The Center for Contemplative Practice
A Lay Cistercian Looks at Spiritual Reality
Kategorie: science and religion
Applications of Contemplative Freedom: Discerning Needs in the Image and Likeness of God – Gentle Practices for Women Seeking Deeper Love, the Incarcerated, Shut-Ins, the Elderly, and Those Facing Death
I asked Grok to comment on the application of the previous blog on the two types of humans as they approach the subject of needs, and how this gives us a tiny glimpse of God. What follows are Grok’s observations. I approve of this… Continue Reading „Applications of Contemplative Freedom: Discerning Needs in the Image and Likeness of God – Gentle Practices for Women Seeking Deeper Love, the Incarcerated, Shut-Ins, the Elderly, and Those Facing Death“
A MOSAIC PIECE OF MY LIFE: My lifelong hunt for heavenly gold. Filiments to forever.
Having examined how I view reality (which may or may not be the way you see things), I have almost by chance discovered the door of my life, which contains six locks. Very late in life, when I first romanced the notion of Lectio… Continue Reading „A MOSAIC PIECE OF MY LIFE: My lifelong hunt for heavenly gold. Filiments to forever.“
A MOSAIC PIECE OF MY LIFE: What I use to fill in the blanks.
I find it very disconcerting that, as I come to the end of my human existence, I only now discover some of the missing pieces that would have made all of this so simple had I had them in my wheelhouse forty years ago.… Continue Reading „A MOSAIC PIECE OF MY LIFE: What I use to fill in the blanks.“
THE CHRIST PRINCIPLE: PARADIGM SHIFTS THAT ADD DEPTH OF MEANING TO MY VIEW OF REALITY
This is a reposting of a previous blog. It is substantially long for a blog because it is a chapter from my book, The Christ Principle. I add it here because of its importance to my reflections about my humanity. This is a very… Continue Reading „THE CHRIST PRINCIPLE: PARADIGM SHIFTS THAT ADD DEPTH OF MEANING TO MY VIEW OF REALITY“
CHRIST AS MYSTIC HERO: WATCH JOSEPH CAMPBELL ON THE IMPORTANCE OF MYTH IN OUR HUMAN PROGRESSION.
(Excerpted from a book I am putting together on The Christ Principle, entitled, „CHRIST AS MYSTIC HERO: A Lay Cistercian reflects how Christ is the archetypal hero on humanity’s march to Omega.„) THE SIMPLICITY OF MYTH WITH CHRIST AS MYSTIC HERO Before I embark… Continue Reading „CHRIST AS MYSTIC HERO: WATCH JOSEPH CAMPBELL ON THE IMPORTANCE OF MYTH IN OUR HUMAN PROGRESSION.“
WHAT IS THE ACHILLES HEEL OF ATHEISTS?
Before you get a chance to think that I am an Atheist-phobe, let me pop that balloon. My view of reality states that each human, and especially me, all have an Achilles heel, a blind spot as you look out your car door window… Continue Reading „WHAT IS THE ACHILLES HEEL OF ATHEISTS?“
ANTICIPATION AND CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICE
I remember watching the movie, Rocky Horror Picture Show, and listening to Tim Curry sing the song „Anticipation.“ God gives me crazy thoughts from the most unlikely places. In this case, I was mesmerized by how Tim Curry sang the song, dressed as a… Continue Reading „ANTICIPATION AND CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICE“
I HAVE TO DIG DEEP INTO MY HUMAN NATURE TO UNCOVER THAT NEXT LEVEL OF EVOLUTION, ADOPTION.
I still remember those cherished hardbound books from the Library of Literary Masterpieces that I suddenly discovered in Middle School. In those early years, especially when I was sick and in bed, for many long hours, I read classics, such as Charles Lamb’s Dissertation… Continue Reading „I HAVE TO DIG DEEP INTO MY HUMAN NATURE TO UNCOVER THAT NEXT LEVEL OF EVOLUTION, ADOPTION.“
WHAT IS TRUTH?
As one who can only aspire to be a Lay Cistercian, I aim to seek God by moving from self to God. That word, moving, is actually key to my attempts. Here are some reflections on moving from my false self to my true… Continue Reading „WHAT IS TRUTH?“
CONTEMPLATIVE READING: Growing deeper through the Word.
