a discernment group to see if anyone is interested in forming a Lay Cistercian prayer group. After our initial prayer to ask the Holy Spirit to be with us… Continue Reading “WHO DOES GOD THINK HE IS, ANYWAY? God?”
WHO ROWS YOUR BOAT?
What follows is an exerpt from my book, Who Rows Your Boat: How you can be happier than you can possibly imagine. Use these thoughts to expand your horizon. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=books+dr.+michael+f.+conrad Who Rows Your Boat? Who Rows Your Boat? If your life is a boat,… Continue Reading “WHO ROWS YOUR BOAT?”
The Passive Man
There was a crooked man, and he walked a crooked mile,He found a crooked sixpence against a crooked stile;He bought a crooked cat which caught a crooked mouse,And they all lived together in a little crooked house. –Mother Goose There was a passive man,… Continue Reading “The Passive Man”
PRAYING WITH PERSONALITIES
One of the ideas that rolled around in my head (there is lots of room to roll around) is the notion of personalities and prayer. I am part of several prayer groups, some of which pray the Liturgy of the Hours. Whenever there are… Continue Reading “PRAYING WITH PERSONALITIES”
TWEEKING MY LAY CISTERCIAN PRAYERS
Praying, for me, is not the same as when I began my Lay Cistercian odyssey seven years ago. I considered myself somewhat religious, but I could never have imagined I would be where I am today in my prayer life. Some of the prayer… Continue Reading “TWEEKING MY LAY CISTERCIAN PRAYERS”
GROWING DEEPER IN YOUR FAITH: Five Levels of Spiritual Awareness
I have uncovered five levels of spiritual awareness as I sat, one Sunday morning at Eucharist, thinking about how my attention span waxes and wanes as I listen to the Word. I usually must make an effort to keep my focus on the readings… Continue Reading “GROWING DEEPER IN YOUR FAITH: Five Levels of Spiritual Awareness”
TEN THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT THE POPE
Here are some of my thoughts about the Pope. They are not sensational or even revelational, but reflect my own appreciation for the person selected by the Holy Spirit to lead us in how to love with our whole hearts, our whole minds, and… Continue Reading “TEN THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT THE POPE”
10 THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT TEMPTATIONS
Here are ten things I have learned about temptations that you may or may not have known before. Temptations are not sins. They are possible choices presented to you so that you can choose to move forward. Some choices are good for you, while… Continue Reading “10 THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT TEMPTATIONS”
THE DEEPEST LEVEL OF BEING CATHOLIC UNIVERSAL
There are two levels of being Catholic Universal: Baptismal and Eucharistic. Baptismal is being accepted by God as an adopted son or daughter. It is the basics of our collective Faith, but it is only the minimum of commitment to Christ, the minimum of… Continue Reading “THE DEEPEST LEVEL OF BEING CATHOLIC UNIVERSAL”
GOD SPEAK
It makes me uncomfortable when I hear someone say that God told them to do say this or that or to do this or that. Because someone uses “God talk,” we quite naturally give them the benefit of the doubt and accept that God… Continue Reading “GOD SPEAK”
FIVE PRACTICES THAT MAKE A LAY CISTERCIAN: WHAT DOES YOUR CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICE LOOK LIKE?
HOW I DESIGNED A SYSTEM OF SPIRITUALITY TO SUSTAIN MY CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICE The following pages are samples of the horarium (hourly agenda) I use to organize my day as a Lay Cistercian. I must tell you that I am retired and have time to… Continue Reading “FIVE PRACTICES THAT MAKE A LAY CISTERCIAN: WHAT DOES YOUR CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICE LOOK LIKE?”
10 THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT GOD
What follows are 10 thoughts I have had about God, some controversial, some traditional, all a part of the Mystery of Faith. The difficult part of limiting 10 ideas about God is daunting because I keep wanting to add more. Actually, God is One.… Continue Reading “10 THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT GOD”
THE SIGN OF CONTRADICTION
One of the strangest of all the seemingly contradictory phenomena about spirituality, and I use Cistercian Spirituality as I know it, as my frame of reference, is the sign of contradiction. My Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5) meditations have been trending toward thinking about a… Continue Reading “THE SIGN OF CONTRADICTION”
GET SPECIFIC IN YOUR PRAYER
When trying to devote whatever time I have left to prayer, as I promised to do when making my final promises as a Lay Cistercian, I have noticed a few thing that are important about my general prayer life. Sometimes my prayer life seems… Continue Reading “GET SPECIFIC IN YOUR PRAYER”
10 THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT LAY CISTERCIANS
What follows is my Lectio Divina on Philippians 2:5 that I had at 2:30 a.m. one night last week. I just happened to remember it and thought it might be of interest to you, it was to me. Lay Cistercians are laity who choose… Continue Reading “10 THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT LAY CISTERCIANS”
CONTEMPLATION IS…
This morning in my meeting at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Tallahassee, Florida, I was joined by two wonderful persons who were seeking God through contemplation. In my attempts to fumble around to describe to them what contemplation is, I came up with these ideas… Continue Reading “CONTEMPLATION IS…”
THE POWER OF DISCERNMENT
As I approached the Lay Cistercians of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Monastery (Trappist) with my petition and desire to be one of them, several professed members told me that our class of applicants would have to go through a period of discernment… Continue Reading “THE POWER OF DISCERNMENT”
GROWING DEEPER IN FAITH
If Lent is a time of cultivating the ground of our spirituality, to include watering our Faith with the renewal of our Baptismal covenant with God and our commitment to sustain our Faith, then Easter is the the product of God’s grace in us.… Continue Reading “GROWING DEEPER IN FAITH”
EXSULTET JAM ANGELICA, TURBA COELORUM…
You may not have heard of this Gregorian Chant melody. It is the Pascal Story, the WHY of why the Resurrection of Christ is at the center of our Faith. Easter is a time when we get to affirm that Resurrection Enigma (see my… Continue Reading “EXSULTET JAM ANGELICA, TURBA COELORUM…”
THE RESURRECTION ENIGMA
Blessed Easter. What follows is an excerpt from my newest publication, The Resurrection Enigma: A Lay Cistercian reflects on five consequences the Resurrection of Christ has for living Forever. St. Paul, as you will read, states that, if the Resurrection is false, our Faith… Continue Reading “THE RESURRECTION ENIGMA”
CHAPTER 4: To make peace with one’s adversaries before the Sun sets.
Chapter 4 – The Tools of Good Works 1. In the first place, to love the Lord God with the whole heart, the whole soul, the whole strength.2. Then, one’s neighbor as oneself.3. Then not to murder.4. Not to commit adultery.5. Not to steal.6.… Continue Reading “CHAPTER 4: To make peace with one’s adversaries before the Sun sets.”
SEVEN WAYS OF DIVINE LOVE
In wandering in the vast hinterlands of the Internet, I came upon writings of a Cistercian Beatrice of Nazareth, that I would like to share with you. This is not my material, having copied it from another website. I thought it compelling enough to… Continue Reading “SEVEN WAYS OF DIVINE LOVE”
A SIGN OF CONTRADICTION
The message of Christ does not make sense. Scripture says that it is folly to the Gentiles and a stumbling block to the Jews. That is another way of saying you won’t “get” what Christ is saying unless you use the Rule of Opposites.… Continue Reading “A SIGN OF CONTRADICTION”
REACHING PERFECTION
I have always had a problem with spirituality until very recently. In the last six years, since I began my discernment as a Lay Cistercian (which I am still doing) into what it means to transform myself from my false self to a new… Continue Reading “REACHING PERFECTION”
SOME DAYS ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS
One of the things I have noticed about myself as I try to fulfill the promises I made as a Professed Lay Cistercian, namely to do have in me the mind of Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5) by praying a daily Lectio Divina, daily Eucharist,… Continue Reading “SOME DAYS ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS”
CHAPTER 4: A Great Horror of Hell
Each age looks at the principles Christ taught us using the prevalent, collective thinking of the World. Reflecting on Hell is one of those things I don’t like to do but am compelled to do as my Lectio Divina during Lent and whenever I… Continue Reading “CHAPTER 4: A Great Horror of Hell”
Mr. McCarrick
As I sit here before the computer, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide me in my search for God, a striking thought keeps infiltrating my consciousness. Earlier in the week, I had read an article in the “Tabloid” press about how the Vatican had… Continue Reading “Mr. McCarrick”
FORGIVE THOSE WHO HURT YOU
Several years ago, at Evansville, Indiana, a couple came up to me and told me that they were sorry but were changing their membership to another Religion because they observed the Church was too corrupt. I thanked them for their attendance and gave them… Continue Reading “FORGIVE THOSE WHO HURT YOU”
Eh?
It is a sure sign you are getting old when you must worry about getting cataract surgery and being tested for hearing aids. I had both of these done within the last two years. the last one (hearing test) done at the VA Clinic… Continue Reading “Eh?”