Reading a phone book (do those still exist?) provides me with information about how to communicate with another person if they are in the phone book. Reading Sacred Scriptures is unlike reading any other book. Because it is God’s Word, authorized through the Church… Continue Reading „CONTEMPLATIVE READING: Growing deeper through the Word.“
THE PHENOMENON OF MAN: Background for The Christ Principle as Intelligent Progression.
If you have not done so, I recommend reading (and reflecting) on the late Teilhard de Chardin’s book, The Phenomenon of Man. I do so because it is at the heart of my Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5) meditations about The Christ Principle. My thoughts… Continue Reading „THE PHENOMENON OF MAN: Background for The Christ Principle as Intelligent Progression.“
CHAPTER 4: DISTRACTIONS AND BAD THOUGHTS DURING CONTEMPLATION
Posted on May 20, 2019, by https://thecenterforcontemplativepractice.org This might seem like an odd topic for Lectio Divina, but I assure you, it is authentic, embarrassingly honest. It is natural because none of us practice prayer and hopefully contemplation without distractions and trying to avoid evil thoughts.… Continue Reading „CHAPTER 4: DISTRACTIONS AND BAD THOUGHTS DURING CONTEMPLATION“
Leonardo DaVinci Drawing of Life
To be fully human ourselves, we must make sure everyone has a chance to be Pro-Choice. We are the sum of our choices.
CONVERSIO MORAE: Ten habits of highly successful people who move deeper into Christ Jesus.
One of the great lessons I have taken away from being exposed to Cistercian spirituality is the sheer simplicity of allowing God to shine on your behavior. This life-giving energy replenishes Faith with grace and conversio morae, growing more like Christ and less like… Continue Reading „CONVERSIO MORAE: Ten habits of highly successful people who move deeper into Christ Jesus.“
THE HUMAN RAMIFICATIONS OF VISIBILITY AND INVISIBILITY
„Why does human life find itself on a planet just far away from the Sun not to burn up, with just the correct mixtures of gases to exist, with just the correct protection from radiation not to be torched?“ Added to that seeming statistical… Continue Reading „THE HUMAN RAMIFICATIONS OF VISIBILITY AND INVISIBILITY“
THREE BATTLES YOU MUST FIGHT TO WIN
In my latest Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5), I was struck by the notion of how difficult it is to live in the world and yet also be a citizen and adopted son in the Kingdom of Heaven. This dual citizenship causes anxiety sometimes and… Continue Reading „THREE BATTLES YOU MUST FIGHT TO WIN“
FERTILIZER FOR FAITH: The God of Second Chances
You know the parable of the good seed falling on good ground. There are three fertilizers that Christ told us to use to keep the soil of our Faith from drying up and becoming sterile. It is no accident that God is depicted as… Continue Reading „FERTILIZER FOR FAITH: The God of Second Chances“
MAKE A PRIVATE RETREAT WITH THE SOUL OF THE APOSTOLATE: Ten Aides to Mental Prayer
I can remember reading The Soul of the Apostolate in College. This is the spiritual classic by DOM JEAN-BAPTIST CHAUTARD, O.C.S.O. (Abbot of Notre Dame de Sept Fons). This morning, the Holy Spirit tickled my neurons to bring up my previous encounters with this… Continue Reading „MAKE A PRIVATE RETREAT WITH THE SOUL OF THE APOSTOLATE: Ten Aides to Mental Prayer“
MAKE A CONTEMPLATIVE RETREAT IN THE SILENCE OF YOUR HEART
I made this contemplative retreat recently and found it to be life-changing and the most inspiring thoughts that I am still processing to assimilate into my personal spiritual worldview. I offer to share this with you, but be forewarned, it is not for the… Continue Reading „MAKE A CONTEMPLATIVE RETREAT IN THE SILENCE OF YOUR HEART“
THE LAST BLOG I EVER WRITE
The title suggests that the blog you now read is the last one I will ever write. I don’t mean that. My Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5) meditation is „If you could write one short paragraph, summing up everything you have learned about the purpose… Continue Reading „THE LAST BLOG I EVER WRITE“
THE DIVINE EQUATION: Assumptions make us who we are as humans
To wander through the high grass of the English language is to walk through paths that are sometimes strewn with weeds among the wildflowers. The communication problem becomes one of learning to delve into the assumptions underlying the words we use. For example, to… Continue Reading „THE DIVINE EQUATION: Assumptions make us who we are as humans“
LITURGY OF THE HOURS: Office of the Dead
Would you join me in praying the Office of the Dead for my friend, Father Carl Roos, who died on April 3rd in Indianapolis, Indiana? We can also include any other souls of the Faithful Departed. May they rest in the peace of Christ.… Continue Reading „LITURGY OF THE HOURS: Office of the Dead“
WHERE DOES GOOD OR EVIL ORIGINATE?
This topic would not be the conversation starter around any dinner in my experience of eating, but it is critical to what it means to be a human. REFLECTIONS ON WHY WE HAVE THE CHOICE OF GOOD OR EVIL Does good or evil originate… Continue Reading „WHERE DOES GOOD OR EVIL ORIGINATE?“
CHAPTER 4: I USED TO LOOK DOWN ON THE BAPTIST CHURCH
I USED TO LOOK DOWN AT THE BAPTISTS We all are guilty. When we hear something, we process it according to our first impressions. As the saying goes, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. Perhaps this is because the… Continue Reading „CHAPTER 4: I USED TO LOOK DOWN ON THE BAPTIST CHURCH“
CONVERSIO MORAE: The habit of moving from my false self to my true self. With God’s energy, there is always deeper.
During the Lenten season, particular emphasis is on how to move from my false self to my true self. The book, The Cistercian Way, written by the late Dom Andre Louf, O.S.C.O., is one that I continue to read, again and again, to recreate… Continue Reading „CONVERSIO MORAE: The habit of moving from my false self to my true self. With God’s energy, there is always deeper.“
ARE YOU HALF A CATHOLIC?
My Lectio Divina meditation (Philippians 2:5) took me to ask about my being faithful to what Christ taught about loving others as Christ loved us. Read the whole text about love with its fantastic approach to Christ being real inside you. I offer it… Continue Reading „ARE YOU HALF A CATHOLIC?“
A PUZZLE MORE COMPLEX THAN SUDOKU: CAN YOU SOLVE THE DIVINE EQUATION?
Actually, there is no solution to the Divine Equation as much as it is a key to living your humanity in such a way that you can see reality and thus fulfill the next step in the evolution of the species. In seeing reality… Continue Reading „A PUZZLE MORE COMPLEX THAN SUDOKU: CAN YOU SOLVE THE DIVINE EQUATION?“
LENT: A time to die
Taking up your cross each day to follow Christ is a preposterous idea to those who only live in two universes, the physical one which is our base, and the mental one which gives us the tools of reason and free choice to discover… Continue Reading „LENT: A time to die“
WHAT IS THE MOST POWERFUL ENERGY IN THE WHOLE UNIVERSE?
This might seem like an innocuous topic for contemplative practice but stick with me. The world is obsessed with power, be it physical power, personal power, military prowess, such as we witness in the takeover of Ukraine, or political power (the one I detest… Continue Reading „WHAT IS THE MOST POWERFUL ENERGY IN THE WHOLE UNIVERSE?“
THE CHRIST PRINCIPLE: We are what we choose.
Once, a young man wanted to know the one question, that, if you asked it, all others depended upon it. He set out to find that one question, one that kept him up at night, not with worry but with curiosity. He went to… Continue Reading „THE CHRIST PRINCIPLE: We are what we choose.“
SIC TRANSEAT GLORIA MUNDI
Thus passes the glory of the world. What a profound saying as the whole world seems destined for hatred and power-grabbing. My thoughts in a Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5) had to do with what doesn’t pass away, what is secure, what lasts forever, plus… Continue Reading „SIC TRANSEAT GLORIA MUNDI“
THE RAPE OF REASON AND FREE CHOICE
Recent events in our time have one country with considerable power and military take over another country, one who is sovereign and not provoking anyone in the name of nationalism. It is not just nor is it acceptable, yet many nation-states stand on the… Continue Reading „THE RAPE OF REASON AND FREE CHOICE“
THE CORRUPTION OF THE SPIRIT–Part II
In my last few years of being a Lay Cistercian, I have completely changed my viewpoint about being the center of my world, but not in the way you might expect. I have been tutored to avoid being self-centered and selfish all of my… Continue Reading „THE CORRUPTION OF THE SPIRIT–Part II“
LAY CISTERCIAN CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICES: Custos Oculi
One of the first things monks and nuns, particularly those cloistered, do is to learn custody of the eyes. Here are some readings for you that I, myself, did, and which I share with you. During this time of Lent, when we recognize that… Continue Reading „LAY CISTERCIAN CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICES: Custos Oculi“
THE CORRUPTIBILITY OF THE SPIRIT: The effects on me as I live in a universe that is incorruptible, but I am corruptible.