SIMPLICITY
Sometimes I can’t get to sleep or wake up at night and must use the bathroom then can’t get back to sleep. This is one of those nights. I always get enough rest, but sometimes nothing works, even Melatonin. My thoughts go to Lectio… Continue Reading “SIMPLICITY”
PROGRESS
I don’t remember it always being this way, but it seems we have developed a corporate mentality that says results are not good unless they are immediate. There is a time for everything. As Scriptures points out: Ecclesiastes 3 NRSVCE – Everything Has Its… Continue Reading “PROGRESS”
SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR
I recommend that you consider asking someone to be your spiritual director. This should be a person of great integrity in things spiritual, especially as it pertains to the contemplative approach. One of the reasons that an outside person is helpful to give you… Continue Reading “SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR”
THE LIFE OF A HERMIT
Read about Sister Mary Beatrice Raphael, a hermit living on the grounds of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Monastery, Conyers, Georgia. https://georgiabulletin.org/news/2014/10/devout-doctor-chooses-hermitage-focus-just-jesus/ That in all things, God be glorified. –St. Benedict
MAKING SENSE OF THE SACRED
I have discovered four questions that have caused me to sit up and take notice of the world around me. In my Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5) last week, I thought of how reality fits together, even if I don’t see any connection at the… Continue Reading “MAKING SENSE OF THE SACRED”
WAYS TO LOOK AT SIN
Lent is a time of penance and prayer, a time to examine your collective consciousness to see if you are on the right track or not. Lent is also a time to reflect on how you increase your capacity to love Christ by loving… Continue Reading “WAYS TO LOOK AT SIN”
FAST AND PRAY
Lent is a time of repentance for our sins of the past, plus asking God for the grace to be more focused on Christ for the future. Ashes are an ancient sign of repentance. Ash Wednesday is a time to remember, O Human, that… Continue Reading “FAST AND PRAY”
SIC TRANSEAT GLORIA MUNDI
What goes around comes around eventually. Consider this example. We are all born without our consent, alone, from darkness into the light of the world. We live our unique lives at birth confined to a crib and would not exist without the help of… Continue Reading “SIC TRANSEAT GLORIA MUNDI”
FIVE TIPS TO HELP WITH PRAYER
There are five things about prayer that I have learned from my time going to Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Monastery (Trappist), Conyers, Georgia. Without editorializing too much, I offer them for your consideration for those times you find yourself approaching the Sacred… Continue Reading “FIVE TIPS TO HELP WITH PRAYER”
THE CONTEMPLATIVE APPROACH TO SPIRITUALITY
Some people have difficulty relating to a spirituality that is contemplative. Some people have difficulty comprehending the meaning of spiritual versus religion. Not all that is contemplative is Cistercian, but all that is Cistercian is most definitely contemplative. Here are some of my ideas… Continue Reading “THE CONTEMPLATIVE APPROACH TO SPIRITUALITY”
THE SIXTY SECOND CATHOLIC
Many people are afraid to recite the Liturgy of the Hours because they find it difficult to master. Like everything else in life, there is a learning curve. We don’t master something in one day. Our impatience sometimes causes us to avoid certain practices… Continue Reading “THE SIXTY SECOND CATHOLIC”
Lay Cistercian Litany of Praise and Glory
One of the great prayer traditions in the Church Universal is the Liturgy of the Saints. I was thinking, during one of my recent Lectio Divina meditations about how I should praise God for his supreme act of Love to become one of us… Continue Reading “Lay Cistercian Litany of Praise and Glory”
ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT CONTEMPLATIVE SPIRITUALITY
What follows is an exerpt from two of my books, THE PLACE NO ONE WANTS TO LOOK: Six questions all of us must answer before we die, and, SEEKING GOD AT PREMIER GYM IN TALLAHASSEE FLORIDA.What seems like nonsensical titles are actually at the… Continue Reading “ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT CONTEMPLATIVE SPIRITUALITY”
CHAPTER 7: Fear of the Lord
In one of my Lectio Divina meditations on Philippians 2:5, I marveled at the key role that humility plays in the divine economy of salvation. Not only does this seem to be the cornerstone of any way of thinking with Jesus as the center,… Continue Reading “CHAPTER 7: Fear of the Lord”
SEEKING GOD IN MY BACK YARD
I must share this incident with you. Last week, we replaced an old, wooden deck with a new one. It took a long time to ask three or four contractors to give us estimates (my wife is the brains, I am just old). Last… Continue Reading “SEEKING GOD IN MY BACK YARD”
MAKE A CONTEMPLATIVE RETREAT
This coming August 19-22, 2019, (Monday through Thursday), there will be an opportunity for you to make a retreat at Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Retreat Center, Conyers, Georgia. If you have been to the Monastery for a retreat, you know that silence… Continue Reading “MAKE A CONTEMPLATIVE RETREAT”
THREE WAYS TO SEE GOD
This title may be a misnomer. There are many ways to see God and this is a reflection from my Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5) about three of them that come to mind. My next door neighbor, now deceased, God rest his soul, was a… Continue Reading “THREE WAYS TO SEE GOD”
SEEKING GOD THROUGH YOUTUBE
Like everything else in life, seeking God on Youtube can be authentic or unauthentic. In terms of secular thinking, you determine what is authentic or unauthentic (the knowledge of good and evil in Genesis 2-3). As a Lay Cistercian seeking God in everyday living,… Continue Reading “SEEKING GOD THROUGH YOUTUBE”
THE INTIMACY OF GOD
One of my friends (I do still have a few of them) asked me last year how I know that God loves me. In reflecting on my Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5), I put this question to God. For those who know me, you know… Continue Reading “THE INTIMACY OF GOD”
You Are What You Were, When, Again
If I think back on it, it was at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma in 1979, when I first saw Dr. Morris Massey and listened to his presentation entitled, “You Are What You Were, When.” This will date me, but I watched it on a 16mm… Continue Reading “You Are What You Were, When, Again”
CHAPTER 4: DO WHAT YOU SAY YOU WILL DO
 It is probably not the most glamorous or notable example from Scripture, but one that I think about a lot. It is about duplicity, Duplicity is saying one thing but thinking or doing something quite different. It is speaking with a forked tongue… Continue Reading “CHAPTER 4: DO WHAT YOU SAY YOU WILL DO”
The Covenant
Belonging to God Psalm 62Peace in GodMay God, the source of our hope, fill your hearts with peace as you believe in him (Romans 15:13). In God alone is my soul at rest;my help comes from him.He alone is my rock, my stronghold,my fortress; I… Continue Reading “The Covenant”
CHAPTER 4: If you have a dispute with someone…
When I first read this admonition of St. Benedict in Chapter 4, #73, “If you have a dispute with someone, make peace with him before the sun goes down,” I remember thinking that I use to tell Pre-Cana classes the same quote. St. Benedict… Continue Reading “CHAPTER 4: If you have a dispute with someone…”
Fidelity and Endurance
How does fidelity and endurance help in living the life of Christ? First, what is fidelity and why is it important. As it affects me as a Lay Cistercian, it means an assent of the mind and heart to Christ and then being passionate… Continue Reading “Fidelity and Endurance”
YOU HAVE JUST MADE YOUR PROFESSION OF FAITH. NOW WHAT?
One of the big questions that a new Catholic must answer is, now what? I say that because, as a newly professed, Lay Cistercian, I face that same question, even at the ripe old age of 78 (and believe me, that is ripe). I… Continue Reading “YOU HAVE JUST MADE YOUR PROFESSION OF FAITH. NOW WHAT?”
MAKING A CONTEMPLATIVE RETREAT
In February, Lay Cistercians of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Monastery, Conyers, Georgia, will be making their annual retreat. Retreats are special opportunities to advance the amount of time we spend in the presence of Christ. What follows is an excerpt from my… Continue Reading “MAKING A CONTEMPLATIVE RETREAT”
RESPECT OUR JEWISH HERITAGE
What follows is an exerpt from my newest book entitled PRESCRIPTIONS FOR LOVING GOD: A Lay Cistercian reflects on five sets of laws that enable us to seek God in everyday living. In going through my daily Lectio Divina, I thought about… Continue Reading “RESPECT OUR JEWISH HERITAGE”
PEACE BEYOND ALL TELLING
It must be Christmas time because the media and commercial stores are plastered with Peace signs. I was reflecting on my Lectio quote (Phil 2:5) and the thought about the meaning of Peace came to mind. The Incarnation, I reasoned, is not just the… Continue Reading “PEACE BEYOND ALL TELLING”
THREE QUESTIONS THAT MAY ESCAPE YOU IN THE SEASON
This is the season to be jolly. It goes without saying (which is why I am saying it) that the search each one of us has to find meaning is much more mysterious than just a surface look at our physical universe (what we… Continue Reading “THREE QUESTIONS THAT MAY ESCAPE YOU IN THE SEASON”
FOUR QUALITIES FOR CONTEMPLATIVE SPIRITUALITY
In my very limited time being a Lay Cistercian, I have learned so much about the interior life, the realm of silence and solitude, the place where I had been afraid to look before now. I am actually astounded because I don’t even live… Continue Reading “FOUR QUALITIES FOR CONTEMPLATIVE SPIRITUALITY”
HOW WELL DO YOU KEEP THE LAW?
In going through my daily Lectio Divina, I thought about Philippians 2:5 and Matthew 22:37 when Christ told us that he did not come to change the Law but to fulfill it. I wondered, as I still do, what that might mean. I found… Continue Reading “HOW WELL DO YOU KEEP THE LAW?”