How is it possible for the Spirit to be corruptible if God is incorruptible? It isn’t. What is possible is, once I am baptized, I am corruptible in my resolve to keep myself centered on The Christ Principle. I am continuing my reflections on… Continue Reading „THE CORRUPTIBILITY OF THE SPIRIT: The effects on me as I live in a universe that is incorruptible, but I am corruptible.“
THE DIVINE EQUATION: THE CORRUPTION OF EVERYDAY LIVING
The focus of my thinking these days has been on Original Sin and how humans must live within its parameters, such as death, pain, emotions, and the ambiguity of choosing either good or bad behaviors that we think will make us satisfied. Saint Augustine… Continue Reading „THE DIVINE EQUATION: THE CORRUPTION OF EVERYDAY LIVING“
THE RULE OF THREES: THE POWER TO CHANGE UNIVERSES
You are capable of living in three realities or universes simultaneously. Think about that statement. If you are human, you automatically live in two universes. Some of us never progress to the third universe, the spiritual plane of existence. The physical universe — all… Continue Reading „THE RULE OF THREES: THE POWER TO CHANGE UNIVERSES“
THE DIVINE EQUATION: How deep is your love?
Remember the tune, „How deep is your love?“ It is one of my favorite tunes from the Bee Gees. I can’t say I remember all of the words, except the refrain and the melody. This song resurrects some old thoughts from a Lectio Divina… Continue Reading „THE DIVINE EQUATION: How deep is your love?“
THE TABLE OF THE LORD: Being a penitent Lay Cistercian
If you wish to love Christ as He loved us, you must be a penitential person. How you that depends on your capacitas dei (capacity for God) and listening with the ear of your heart (St. Benedict in the Prologue to the Rule). This… Continue Reading „THE TABLE OF THE LORD: Being a penitent Lay Cistercian“
THE MARTYRDOM OF THE ORDINARY
Nota Bene: This blog is lengthy. As the Feast of the Nativity fast approaches, the thought comes to mind in Advent about how each one of us should be grateful for the fact that God became one of us because of love and to… Continue Reading „THE MARTYRDOM OF THE ORDINARY“
THE TABLE OF THE LORD
Being a Lay Cistercian is one of not only discovering what it means to be Cistercian and a Layperson, but also how that openness to the heart of Christ transforms me into something I was not before. If I am a Table of the… Continue Reading „THE TABLE OF THE LORD“
UP, READY TO FIRE!
Yesterday was Veterans‘ Day. I attended the Eucharist to pray for all those I know and don’t know and their families. That brought back some memories. In 1979, I was awarded The Chaplain of the Year by the Reserve Officers‘ Association. I had to… Continue Reading „UP, READY TO FIRE!“
THE CHRIST PRINCIPLE: The Center
In its purest form, Lectio is a movement from just repeating one phrase in Holy Scriptures repeatedly before moving to the next sentence. Lectio has never been an end in itself, although beginners will try to move through each of the four steps of… Continue Reading „THE CHRIST PRINCIPLE: The Center“
PROFOUND LISTENING: Conditions for listening to the Holy Spirit.
Several years ago, I tried to bake one batch of biscuits to fix biscuits and gravy for my anniversary. „Tried“ is the operable word here because I found out baking is not a skill that I have yet acquired, much less mastered. If I… Continue Reading „PROFOUND LISTENING: Conditions for listening to the Holy Spirit.“
TEN SURE WAYS TO LOSE YOUR FAITH
„Faith,“ as a topic has always been a terrible teaser to me. Faith is the substance of what I believe, and yet, it is a Mystery of Faith; one has eluded me at the same time I find myself moving towards some semblance of… Continue Reading „TEN SURE WAYS TO LOSE YOUR FAITH“
THOUGHTS WHILE FREEZING ON AN ICEBERG
Lectio Divina has taken me to many alarming places, not the least of which has just been an iceberg. It happened this morning at 2:01 a.m. In this mini-Lectio adventure, the Holy Spirit invited me to sit on an iceberg and then just left… Continue Reading „THOUGHTS WHILE FREEZING ON AN ICEBERG“
FIFTEEN WAYS THE DEVIL CAN SEDUCE YOU AND YOU WON’T EVEN SEE IT COMING
If you hold that we are in a spiritual battle with the forces of Evil played out on the playground of the seventy or eighty years we each live, then it is good to know your enemy. With Baptism, we have the energy (from… Continue Reading „FIFTEEN WAYS THE DEVIL CAN SEDUCE YOU AND YOU WON’T EVEN SEE IT COMING“
SYNCHRONICITY WITH GOD
As the accumulated experiences bombard my heart with knowledge, love, and service (energy), more and more, I find topics pop out from my Lectio Divina encounter with the Holy Spirit, ones that were latent and dormant in the synaptic recesses of my brain. Synchronicity… Continue Reading „SYNCHRONICITY WITH GOD“
AUTHORS OF GREAT WISDOM
One of the great delights of my later years has to do with writing down what the Holy Spirit tells me. Again, I don’t speak for the Holy Spirit, but hopefully, the Holy Spirit speaks to me if I am humble enough. So far,… Continue Reading „AUTHORS OF GREAT WISDOM“
PILGRIMAGE TO THE HEART OF CHRIST
We all have taken a trip somewhere, even if it is just to go to Trader Joe’s and buy some delicious root beer drink. Not all trips or vacations are pilgrimages. Muslims celebrate their faith in pilgrimage by visiting Mecca. Catholics pilgrimage to the… Continue Reading „PILGRIMAGE TO THE HEART OF CHRIST“
WHAT IS HELL LIKE, RIGHT NOW?
Hell is not the opposite of Heaven, but rather the absence of it. If that is so, and the kingdom of heaven is right now for us to absorb into our human nature, then would it not be true that hell is also right… Continue Reading „WHAT IS HELL LIKE, RIGHT NOW?“
the assumption of mary
Normally, I would give you some thoughts about a subject from my Lectio Divina. No one has ever accused me of being normal, so I will just share with you the magnificent homily from Bishop Barron on Mary. How biblical. These insights have caused… Continue Reading „the assumption of mary“
WHEN LOVE HURTS
As I wabble down the ever shorter path to my next portal in life, passing from life to death, I become more aware of how the Scriptures are pertinent to who I am now and how the words of Scripture feel as well say… Continue Reading „WHEN LOVE HURTS“
PAINTING WITH THE BRUSH OF CHRIST
St. Benedict teaches his monks that the monastery is a School of Charity or Love where we can learn how to love others as Christ loved us. It takes a lifetime to master the Art of Contemplative Practice. In one of my Lectio Divina… Continue Reading „PAINTING WITH THE BRUSH OF CHRIST“
LIFTING THE HEART AND MIND TO GOD USING ARCHITECTURE AND GREGORIAN CHANT
One characteristic of love is to want to share what is critical with those whom you value most. I wanted to share an aspect of prayer that is part of our Benedictine/Cistercian/Carthusian heritage. I came across this YouTube of a Cistercian monastery, one which… Continue Reading „LIFTING THE HEART AND MIND TO GOD USING ARCHITECTURE AND GREGORIAN CHANT“
the three principles of existence
I was never very good at academics in school, having the curse to have a slow mind that seems to dwell on how things fit together rather than their composition. I seem to gravitate toward the bigger picture. The problem is that the bigger… Continue Reading „the three principles of existence“
OBEDIENCE BY RELINQUISHING MY WILL TO A POWER OUTSIDE MYSELF: THE GREATEST OBSTACLE TO SPIRITUAL RESONANCE
My last couple of Lectio Divina’s has centered on how my Lectio (Philippians 2:5) influences resonance. I don’t take credit for this way out of thoughts as they apply to Holy Scripture. They just come, and I take them down for you to decipher.… Continue Reading „OBEDIENCE BY RELINQUISHING MY WILL TO A POWER OUTSIDE MYSELF: THE GREATEST OBSTACLE TO SPIRITUAL RESONANCE“
THE DIVINE EQUATION: HOW AN END-USER USES THE FORMULA FOR FOREVER TO GROW FROM SELF TO GOD
I must take this opportunity to remind you once again that these ideas are just the reflections of a broken-down, old temple of the Holy Spirit trying to make sense out of the physical universe, the mental universe, and also the spiritual universe. The… Continue Reading „THE DIVINE EQUATION: HOW AN END-USER USES THE FORMULA FOR FOREVER TO GROW FROM SELF TO GOD“
THE DIVINE EQUATION: THE FORMULA FOR FOREVER
When speaking of anything that has to do with God, humans are at a disadvantage. Our human nature (being), sentient though it is, is not even in the same ballpark as divine nature. The gulf is so great that human intelligence can only know… Continue Reading „THE DIVINE EQUATION: THE FORMULA FOR FOREVER“
THE DIVINE EQUATION: Quidquid recIpitur ad modum recipientis recipitur.