INTERNET RESOURCES YOU MAY USE TO MAKE ALL THINGS NEW
It might seem like an unlikely place to find inspiration about contemplative practice, but Youtube did that for me, as well as other websites and modern day marvels of communication. In particular, you may find the Youtube episodes of G. K. Chesterton (Google it)… Continue Reading “INTERNET RESOURCES YOU MAY USE TO MAKE ALL THINGS NEW”
GREAT GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS
The heading above was on the Internet in one of the hundreds of Emails I get on buying something I just can’t do without. That got me thinking in my Lectio Divina reflection (Phil 2:5), what is a gift I can receive at Christmas… Continue Reading “GREAT GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS”
OBEDIENCE: The Archetypal Sin
The following is excerpted from my new book, GETTING THERE FROM HERE:  A Lay Cistercian reflects on  Cistercian Charisms and how they move us to conversion of life from self to God. I have dedicated this book to the late Father Anthony Delisi, O.C.S.O., our Lay Cistercian spiritual… Continue Reading “OBEDIENCE: The Archetypal Sin”
WAYS TO APPROACH THE MYSTERY OF FAITH WITHOUT FRYING YOUR NEURONS A Lay Cistercian reflects how to approach the Mystery of Faith for those who wait before the Blessed Sacrament.
What follows is excerpted from my latest book, WAYS TO APPROACH THE MYSTERY OF FAITH WITHOUT FRYING YOUR NEURONS: A Lay Cistercian reflects how to approach the Mystery of Faith for those who wait before the Blessed Sacrament. I have added Internet resources so that this may… Continue Reading “WAYS TO APPROACH THE MYSTERY OF FAITH WITHOUT FRYING YOUR NEURONS A Lay Cistercian reflects how to approach the Mystery of Faith for those who wait before the Blessed Sacrament.”
THE ART OF SPIRITUALITY
THE ART OF SPIRITUALITY I have excerpted some ideas about the great Mysterium Fidei, the Mystery of Faith, from my most recent book entitled, YOU JUST MADE YOUR PROFESSION AS A CATHOLIC, NOW WHAT? A Lay Cistercian reflects on ten exercises you need to sustain Christ… Continue Reading “THE ART OF SPIRITUALITY”
THE SMELL OF SIN
It might seem like an anomaly to say that sin can have a smell. I must be the only one who thinks this but I can smell hatred, I can smell what is rotten. I can see what decays and is not sustaining of… Continue Reading “THE SMELL OF SIN”
SIXTY SECOND CATHOLIC: Serving Two Masters
Scripture tells us we cannot serve two masters. This is the classic “either-or” dichotomy. You can do both. You must choose one. Jesus uses this dilemma is describing choices. I think this is worth an examination. There are probably many of these choices that… Continue Reading “SIXTY SECOND CATHOLIC: Serving Two Masters”
MAKING RETIREMENT MEANINGFUL: Do you have the discipline to love others as Christ loves us?
You have heard of those who retire and then, very soon after retirement, they die unexpectedly. We do not know the day nor the hour when we will die but we can do something about living fully in retirement. Far be it to tell… Continue Reading “MAKING RETIREMENT MEANINGFUL: Do you have the discipline to love others as Christ loves us?”
THE SIXTY SECOND CATHOLIC: Don’t get too cocky.
Here are some thoughts about our preoccupation with exclusivity and elitism. Is there something beyond gender, male and female? Is there something beyond political status, such as king, senator, congressman, citizen? Is there something beyond race, color, nationality, or tribe? Is there something beyond… Continue Reading “THE SIXTY SECOND CATHOLIC: Don’t get too cocky.”
FUN WITH THE PSALMS
FUN WITH THE PSALMS I love to recite the following Psalm, #136, mainly because it is fun to say over and over, like a mantra. These Psalms with their responses are perfect for two choirs of people alternative sides. I share with you Psalm… Continue Reading “FUN WITH THE PSALMS”
THE CHRIST IMPERATIVES
Here are some of the commands that Jesus gave to us in order to help us to convert our lives from the World to the Spirit. Seeking perfection? LISTEN TO ME, FOR I AM MEEK AND HUMBLE OF HEART. Matthew 11:28-30 Thirsty? Drink of… Continue Reading “THE CHRIST IMPERATIVES”
FAST AND PRAY, THAT YOU MAY NOT ENTER INTO TEMPTATION
One of the ways to approach the Sacred is to follow a daily routine. Some people call it a habit. Do this every day for 30 days. If you are unable to do so, you might want to consider if your spirituality needs to… Continue Reading “FAST AND PRAY, THAT YOU MAY NOT ENTER INTO TEMPTATION”
THREE TALES OF WONDER FROM HURRICANE MICHAEL
I wanted to share with you that, thanks be to God, I made it through the Category 4 Hurricane named Michael. If you follow this blog, and I can’t say that I know anyone who does, you will know that my Lectio Divina (Philippians… Continue Reading “THREE TALES OF WONDER FROM HURRICANE MICHAEL”
ARE YOU ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTION?
I love escapist movies (don’t ask me why). Some movies these days stress the supremacy of the Devil over Good. I am thinking of the movie entitled The Last Witch Hunter. This is not a critique of any of these movies. I like the graphics… Continue Reading “ARE YOU ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTION?”
CONTEMPLATIVE THOUGHTS ABOUT LIFE AND LOVE FROM SAINTS AND SINNERS II
Here is my second iteration of quotes from people who had thoughts about Jesus. I wrote these for both of us as we stand watch before the Blessed Sacrament. IRENAEUS OF LYONS “Jesus Christ, in His infinite love, has become what we are, in… Continue Reading “CONTEMPLATIVE THOUGHTS ABOUT LIFE AND LOVE FROM SAINTS AND SINNERS II”
SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT, HERE.
A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog which you can access on my site entitled, Learning to Love. I liked the topic so much that I turned it into a book with almost the same title. Learning to Love: A Lay Cistercian reflects… Continue Reading “SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT, HERE.”
LEARNING HOW TO LOVE: A Lay Cistercian reflects on what it means to love others as Christ loved us.
In a recent Lectio Divina (Phil 2:5), I thought of the saying of Christ, love others as I have loved you. I asked myself, what does that “as I have loved you mean?” The only way we have to explore love is with our… Continue Reading “LEARNING HOW TO LOVE: A Lay Cistercian reflects on what it means to love others as Christ loved us.”
THE SIXTY SECOND CATHOLIC: HOW TO UNLOCK THE MYSTERY OF FAITH
A common misconception about Faith is that it is unknowable. It is, if all we use is human knowledge. There is a caveat, we can only approach it and what we do know we know because Jesus came to show us the puzzle. and… Continue Reading “THE SIXTY SECOND CATHOLIC: HOW TO UNLOCK THE MYSTERY OF FAITH”
CONTEMPLATIVE THOUGHTS ABOUT LIFE AND LOVE FROM SAINTS AND SINNERS
Here are some inspirational thoughts about life generated by great thinkers that help inspire me as I meditated on Phil 2:5, during my Lectio Divina exercise. They are in no order of importance and do not reflect any theme or agenda. Just enjoy them… Continue Reading “CONTEMPLATIVE THOUGHTS ABOUT LIFE AND LOVE FROM SAINTS AND SINNERS”
WHAT DO YOU SEE
In one of my Lectio Divina meditations (Phil 2:5), I thought of all that Christ has done for us by becoming one of us. I then asked myself, what have you done in your lifetime that is worth what you did in your lifetime?… Continue Reading “WHAT DO YOU SEE”
PANGE LINGUA GLORIOSI
If you know what that means, it means you are a Catholic with some tread worn off. When I was a boy, I thought that Latin prayers were so cool. Sure, I didn’t know what they meant, but I quickly picked up the meaning… Continue Reading “PANGE LINGUA GLORIOSI”
DOES GOD HAVE LIMITATIONS?
One the surface, a statement that states that God is not the All Powerful, Supreme Being seems like heresy and perversion of what we know of God. When I was thinking about what it took for God to leave the Supreme Power of God… Continue Reading “DOES GOD HAVE LIMITATIONS?”
SEVEN LESSONS WE NEED TO LIVE IN THREE UNIVERSES
When I meditated on the words of Philippians 2:5, I came up with these seven lessons we humans need to live in three universes (physical, mental, spiritual). I quote this from my book, The Woman Who Changed Time: Spirituality and Time. They are expanded… Continue Reading “SEVEN LESSONS WE NEED TO LIVE IN THREE UNIVERSES”
DO WHAT HE TELLS YOU
The following reflection is exerpted from my book, The Woman Who Changed Time: Spirituality and Time, available on this blog under the Store section. DO WHAT HE TELLS YOU “Pure energy, came into physical time in the only way consistent with human nature–as a… Continue Reading “DO WHAT HE TELLS YOU”
JUST BECAUSE YOUR PATH IS ROCKY, DOESN’T MEAN YOU ARE ON THE WRONG ROAD
Many years ago, I was sitting in my bathtub (that was before I became too old to sit anymore) thinking about Philippians 2:5, my only Lectio Divina reading, when I had a thought about all of this as being just too overwhelming. I had… Continue Reading “JUST BECAUSE YOUR PATH IS ROCKY, DOESN’T MEAN YOU ARE ON THE WRONG ROAD”
THINKING OF LEAVING THE CATHOLIC CHURCH?
All the controversy about the Catholic Church gives me pause to think about why I should not quit the Church. I persisted in my resolve and was granted dispensation by Pope Benedict XVI. I found out soon after that Saint Pope John Paul II… Continue Reading “THINKING OF LEAVING THE CATHOLIC CHURCH?”