This last week, a friend of mine wrote me a Linkedin message commenting on my notion of Original Sin in my blog, „Whatever happened to Original Sin.“ He said, “ The notion of Original is as much a fairy tale as the Tooth Fairy.“… Continue Reading „THE DIVINE EQUATION: Quidquid recIpitur ad modum recipientis recipitur.“
THE BEST COMMENTARY ON OUR SAD STATE OF AFFAIRS IN THE U.S.
I have found that the commentary of the late Rev. Billy Graham and also deceased Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen on the subject of why our society is so off center to be the most accurate. Here is what Archbishop Sheen has to say about… Continue Reading „THE BEST COMMENTARY ON OUR SAD STATE OF AFFAIRS IN THE U.S.“
THE DIVINE EQUATION: MEASURING REALITY IN THREE UNIVERSES
If you choose to recognize my idea about one reality having three separate universes (Physical, Mental, and Spiritual), then each one has its own characteristics and measurements to describe (not define) reality. The Rule of Threes, as I call this way for me to… Continue Reading „THE DIVINE EQUATION: MEASURING REALITY IN THREE UNIVERSES“
THE DIVINE EQUATION: THE MATHEMATICS OF BEING
In my quest to find out how all reality fits together, I have had some help to give me additional assumptions that get me closer to solving the Mystery of Faith. Some of these ideas I have written down for you to try to… Continue Reading „THE DIVINE EQUATION: THE MATHEMATICS OF BEING“
THE DIVINE EQUATION: CAN YOU SOLVE IT?
Here is an opportunity to solve the Divine Equation. All humans, from Adam and Eve onward must solve the Divine Equation correctly to be admitted into the next phase of their human evolution (from non-life to life; from life to animality; from animality to… Continue Reading „THE DIVINE EQUATION: CAN YOU SOLVE IT?“
THE DIVINE EQUATION: OUR NEED FOR INTIMACY
Intimacy is one of those topics we don’t like to talk about unless it is in the context of darkened room with the person you trust the most in life, and even then, just with hushed tones and deflections of what you really mean.… Continue Reading „THE DIVINE EQUATION: OUR NEED FOR INTIMACY“
THE DIVINE EQUATION
My Lectio Divina meditations usually group up into a unified theme, eventually. Right now, what comes to my mind is about cosmic influences of the Christ Principle, certainly a macro approach to reality. Let me share what I mean by that. I have been… Continue Reading „THE DIVINE EQUATION“
EIGHT THOUGHTS ABOUT GOD TAKING ON HUMAN NATURE
I admit that this Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5) idea is as far out as the edge of time, but so is the Holy Spirit. Imagine how Jesus felt when, as the Son of God the Father, he knew all that is but could not… Continue Reading „EIGHT THOUGHTS ABOUT GOD TAKING ON HUMAN NATURE“
STARTING OVER
When thinking about my Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5) subject, the concept of starting over came up. Usually, I just slough it off as if it were an unrelated piece of the puzzle and I didn’t know where it fit. This time, I thought of… Continue Reading „STARTING OVER“
THE EFFECTS OF ORIGINAL SIN ON MY CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICE
One of those lessons I have had to learn over and over is struggling against my human nature (the world) when I attempt to attain mastery over my struggles to be an adopted son of the Father. I wish is was not a struggle… Continue Reading „THE EFFECTS OF ORIGINAL SIN ON MY CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICE“
PERUSING THE OBITUARIES
Old people do weird things. At least in my case, I like to look at the obituaries on my St. Meinrad Alumni website. http://www.saintmeinrad.edu It beats watching the plastic flowers grow in my office. This may be morbid, but I like to look up… Continue Reading „PERUSING THE OBITUARIES“
MOMENTS WITH ST. MICHAEL
THE BACKSTORY Although it has been over two years ago, I still remember it vividly as though it were yesterday. A group of us gathered together to say Office of Readings, Morning Prayer, Rosary, then then Eucharist at 9:00 a.m. We came together as… Continue Reading „MOMENTS WITH ST. MICHAEL“
CREEPING TOWARDS THE PAROUSIA
Three things we humans are conditioned to do because of Original Sin are: expect immediate results; become restless and anancy when we are not doing something, anything to fill up dead time; become compulsive about filling in the hole in our lives. I have… Continue Reading „CREEPING TOWARDS THE PAROUSIA“
THE LITANY OF REDEMPTION
On this Good Friday, my reflections wander through the great love Christ had for us to lay down his life for us, we who can’t even keep watch with him in the Garden of Gethsemane. Humans, wounded by Original Sin, are redeemed by God… Continue Reading „THE LITANY OF REDEMPTION“
THE JOY IN THE RESURRECTION
May the Peace of Christ be with you. This is not the peace that the world gives but the presence of Christ’s love in us and through us to our unique world. Here are a few of my reflections as a result of my… Continue Reading „THE JOY IN THE RESURRECTION“
THE HERESY OF THE INDIVIDUAL
Heresies are not something I write about very often, in fact, I would not be writing about this topic at all except that it presented itself to be at 2:30 a.m. this morning as part of my Lectio Divina. My Lectio Divina has always… Continue Reading „THE HERESY OF THE INDIVIDUAL“
LENTEN CONVERSION: IS YOUR JESUS PARANOID?
During this intense time of introspection before the celebration of our delivery from death to life with Christ, it is important to ask the question, What does your Jesus look like? I have never seen the face of Jesus, nor have I seen the… Continue Reading „LENTEN CONVERSION: IS YOUR JESUS PARANOID?“
LENTEN CONVERSION: Beware of the default of original sin
Original sin affects everything we do as a human. Baptism takes away Original Sin, the Sin of the World, but we still must live out the consequences of living in a condition where everything has a beginning and an end. I reflected on this… Continue Reading „LENTEN CONVERSION: Beware of the default of original sin“
HERE ARE TEN TEMPTATIONS FROM SATAN I BET YOU NEVER SAW COMING.
The Devil loves to seduce humans into going against God, then laughs heartily at the offender as being so gullible and weak that he missed out on the purpose of life. I thought about how the Devil might dissuade me from having in me… Continue Reading „HERE ARE TEN TEMPTATIONS FROM SATAN I BET YOU NEVER SAW COMING.“
A LAY CISTERCIAN REFLECTS ON: MAKING AN EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE BEFORE RECEIVING THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
Jesus left us several stories and activities that we should do to make him present to us. Clearly, Eucharist, the Real Presence of Christ, the fulfilment of the Last Supper, is paramount among ways to seek forgiveness and ask for God’s mercy. Additional ways… Continue Reading „A LAY CISTERCIAN REFLECTS ON: MAKING AN EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE BEFORE RECEIVING THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION“
LENTEN CONVERSION: THE PLACE WE CALL HELL IS LIKE…
What is hell like? This is not a topic that raises to the level that I would think about but it did come up in this week’s Lectio Divina meditation (Philippians 2:5). I have not experienced Hell because I have never been there (nor… Continue Reading „LENTEN CONVERSION: THE PLACE WE CALL HELL IS LIKE…“
LENTEN CONVERSION: WHO IS YOUR JESUS? AN END USER PAUSES TO REVIEW THE CONSEQUENCES OF BELIEVING OR NOT BELIEVING IN JESUS THE CHRIST.