TOP TEN PLAINSONG AND CHANT FAVORITES
I have always loved plainsong, sometimes refered to as Gergorian Chant, plus other sacred music that has permeated my spirit from my youth. I wanted to collect what I consider to be my favorite chants because they mean so much to me, but also… Continue Reading “TOP TEN PLAINSONG AND CHANT FAVORITES”
A CONTEMPORARY LITANY OF THE SAINTS BEFORE THE THRONE OF THE LAMB
A litany is usually a group of statements someone says for a specified purpose. The traditional litany of the Saints of the Church Universal invokes those who are standing before the throne of the Lamb to intercede along with us to the Father for… Continue Reading “A CONTEMPORARY LITANY OF THE SAINTS BEFORE THE THRONE OF THE LAMB”
CONFESSIONS OF A RANDOM WONDERER
REFLECTIONS FROM A RANDOM WONDERER It is not often that I get a chance to experience Lectio Divina without knowing where it is going to lead me. I always begin with Philippians 2:5, the eight words that have fueled both my spirit and my… Continue Reading “CONFESSIONS OF A RANDOM WONDERER”
CONVERSATIONS ON A PARK BENCH: TIME AND THE MYSTERY OF FAITH
Time seems to be the fabric of all that we know and can observe. We can observe the physical universe with its energy, matter, and time. Time exists on this level with a beginning to all that we can observe and also an end… Continue Reading “CONVERSATIONS ON A PARK BENCH: TIME AND THE MYSTERY OF FAITH”
THE SIXTY SECOND CATHOLIC: The complexity of the Church Universal
I would like to share this article and this site with you. I thought article, when someone asked me what it means to be Catholic. https://www.osv.com/OSVNewsweekly/ByIssue/Article/TabId/735/ArtMID/13636/ArticleID/9720/The-richness-of-Catholic-rites.aspx THREE OBSERVATIONS/QUESTIONS There is great diversity in the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. This Church universal is… Continue Reading “THE SIXTY SECOND CATHOLIC: The complexity of the Church Universal”
BOOKS AND PEOPLE WHO HAVE INFLUENCED MY THINKING
BOOKS AND THINKERS THAT HAVE SHAPED MY SPIRITUAL AWARENESS Many books have been assimilated into this brain and may still be in there, rattling around somewhere. Here are ten books that have helped me develop a hypothesis about what is real and how it… Continue Reading “BOOKS AND PEOPLE WHO HAVE INFLUENCED MY THINKING”
A TALE OF NO
Here is what I can remember of a Lectio Divina (Phil2:5) I had a few months ago. Things tend to fade for me as I reach the North side of 77 years old. This is what I do remember. I was thinking of the… Continue Reading “A TALE OF NO”
LECTIO DIVINA: DON’T KICK THE HABIT
One of the greatest lessons I have learned from being a Lay Cistercian is the value of consistency. Doing something over and over might seem boring to some, but to those seeking transformation, it is the practice of seeking God where you are. In… Continue Reading “LECTIO DIVINA: DON’T KICK THE HABIT”
DISCERNMENT: Seeking God as a Lay Cistercian
The Lay Cistercians of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Monastery (Trappist) in Conyers, Georgia are currently inviting practicing Universal Catholics to join them in a process called discernment. Discernment is an ongoing process because it doesn’t stop throughout your entire lifetime. Discernment has… Continue Reading “DISCERNMENT: Seeking God as a Lay Cistercian”
THE SIXTY SECOND CATHOLIC: Looking at Reality with Three Universes
You may, or may not, have heard of the book, The One Minutes Manager by Ken Blanchard. It was popular in my day, but, like all fads, it vanished. I thought of it once again as I was trying to come up with a… Continue Reading “THE SIXTY SECOND CATHOLIC: Looking at Reality with Three Universes”
THE SIXTY SECOND CATHOLIC: What does reality look like?
You may, or may not, have heard of the book, The One Minutes Manager by Ken Blanchard. It was popular in my day, but, like all fads, it vanished. I thought of it once again as I was trying to come up with a… Continue Reading “THE SIXTY SECOND CATHOLIC: What does reality look like?”
WHAT DO YOU SEE?
CONTMEPLATION: THE DOOR TO ACCESS YOUR INNER SELF: To probe deeper into reality, I am going to ask you to answer three seemingly innocuous questions, all of which are the same but all may be monumentally different, depending on your response. QUESTION ONE: This… Continue Reading “WHAT DO YOU SEE?”
THE TOWER OF BABEL
One of my favorite stories of the Scriptures in the Old Testament is the one about the confusion of tongues and dispersion of one people into many. I thought of this story during one of my Lectio Divina meditations about my one, eight word… Continue Reading “THE TOWER OF BABEL”
CINO
You no doubt have heard of the words RINO, not so? It means Republican in Name Only, a somewhat derogatory terms for someone who votes Republican but doesn’t really believe the conservative principles of the Republican Part (whatever they are, depending on your political… Continue Reading “CINO”
MERCY AND JUSTICE: The perils of judging others.
The news about the new nominee for Supreme Court Justice is percolating just beneath the surface of nightly news. You know it is there. You know that Democrats will be against Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination on principle. Likewise, Republicans will be for it. Never… Continue Reading “MERCY AND JUSTICE: The perils of judging others.”
PROCLAIM THE DEATH OF THE LORD UNTIL HE COMES
In my Lectio Divina (Phil2:5) before Eucharist on Sunday, I thought about how Jesus made Himself present to us becoming human. I thought of how I might make Jesus present today, or in each age until he comes again. Then it hit me. We… Continue Reading “PROCLAIM THE DEATH OF THE LORD UNTIL HE COMES”
BUILDING LAY CISTERCIAN CHARACTER: To hold one’s self aloof from worldly ways.
How do you build character in someone, preferably beginning with me? In one of my Lectio Divina (Phil 2:5) meditations, I thought of the human character of Christ and how he built it. He had to learn it in the same way we do,… Continue Reading “BUILDING LAY CISTERCIAN CHARACTER: To hold one’s self aloof from worldly ways.”
CHAPTER 4: To dash at once against Christ the evil thoughts which arise in one’s heart.
A spiritual colleague of mine told me that he can’t get through saying the Rosary without some kind of distraction. I confessed that this happens to me very often at Eucharist or Liturgy of the Hours. Sometimes I have terrible distractions of a sexual… Continue Reading “CHAPTER 4: To dash at once against Christ the evil thoughts which arise in one’s heart.”
INSTAGRAM FROM THE EDGE OF TIME
THOUGHTS FROM THE EDGE OF TIME: I just viewed a science program that said that the earth will no longer be here in 3 billion of so years. The program said the challenge foo humans is to find a way to go to other… Continue Reading “INSTAGRAM FROM THE EDGE OF TIME”
ANTICIPATING LOVE
CHAPTER 72 Of the good zeal which monks ought to have As there is an evil zeal of bitterness which separates from God and leads to hell, so there is a good zeal which separates from vices and leads to God and life everlasting. … Continue Reading “ANTICIPATING LOVE”
RULE OF ST. BENEDICT: Reflections on Zeal
CHAPTER 72 Of the good zeal which monks ought to have As there is an evil zeal of bitterness which separates from God and leads to hell, so there is a good zeal which separates from vices and leads to God and life everlasting. … Continue Reading “RULE OF ST. BENEDICT: Reflections on Zeal”
RETIREMENT: Preparing to die. Now what?
It may not be the case that, if you retire, you are just waiting to die. My guess is that it is the default position of most people, unless you put something in the void to fill it. The question becomes, with what do… Continue Reading “RETIREMENT: Preparing to die. Now what?”
A GOOD WAY TO START EACH DAY
Christ bid us deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow him. I have found a good way to have in me the mind of Christ Jesus (Phil 2:5) is to say a morning offering when I first get up and then offer an… Continue Reading “A GOOD WAY TO START EACH DAY”
CHAPTER FOUR:To deny one’s self in order to follow Christ.
CHAPTER IV The Instruments of Good Works (1) In the first place to love the Lord God with the whole heart, the whole soul, the whole strength… (2) Then, one’s neighbor as one’s self (cf Mt 22:37-39; Mk 12:30-31; Lk 10:27). (3) Then, not… Continue Reading “CHAPTER FOUR:To deny one’s self in order to follow Christ.”
FOUR WORDS THAT DESCRIBE THE DEPTH OF YOUR FAITH
I have always been puzzled with the fact that some people cannot “see” when I look at the Blessed Sacrament. I think this is so important because there are levels of faith (God’s gift of His life to us in the spirit of adoption)… Continue Reading “FOUR WORDS THAT DESCRIBE THE DEPTH OF YOUR FAITH”
THE TIME YOU TAKE TO PRAY, THE DIFFICULTIES YOU ENDURE TO THINK ABOUT CHRIST IS ITSELF PART OF PRAYER
In the Catechism lessons of my Eighth Grade, I learned that prayer was a lifting of the heart and mind to God. During one of my Lectio Divina (Phil 2:5) meditations (on the way to contemplation), I thought about the high ceilings of St.… Continue Reading “THE TIME YOU TAKE TO PRAY, THE DIFFICULTIES YOU ENDURE TO THINK ABOUT CHRIST IS ITSELF PART OF PRAYER”
WHICH ONE WOULD YOU CHOOSE?
In one of my meditations on Phil 2:5, I thought of the great gift of love that God gave to all humans by taking on our human nature as Jesus to reconcile with the Father. I thought about my own life and how I… Continue Reading “WHICH ONE WOULD YOU CHOOSE?”
ST. MARY MAGDALENE
July 22nd is the feast of St. Mary Magdalene, according to the Canon of Saints. She is an example for all of us of one whom Christ touched in her heart and she was never the same. Saints are those whom the Church Universal… Continue Reading “ST. MARY MAGDALENE”
MORNING OFFERING AND DAILY INTENTIONS
The following prayers are those I say every day as soon as I get up in the monring. You may wish to copy this page and place it on your bathroom mirror. It only takes 60 seconds to read it but it allows you… Continue Reading “MORNING OFFERING AND DAILY INTENTIONS”
SUICIDE MAKES PERFECT SENSE
Wait! I am not advocating for suicide, assisted suicide, or murder. What I am doing is presenting you with one of my Lectio Divina meditations on Phil 2:5. Christ is like us in all things but sin. Who determines what sin is? You? The… Continue Reading “SUICIDE MAKES PERFECT SENSE”
I’ll Get By With a Little Help from My Friends
I need your help. I don’t need money, voluntering to do someting, or a big commitment. All I am asking is Just One thing. If you look at this website and think it is worthwhile and would like to join me in spreading contemplation… Continue Reading “I’ll Get By With a Little Help from My Friends”
LAY CISTERCIAN RESOURCES
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES THAT HAVE HELPED ME ON MY LAY CISTERCIAN JOURNEY (SO FAR) Here are some wonderful, contemplative websites in which you may find some rest for your soul. I admit my bias. http://www.trappist.net http://www.newadvent.com https://thecenterforcontemplativepractice.org http://www.cistercianfamily.org/ https://siena.org/ http://www.carlmccolman.net http://scotthahn.com http://www.cistercianpublications.org http://dynamiccatholic.com http://www.centeringprayer.com/cntrgpryr.htm http://www.monk.org… Continue Reading “LAY CISTERCIAN RESOURCES”
THE SPACE RACE
This is one of the most bizarre of Lectio Divina meditations I have ever had. I even hate writing it down because it sounds so implausible and totally out of the box. Yet, the more I think about it, it makes perfect sense, so… Continue Reading “THE SPACE RACE”
ARE YOU CALLED TO BE A LAY CISTERCIAN?
I asked this very same question seven years ago. Since I just made my final profession as a Lay Cistercian (May 6), my answer was “I hope so.” Every two years, the Lay Cistercians of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Monastery (Trappist) in… Continue Reading “ARE YOU CALLED TO BE A LAY CISTERCIAN?”
ST. BENEDICT: THE LEGACY OF THE HEART
When I look back on my life and ask the question, “When I die, how will I be remembered?” I hope it will be that I was one who tried to love God with all my heart, all my mind, all my strength, and… Continue Reading “ST. BENEDICT: THE LEGACY OF THE HEART”
THE DOOR NO ONE WANTS TO UNLOCK
The place no one wants to look, according to my thinking, is the darkness inside each of us. It is a realm where many of the questions we ask may be answered. The question is, how can I get there? What door do I… Continue Reading “THE DOOR NO ONE WANTS TO UNLOCK”
THREE DIVORCES YOU WON’T BELIEVE HAPPENED
Like the boy who called wolf, many of the values we hold today are so commonplace that we don’t even realize the have special significance. Divorce is one of those happenings that has become so routine that it does not carry any negative consequences. … Continue Reading “THREE DIVORCES YOU WON’T BELIEVE HAPPENED”
INTERVIEW WITH BROTHER ELIAS
Carl McColman, Lay Cistercian from Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Monastery in Conyers, Georgia, send me this a while back. You might be interested in opening it. http://encounteringsilence.com/br-elias-marechal-ocso-the-silence-of-a-trappist-episode-15/ https://www.carlmccolman.com/
IS GOD LEFT HANDED?
The following reflections comes from one of my Lectio Divina episodes a few years ago. It is contained in my book, Who Does God Think He Is, Anyway? which you can purchase in this blog under the Store category. These are my own thoughts… Continue Reading “IS GOD LEFT HANDED?”
CAN YOU PASS THIS TEST?
I have never been good at taking tests. I could never figure out why but I learn a different way from most folks. I look at the big picture and like to see how things fit together. There is a test that all of… Continue Reading “CAN YOU PASS THIS TEST?”
WHAT DO YOU SEE?
WHAT DO YOU SEE? Being on the far side of 77 years of age, and an AARP member for many years, I look out on all that is around me and just marvel at all the good things I see happening Like baggage, I… Continue Reading “WHAT DO YOU SEE?”
CHAPTER 4: Place your hope in God alone.
Chapter 4: The Tools for Good Works 1 First of all, love the Lord God with your whole heart, your wholesoul and all your strength, 2 and love your neighbor as yourself (Matt 22:37-39; Mark 12:30-31; Luke 10:27). 3 Then the following: You are… Continue Reading “CHAPTER 4: Place your hope in God alone.”
PLANNING A CONTEMPLATIVE APPROACH TO PRACTICE
Many people with whom I speak about contemplation think that is is all about keeping your mouth shut for extended periods of time. It can be that. As a Lay Cistercian, I can vouch that I don’t practice silence just by keeping my mouth… Continue Reading “PLANNING A CONTEMPLATIVE APPROACH TO PRACTICE”
ARE YOU ASKING THE WRONG QUESTION?
I asked God last week if I win the Lottery, I would donate 10% to the Church. God answered me back and said, “How about 50%” As soon as I said that to myself, I knew it was misguided. I was asking the wrong… Continue Reading “ARE YOU ASKING THE WRONG QUESTION?”
IF THERE IS NO RESURRECTION, HOLD ON TO YOUR SEATBELT
One of the interesting things I have noticed about people who don’t believe in all this Jesus stuff, is their zeroing in on the Resurrection as the self delusions of early followers of Christ who were traumatized when he died and they thought He… Continue Reading “IF THERE IS NO RESURRECTION, HOLD ON TO YOUR SEATBELT”
LECTIO DIVINA: Actio
During the Middle Ages, a Carthusian Prior, Guibo II, (died in 1188) and is credited with writing down the four steps of Lectio Divina, It stressed four steps of a ladder to ascend to the ultimate goals of prayer, oneness with the One. St.… Continue Reading “LECTIO DIVINA: Actio”
SEVEN CISTERCIAN PRACTICES I DO EVERY DAY
When I made my Final Promises as a Lay Cistercian, my intention was to do certain practices every day, if I could. Not being sin-centered, e.g., if I did not do certain prayers and practices, then I would not be plagued by guilt, for… Continue Reading “SEVEN CISTERCIAN PRACTICES I DO EVERY DAY”
CHARLES KRAUTHAMMER AND CIVIL DISCOURSE
I was saddened this past week when I heard that Fox News Commentator and Syndicated Columnist, Charles Krauthammer had succumed to cancer. Life was certainly not kind to him, physically, but mentally, he was good for life, in particular as an commentator on the… Continue Reading “CHARLES KRAUTHAMMER AND CIVIL DISCOURSE”
HABIT: The Practice of Contemplative Practice
One of the unique behaviors that come from my practice of Lay Cistercian spirituality is quite unexpected and almost hidden from my consciousness, almost. I am more and more aware of the importance of habii in my prayer life. In my Lectio Divina (Phl… Continue Reading “HABIT: The Practice of Contemplative Practice”
ALWAYS LOOK DEEPER: Silence and Solitude
Both silence and solitude are distinguishing characteristics of anyone who wants to be a contemplative monk or nun. But if would be a mistake to take words on their face value and not see them in relation to the mission of a particular Order.… Continue Reading “ALWAYS LOOK DEEPER: Silence and Solitude”
LONGING: Do you do it?
In our last Lay Cistercian retreat in February, 2018, we had a commentary on one of the verses of the Psalms by Brother Cassian, O.C.S.O. which featured the word of “longing”. I remember being impressed with teasing out this one word that the Psalmist… Continue Reading “LONGING: Do you do it?”
TOP TEN FAVORITES: Songs
When I look at my closet, I have accumulated tons of clothes, 98% of which I will never wear again. Old age has not only made my skin wrinkle, but reduced my desire to “look good” to other by dressing up in suit and… Continue Reading “TOP TEN FAVORITES: Songs”
MY TOP TEN FAVORITES: Movies
MY TOP TEN FAVORITES: Movies What follows is what came from my Lectio Divina (Phil 2:5) meditations. I need to acknowledge Brother Michael, O.C.S.O. and Brother Cassian, O.C.S.O., monks both at the Monastery of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit, Conyers, Georgia, for expanding… Continue Reading “MY TOP TEN FAVORITES: Movies”
ANTHONY BOURDAIN AND SUICIDE
I read with some sadness that TV entertainer and food host Anthony Bourdain committed suicide last week. This is not a blog to condemn anyone who commits suicide, we commend them to the mercy of the Father, their ultimate judge of the heart. Mr.… Continue Reading “ANTHONY BOURDAIN AND SUICIDE”
WHAT IS YOUR CENTER?
Everything has a center. The world. The universe. The galaxy. God. Christ. You. Of all of those, the one most elusive is YOU. Your center is the sum of who you are, the North on your compass, that one thing that, if you took… Continue Reading “WHAT IS YOUR CENTER?”
SIX THINGS I HATE
I know I am not supposed to hate anything. I do not believe I hate anyone, but I do get profoundly annoyed at some things, some of which I try to avoid. My Lectio Divina (Phil 2:5) took me to a place where I… Continue Reading “SIX THINGS I HATE”
GOD’S TATTOO.
I’ll bet you would never guess that doing Lectio Divina (Phil 2:5) would lead to thinking about tattoos. God did it again. I find myself deep in the depths of my heart waiting for Jesus to pass by my park bench on a snowy… Continue Reading “GOD’S TATTOO.”
SEVEN CAVEATS FOR NOVICE CATHOLICS
Now that you have made your profession of faith as a Roman Catholic, received the Spirit of Adoption making you a son or daughter of the Father, and wrapped yourself in the warm blanket of the Faith of the Church Universal (those in Heaven,… Continue Reading “SEVEN CAVEATS FOR NOVICE CATHOLICS”
GENESIS: A story of Life..Forever
I thought about Genesis today as part of my Lectio Diviina (Phil 2:5), specifically the idea that The Garden of Eden described what our original destiny as humanity was, to live in harmony with God, conscious of our nature, content to act our nature. … Continue Reading “GENESIS: A story of Life..Forever”
FIVE STRANGE GIFTS FROM GOD TO HELP YOU GET TO HEAVEN: THE CUP OF LIFE.
As part of my Lectio Divina reflections ((Phil 2:5) last week, I was struck by the thought that Jesus left us to go back to the Father (Ascension), but it was more than just leaving the Apostles, as a son leaves his mother and… Continue Reading “FIVE STRANGE GIFTS FROM GOD TO HELP YOU GET TO HEAVEN: THE CUP OF LIFE.”
REFELECTIONS ON HOW SENDING EMAIL TAUGHT ME ABOUT CONTEMPLATION
One of the lessons I have learned about contemplation, after being in the Lay Cistercian way of life for a few years, is hospitality. Contemplation, in its pure form, is being in the presence of God without all the human gadgets to distracts you… Continue Reading “REFELECTIONS ON HOW SENDING EMAIL TAUGHT ME ABOUT CONTEMPLATION”
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
This blog is going to sound crazyy, so I am forwarning you now. My second Lectio Divina of the day for Monday was, as always, Philiippians 2:5, read it, pray for wisdom and then get out of the way for what God wants to… Continue Reading “THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD”
FRAGMENTS IN A BASKET
This is the Commemoration of the Pentecost upon the Twelve in the Upper Room by the Holy Spirit. Jesus has Ascended to Heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father with the Holy Spirit. He sent the Holy Spirit upon us in… Continue Reading “FRAGMENTS IN A BASKET”
NEW PENTECOST
When thinking of the Holy Spirit, as it relates to Jesus, I always try to think of pure energy as being a person. That is probably not theological or whatever you want to call it, but it does go to the heart of my… Continue Reading “NEW PENTECOST”
THE NOBLE ART OF RECEIVING
Everyone likes to give gifts or money or favors to others. The motivations are different with each such transaction. During my last thirty years or so, I have been making a conscious effort to receive whatever comes to me from others with the same… Continue Reading “THE NOBLE ART OF RECEIVING”
THE PLACE IN REALITY WHERE STEPHEN HAWKING COULD NOT LOOK.
One blustery, blue day, as I sat contemplating Philippians 2:5, as part of my Lectio Divina, I looked out my office window only to see that the weather outside was foggy, so much so that I had second thoughts about going to Mass that… Continue Reading “THE PLACE IN REALITY WHERE STEPHEN HAWKING COULD NOT LOOK.”
FIVE LEVELS OF SPIRITUAL AWARENESS
Almost every Sunday, except my Lay Cistercian Gathering Day on the first Sunday of each month, you will find me at the 8:00 a.m. Eucharist, at Good Shepherd Community, Tallahassee, Florida. The Church floorplan is laid out like a fan. I sit in the… Continue Reading “FIVE LEVELS OF SPIRITUAL AWARENESS”
WHAT IS A CHARISM?
The following items I found in a book by the late Father Anthony Delisi, OCSO, a monk of the Monastery of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit. He writes in this book about Cistercian charisms, What makes a Cistercian Monk? His book is taken from… Continue Reading “WHAT IS A CHARISM?”
OBEDIENCE: The Archetypal Sin
During one of my Lectio Divina sessions (Phil 2:5), I thought of what the obedience of the Son must be to God the Father to come earth and make reparation for the sin of Adam and Eve. He who takes away the sins of… Continue Reading “OBEDIENCE: The Archetypal Sin”
MAY THE PEACE OF CHRIST BE WITH YOU.
During one of my Lectio Divina sessions on Philippians 2:5, I thought of what it means to say, “May the peace of Christ be with you.” We say this greeting at each Eucharist after saying the Our Father together as community of faith. What… Continue Reading “MAY THE PEACE OF CHRIST BE WITH YOU.”
THE RULE OF ST. BENEDICT: Chapter 4 MY WORST FAULT
Have you ever had a personality fault that just keeps digging at you and won’t go away?You pray that it will go away, you try to overcome it every time it pops up its ugly head. Nothing works. The monks have a chapter of… Continue Reading “THE RULE OF ST. BENEDICT: Chapter 4 MY WORST FAULT”
WHAT DOES NOT MAKE SENSE.
When doing Lectio Divina (Phil 2:5) a while back, some thoughts that came to mind when I thought about Christ emptying himself to become human, I thought about these other strange inconsistencies in my view of reality. Trying to seek God, at the core… Continue Reading “WHAT DOES NOT MAKE SENSE.”
THE CUP OF SALVATION
During one of my Lectio Divina (Phil 2:5) encounters, my thoughts wandered to the meaning of Jesus’ command: love one another as I have loved you. What can this mean? Does Jesus just come down to earth and abandon us to the perils of… Continue Reading “THE CUP OF SALVATION”
SEVEN CISTERCIAN MARTYRS OF ATLAS
The following information is from Wikipedia about the martyrdom of Seven Cistercian monks from the Monastery of Our Lady of Atlas, Algeria, I offer it as part of my Lecio Divina meditation last week as I prepared for the Resurrection. Martyrs of Atlas Died… Continue Reading “SEVEN CISTERCIAN MARTYRS OF ATLAS”
I ATE MEAT ON GOOD FRIDAY.
Are you crazy, you say? You ate meat on Good Friday, the one of two days (the other being Ash Wednesday) that you are asked to give up meat (abstinence) each year? The sign that you really follow the spirit of the law and… Continue Reading “I ATE MEAT ON GOOD FRIDAY.”
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?
There are six questions which I think everyone, every human, that is, should answer, if they are to prepare to live Forever. It is all about perspective and your perspective determines the world you create here and in the next world to come. Here… Continue Reading “CAN YOU ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?”
WHAT IS REAL?
This might seem like an unlikely topic for Lectio Divina (Phil 2:5) but it happened so I will pass it on. I have had conversations in the past about spirituality and how it is not based on reality but on Faith and subjective belief.… Continue Reading “WHAT IS REAL?”
ACT YOUR NATURE!
In one of my more lively Lectio Divina meditations (Phil 2:5), the thought came to me to act my nature. What an out-in-left=field thought! Especially at this season of Holy Week 2018, what in the world could that mean? I have actually had this… Continue Reading “ACT YOUR NATURE!”
The Resurrection: Making All Things New
One of the things I think about, when pondering the infinite mysteries of the Resurrection of Christ is how it answers the question of why would God leave being God and take upon our human nature. Christ was like us in all things but… Continue Reading “The Resurrection: Making All Things New”
LOCKED FROM THE INSIDE
Here is a different take on Holy Week. I have had this experience only once or twice in my lifetime, both times they were frustrating. I am speaking of knocking on the door of my house but it is locked from the inside and… Continue Reading “LOCKED FROM THE INSIDE”
WHAT STEPHEN HAWKING TAUGHT ME ABOUT REALITY
There are only six or seven thinkers who have provided me with systems of reasoning that shape who I am today. In this sense, I assimilate different philosophies, patterns of comparitive religion, trends at looking at what makes up total reality, all forming my… Continue Reading “WHAT STEPHEN HAWKING TAUGHT ME ABOUT REALITY”
THREE WISHES
If you had three wishes, what would they be? In my Lectio Divina (Phil 2:5) I fumbled across these ideas when thinking about Jesus. My three wishes would be radically different than if I selected them six or seven years ago. I am coming… Continue Reading “THREE WISHES”
WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?
The “Me” generation can’t seem to find the prespective that says, “Thy Will Be Done.” Instead, they are “What’s in it for me?” Sad. In my Lectio Divina yesterday, (Phil 2:5), I asked myself the question, “What’s in it for me?” I know, Lectio… Continue Reading “WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?”
PRAY FOR ME.
I say it to everyone I meet at Good Shepherd, “Pray for me.” I don’t mean to be asking people to do something for me that is clearly irrelevant to some. My Lectio Divina on Phil 2:5 took this turn. FOR THOSE IN MY… Continue Reading “PRAY FOR ME.”
WHAT DO YOU SEE?
What we see we do not see. What we hear we do not hear. Read Mark 8:17-19 New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) “And becoming aware of it, Jesus said to them, “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not… Continue Reading “WHAT DO YOU SEE?”
WHAT WERE YOU DOING ON MARCH 1, 2007?
Can you think back to the year 2007 and tell me what you were doing on March 1? You did something, if you were living, not so? What was it that made this date so special? How about the other dates you have experienced? … Continue Reading “WHAT WERE YOU DOING ON MARCH 1, 2007?”
SIMPLICITY IN PRAYER
As I become more like Christ and less like me, I appreciate the notion of Oneness. I am beginning to be aware that more is not necessarily better when it comes to prayer. At all times, I try to keep a healthy balance between … Continue Reading “SIMPLICITY IN PRAYER”
Ash Wednesday: Sober reminder of our destiny
Every year I hear the same thing, Memento, Homo, quia tu es pulvis, et pulveris reverteris, although it is likely said in English, “Remember, Human, you are dust and into dust you shall return.” For many, many years, this statement has jolted me back… Continue Reading “Ash Wednesday: Sober reminder of our destiny”
REFLECTIONS ON THE LAY CISTERCIAN RETREAT– 2018
Every now and then, more so now that I am 77 years old, I get an idea that sends me flush with excitement. For an old, broken-down temple of the Holy Spirit, that can be extremely important. Just returning from my annual Lay Cistercian… Continue Reading “REFLECTIONS ON THE LAY CISTERCIAN RETREAT– 2018”
SPIRITUALITY FOR ATHEISTS AND AGNOSTICS
I never know where my Lectio Divina meditations are going to take me. Once in a blue moon, I make it to the contemplatio part of my four steps. Often I just do what I call the chain Lectio (someone may have another term… Continue Reading “SPIRITUALITY FOR ATHEISTS AND AGNOSTICS”
PRAYER: KEEP IT SIMPLE
When I think about it, while dwelling on Philippians 2:5, one of the few things Christ told us to do was the admonition to love one another as He as loved us. How simple! How utterly profound. If I want to love God with… Continue Reading “PRAYER: KEEP IT SIMPLE”
ITSY BITSY PRAYERS
One of my favorite prayers is the ancient mantra, Jesus Christ, Son of David, have mercy on me. The important thing about short prayers is they are like drinking concentrated orange juice. They may be too compact and strong by themselves. They need the… Continue Reading “ITSY BITSY PRAYERS”
DID HUGH HEFNER GO TO HEAVEN?
Who determines who goes to Heaven? Is Hitler in Heaven? Is Hugh Hefner in Heaven? These are thoughts I had recently, when I did my Lectio Divina prayers and meditated on Philippians 2:5. Don’t ask me why I thought of Mr. Hefner. It just… Continue Reading “DID HUGH HEFNER GO TO HEAVEN?”
I TOOK INSTRUCTIONS TO BE AN ANGLICAN
It was not a particularly good time in my life in 2010. My application for laicization had been on hold for 18 years, since Pope Saint John Paul II decided not to grant priests dispensation. I felt like I still wanted to be useful… Continue Reading “I TOOK INSTRUCTIONS TO BE AN ANGLICAN”
HOW TO ORGANIZE AND FOCUS ON THE LIFE OF CHRIST
MY SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR EACH DAY The following pages are samples of the horarium (hourly agenda) I use to organize my day as a Lay Cistercian. Everyone who practices the Cistercian practices and charisms, for those, not a monk or a nun, will have… Continue Reading “HOW TO ORGANIZE AND FOCUS ON THE LIFE OF CHRIST”
TEN CONTEMPLATIVE WEBSISTES THAT WILL KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF
When I have my Lectio Divina prayer, I usually have follow up homework to do. The Holy Spirit leaves me so much material on my plate that I am full time trying to digest all the ideas the come from just being in the… Continue Reading “TEN CONTEMPLATIVE WEBSISTES THAT WILL KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF”
THE ONE PLACE NO ONE WANTS TO GO
Whenever I read or listen to the Star Trek theme, “to boldly go where no one has gone before,” I always think of the one place where I don’t like to go– inside me. As a Lay Cistercian following the practices of Cistercian spirituality,… Continue Reading “THE ONE PLACE NO ONE WANTS TO GO”
THE RULE OF ST. BENEDICT: CHAPTER 4, No. 20. To become a stranger to the world’s ways
This admonition of St. Benedict in his Chapter on the tools monks can do to move from self to God is one of my favorites. It gets to the ancient dialectic between the world and the spirit, as St. Paul frequently uses. Read Galatians… Continue Reading “THE RULE OF ST. BENEDICT: CHAPTER 4, No. 20. To become a stranger to the world’s ways”
THE DARK SIDE OF LOVE
This is a topic which can be misleading, if not put into context. In my Lectio Divina a few weeks ago, Phil 2:5, I came across several thoughts that made me sit up straight and come to attention. I was thinking, if love is… Continue Reading “THE DARK SIDE OF LOVE”
HOW DOES IT ALL FIT TOGETHER?
In one of my more esoteric moments, or should I say what I think about after retirement, my thoughts go to how all reality fits together. My book on the Six Thresholds of Life (see the BOOK section of this blog) has, as threshold… Continue Reading “HOW DOES IT ALL FIT TOGETHER?”
RULE OF ST. BENEDICT: Chapter 4. Prefer nothing to the love of Christ
The following are thoughts from my most recent Lectio Divina on Phil 2:5. St. Benedict states to his monks in Chapter 4 that they should prefer nothing to the love of Christ. Here is the quote from Chapter 4 of the Rule of St.… Continue Reading “RULE OF ST. BENEDICT: Chapter 4. Prefer nothing to the love of Christ”
HOW TO START YOUR OWN CHURCH IN FIVE EASY STEPS
The following reflections come from my Lectio Divina meditations on Phil 2:5 and are solely my ideas. I am only a broken-down, old temple of the Holy Spirit, not a theologian, spiritual director for anyone, nor an expert in anything. I wondered what it… Continue Reading “HOW TO START YOUR OWN CHURCH IN FIVE EASY STEPS”
RULE OF ST. BENEDICT: Chapter 4–Instruments of Good Works #10 DENY YOURSELF
9.  And not to do to another what one would not have done to oneself. 10. To deny oneself in order to follow Christ. 11. To chastise the body. 12. Not to become attached to pleasures. 13. To love fasting. 14. To relieve the… Continue Reading “RULE OF ST. BENEDICT: Chapter 4–Instruments of Good Works #10 DENY YOURSELF”
THE BOOK OF LIFE
I always had a problem remembering the names of those for whom I wanted to pray. I always remember my parents and grandparents and family members, but, as I grow older, and more names are added to my prayer list, I can’t remember all… Continue Reading “THE BOOK OF LIFE”
YOU ARE WHAT YOU READ!
“You are what you eat’? This phrase has come to us via quite a tortuous route. Anthelme Brillat-Savarin wrote, in Physiologie du Gout, ou Meditations de Gastronomie Transcendante, 1826: https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/you-are-what-you-eat.html In conducting my Lectio Divina, I would like to think that I am what I read.… Continue Reading “YOU ARE WHAT YOU READ!”
PRAY AS YOU CAN
Brother Michael, OSCO, one of our Junior Instructors, gave us many wonderful insights into Lectio Divina, one of which was, “Pray as you can.” For a monk in a monastery, the setting helps him or her to focus on Christ without distraction with a… Continue Reading “PRAY AS YOU CAN”
ODDS AND ENDS
Here are some lectio divina ideas I have written down as a result of my contemplation of the Second Threshold of Spiritual Awareness, “What is the Center of My Life”. Â These are conversations I have had in the presence of God. My purpose in… Continue Reading “ODDS AND ENDS”
HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT THIS?
FIRST IDEA: Why are there no churches named for the Apostles? The Old Testament had twelve tribes named for Joseph’s brothers. The early church was the continuation of the Old Testament, yet there are no local faith communities that bear their name. There is… Continue Reading “HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT THIS?”
EVER HEARD OF ORVILLE KAHL?
When I was growing up, the smartest man, as well as the most talented man I ever knew was Orville Kahl? Ever heard of him? It is doubtful you have, unless you are from Vincennes, Indiana and lived in the 1950-60’s. Orville was my… Continue Reading “EVER HEARD OF ORVILLE KAHL?”
WHAT DOES REALITY LOOK LIKE?
One of my six thresholds of life is, What does reality look like? There could be many different ways to see reality, all of them held sincerely by their advocates, and many of them are correct. If a scientific-oriented person looks at reality, he… Continue Reading “WHAT DOES REALITY LOOK LIKE?”
CAN YOU PASS THIS TEST?
Academia stresses the need for testing to determine proficiency or even mastery in a particular subject. Not to be outclassed, here are a few questions that you have to answer, sooner or later. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF LIFE? Call it philosophical or just… Continue Reading “CAN YOU PASS THIS TEST?”
REFLECTIONS ON THE RULE OF ST. BENEDICT: The purpose of life.
I offer you the results of my meditations on parts of the Rule of St. Benedict. As one who can only aspire to be a Lay Cistercian, the Rule of Benedict has shaped my spirituality towards a more contemplative leaning. http://www.osb.org/rb/text/rbejms2.html#4 Each of these short… Continue Reading “REFLECTIONS ON THE RULE OF ST. BENEDICT: The purpose of life.”
THE CHRISTMAS CONUNDRUM
This Christmas, my wife and I are not exchanging gifts. It’s not that we can’t afford to do so, but rather the meaning behind those gifts has been so secularized that anything approaching the reason we remember Christmas has long been supplanted by the tenents… Continue Reading “THE CHRISTMAS CONUNDRUM”
SO, WHERE DID EVIL COME FROM?
Forgive me for being so maudlin. I get into these spells once in a blue moon, thinking of topics that seem way off (more so than usual). In my Lectio Divina dream, one where I don’t know if I was awake or asleep, I… Continue Reading “SO, WHERE DID EVIL COME FROM?”
LECTIO DIVINA: Pray as you can
One of the most practical, yet profound, statements about how to practice contemplative spirituality comes from Brother Michael, OCSO, monk of Holy Spirit Monastery, Conyers, Ga., and one of our Junior Lay Cistercian instructors. He made a presentation on what it means to be… Continue Reading “LECTIO DIVINA: Pray as you can”
WHY DO PEOPLE FALL AWAY FROM THE FAITH? HOW TO RECOVER FAITH.
This subject has both bothered me and confused me for some time. Perhaps it is because I have just renewed my appreciation for the wisdom of the teachings of the Church, even though I had been trained and steeped in the tradition for most… Continue Reading “WHY DO PEOPLE FALL AWAY FROM THE FAITH? HOW TO RECOVER FAITH.”
HOW TO LOSE YOUR FAITH AND HOW TO GET IT BACK.
Faith, like love and service, can dry up, if not used. I have talked with many people who have lost their faith or had occasion to just stop believing in anything related to Christ and how to love. I don’t know about the motivation… Continue Reading “HOW TO LOSE YOUR FAITH AND HOW TO GET IT BACK.”
THE DARK SIDE OF SERVICE
I learned this phrase in the Eighth Grade at St. Francis Xavier School in Vincennes, Indiana in 1951. It comes from the Baltimore Catechism and it is the lynchpin (cornerstone) of all of my spirituality. It answers the question, why are you here? The… Continue Reading “THE DARK SIDE OF SERVICE”
HOW TO PLAN YOUR MOVE FROM SELF TO GOD
What follows is excerpted from my book, The Lay Cistercian Journey. As a Lay Cistercian, one of the lessons I have learned is to have consistency of practice with my five Cistercian principles (silence, solitude, work, pray, community). If you want to have Jesus… Continue Reading “HOW TO PLAN YOUR MOVE FROM SELF TO GOD”
SENTINILES OF THE DAWN
When you wake up at 3:00 a.m. and try to get back to sleep, when you glance at your clock and murmer, “Oh no! Only three more hours to sleep,” when you look out the window to see if it is light yet, you… Continue Reading “SENTINILES OF THE DAWN”
DO YOU STILL BABEL?
One of the familiar but obscure stories in the Book of Genesis is the one about the Tower of Bable. (Genesis 11:1-9) I consider all these stories as archetypal ones, setting forth the deepest and most fundamental truths about what it means to be… Continue Reading “DO YOU STILL BABEL?”
I SING OF LIFE AND LOVE: My story
What follows is a poem about my life. During one of my Lectio Divina meditations, I thought about what I have accomplished in my life. By all the measures that the world has for success, I have been an abject failure. I never made lots… Continue Reading “I SING OF LIFE AND LOVE: My story”
HOLINESS IN THE MIDST OF ORGINAL SIN
The following excerpt is from a manuscript I am writing, entitled THRIVING IN THE PRESENCE OF PURE ENERGY: A Lay Cistercian reflects on invisible reality, the Mystery of Faith and Eucharistic Adoration. In my writings, I write about Christ as the Way, the Truth, and the Life.… Continue Reading “HOLINESS IN THE MIDST OF ORGINAL SIN”
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
Several years ago, someone told me, “Thank you for your service,” when I told them I had been a U.S. Army Chaplain. No one had ever said that to me before. I can remember being very touched by the comments. Two days ago, I… Continue Reading “THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE”
MEETING CHRIST FOR BREAKFAST
On Sunday mornings, after going to church services, many people eat out at the favorite diner or restaurant. I like to see family eat together. This scenario reminded me of one of my Lectio Divina meditations on having a meal with Christ, a.k.a. The… Continue Reading “MEETING CHRIST FOR BREAKFAST”
BLACK FRIDAY REPLACES GOOD FRIDAY
It is one of those curious ironies of the secular age in which we live that Black Friday, the shopping day after Thanksgiving, is more important than Good Friday. Of course, Good Friday was never important, even before the rise of the electronic age,… Continue Reading “BLACK FRIDAY REPLACES GOOD FRIDAY”
PENANCE: Fast and Pray
We all live in a world that has been contaminated by Original Sin, the archetypal sin of Adam and Eve that defines the condition in which we live. Our theology tells us that we are all born with Original Sin which keeps us from… Continue Reading “PENANCE: Fast and Pray”
WHAT IS HEAVEN LIKE?
Do you have to use the restroom, when you die and go to Heaven? Do you have claustrophobia in Heaven? Will you be able to go to the Emergency Room? How can you travel from place to place? Who fixes your food? These and… Continue Reading “WHAT IS HEAVEN LIKE?”
BY THEIR FRUITS YOU SHALL KNOW THEM
At the core of what it means to be a follower of The Master is doing what he taught. Spirituality is not a head thing as much as a head and heart thing. St. Benedict, in his Chapter 4 of the Rule, wanted monks… Continue Reading “BY THEIR FRUITS YOU SHALL KNOW THEM”
THEN WHAT?
My wife and I recently took a trip to Nashville to visit our daughter, Martha. Of course, we had to take along our dog, Tucker. Nice trip for a couple of days, but then my wife asked me, what’s next? I said that our… Continue Reading “THEN WHAT?”
WHO IS NUMBER ONE?
What person or thing do you love the most in your life? What is the one person or thing that, if you took it away, everything else would crumble? This is the center of your life, the one principle upon which all other moral… Continue Reading “WHO IS NUMBER ONE?”
IT’S ALL PRAYER!
When reciting the Liturgy of the Hours, particularly the Office of Readings, the Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer, I frequently make mistakes. You know, forgetting my place, saying you instead of yours, or mispronouncing the name of a tribe of Israel or those incredible names… Continue Reading “IT’S ALL PRAYER!”
LAY CISTERCIAN JOURNEY: Life in Christ
The following comments are my own reflections from the document on Lay Cistercian Journey discussed at a Gathering Day of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Monastery on October 1, 2017. It is part of our on-going Junior Professed Formation Program. Each month, our… Continue Reading “LAY CISTERCIAN JOURNEY: Life in Christ”
REFLECTIONS ON THE LAY CISTERCIAN SPIRITUAL JOURNEY:Formation and Transformation
The following comments are my own reflections from the document on Lay Cistercian Journey discussed at a Gathering Day of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Monastery on October 1, 2017. It is part of our on-going Junior Professed Formation Program. Each month, our… Continue Reading “REFLECTIONS ON THE LAY CISTERCIAN SPIRITUAL JOURNEY:Formation and Transformation”
REFLECTIONS ON THE LAY CISTERCIAN SPIRITUAL JOURNEY: The Community as a Means of Growth
The following comments are my own reflections from the document on Lay Cistercian Journey discussed at a Gathering Day of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Monastery on October 1, 2017. It is part of our on-going Junior Professed Formation Program. Each month, our… Continue Reading “REFLECTIONS ON THE LAY CISTERCIAN SPIRITUAL JOURNEY: The Community as a Means of Growth”
REFLECTIONS ON THE LAY CISTERCIAN SPIRITUAL JOURNEY: The Response
The following comments are my own reflections from the document on Lay Cistercian Journey discussed at a Gathering Day of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Monastery on October 1, 2017. It is part of our on-going Junior Professed Formation Program. Each month, our… Continue Reading “REFLECTIONS ON THE LAY CISTERCIAN SPIRITUAL JOURNEY: The Response”
REFLECTIONS ON LAY CISTERCIAN SPIRITUAL JOURNEY: The Call
The following comments are my own reflections from the document on Lay Cistercian Journey discussed at a Gathering Day of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Monastery on October 1, 2017. It is part of our on-going Junior Professed Formation Program. Each month, our… Continue Reading “REFLECTIONS ON LAY CISTERCIAN SPIRITUAL JOURNEY: The Call”
LIVING THE CHRIST LIFE IS NOT EASY
Here are a few thoughts I had from my Lectio Divina (Phil. 2:5) on original sin. Ever since the sin of Adam and Eve, humans have experienced the side-effects of that original sin. They are work is difficult, childbearing is with pain, there are… Continue Reading “LIVING THE CHRIST LIFE IS NOT EASY”
Follow Me
Jesus left us no book of instructions on how to get to Heaven other than what he taught his disciples. St. John says, in his Gospel that the whole world could not contain all the stories of what Jesus did. (John 21:24-25) Here are… Continue Reading “Follow Me”
WONDER IF….
Here are some thoughts from my Lectio Divina meditations that you might find interesting. Wonder if… you did not have to struggle sometimes to complete your contemplative practices. Wonder if…you were not tempted to stop going to Eucharist because it is where you not… Continue Reading “WONDER IF….”
PRAYER: Our Father
You must have recited the Our Father hundreds of times in your lifetime. It is a stylized prayer, one that we recite from Scripture at every Eucharist. Like all prayers that we say over and over, we have a tendency to take the words… Continue Reading “PRAYER: Our Father”
IN WHICH OF THESE TWO CHURCHES DO YOU PRACTICE?
NOTE: Â The following blog is excerpted from a book I am writing about the subject. I do not attempt a scholarly treatise on the forces that shaped the early Catholic Church in this blog. There are complex Greek and Roman influences and myths that… Continue Reading “IN WHICH OF THESE TWO CHURCHES DO YOU PRACTICE?”
HOW CAN YOU PRACTICE SILENCE IN THE MIDST OF CHAOS?
It might seem like a contradiction to say that you can practice silence in the midst of the turmoil of living life each day. Traditionally, monks and nuns are those men and women who seal themselves away from the so-called noise of living in order… Continue Reading “HOW CAN YOU PRACTICE SILENCE IN THE MIDST OF CHAOS?”
You must be logged in to post a comment.