In my Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5) today, I wondered about who Jesus is. I think this is part of the mystery of Faith, that probing of the human heart to try to love God with all of our heart, all of our mind, and… Continue Reading „LENTEN CONVERSION: WHO IS YOUR JESUS? AN END USER PAUSES TO REVIEW THE CONSEQUENCES OF BELIEVING OR NOT BELIEVING IN JESUS THE CHRIST.“
LENTEN CONVERSION: HOW LOVELY IS YOUR DWELLING PLACE, O LORD OF HOSTS
Today in a few hours, the Lay Cistercian community of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit (Trappist) http://www.trappist.net, will meet for their monthly Zoom Gathering Day meeting. I would like to share with you some of my preparations for that meeting. In Lectio Divina… Continue Reading „LENTEN CONVERSION: HOW LOVELY IS YOUR DWELLING PLACE, O LORD OF HOSTS“
WHISPERS FROM A CAVE
One of my favorite Scripture passages is the one where God tells a frightened Elijah the Prophet to go to a cave and He will pass by. This passage has great importance for contemplative practice. We listen to God with the ear of our… Continue Reading „WHISPERS FROM A CAVE“
LENTEN CONVERSION: the most difficult choice you will ever make
The title of this blog is not my own, but the topic of Bishop Robert Barron’s YouTube Sunday sermon this week. I recommend that you subscribe to his YouTube channel. I find that my Lectio Divina meditations are informed by my latest experiences, grounded,… Continue Reading „LENTEN CONVERSION: the most difficult choice you will ever make“
LENTEN CONVERSION: jUST oNE CHANGE
Lent is a time of reassessment and change. We move from our false self, imprinted with the effects of Original Sin to being free from the hostage to death. During your time of profound reflection in Lent, here are some thoughts I had from… Continue Reading „LENTEN CONVERSION: jUST oNE CHANGE“
LENTEN CONVERSION: conversio morae
Lent is a period of reflection, a purification of all those false attitudes and ways of thinking that will keep me from realizing the importance of the Resurrection of Christ and its implications for me as I search for God each day. Lent is… Continue Reading „LENTEN CONVERSION: conversio morae“
LENTEN CONVERSION: don’t squabble over who should give
During Lent, I try to use Lectio Divina as a way to become a more penitential person, being more humble and obedient to the will of God each day. One of my Lectio meditations (not at the level of contemplation) is on the subject… Continue Reading „LENTEN CONVERSION: don’t squabble over who should give“
THE ART OF CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICE
One of the concepts that help me to grow in the capacity of Christ in my heart is that of the Church. I use to think of the Church as being a body of rules and prescriptions that I had to believe in order… Continue Reading „THE ART OF CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICE“
the genesis effect
The first chapters of the Book of Genesis provide the opening written statement of what it means to be human. The oral traditions handed down through centuries surely took on characteristics of their own as different cultures and diverse authors reflected on their human… Continue Reading „the genesis effect“
LAY CISTERCIAN CONTINUITY
During one of our Gathering Days of Lay Cistercians at Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Monastery (www.trappist.net), one of our members asked the question about the difficulty of keeping to a schedule to do Cistercian practices. The question also plagues me and how… Continue Reading „LAY CISTERCIAN CONTINUITY“
WHY YOUR CENTER IS CENTRAL TO CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICE
Everyone has a center of their life. It is that one principle, that one value upon which all others find their support. Granted that your center as a twenty-year-old may not be the one you have when you are sixty, but you will have… Continue Reading „WHY YOUR CENTER IS CENTRAL TO CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICE“
FACING FIVE EITHER/OR DILEMMAS
Yogi Berra’s supposed saying, „If you come to a fork in the road, take it,“ is witty but perhaps a wise description of choices we all must make if we try to be contemplative in our practice. We live in the temporal time of… Continue Reading „FACING FIVE EITHER/OR DILEMMAS“
IF I WERE THE DEVIL
What would you do to the current political debacle if you were the Devil? I would convince the United States that political parties are a new religion, that hatred of personality replaces public policy, that revenge and calumny substitutes for civility and cooperation, that… Continue Reading „IF I WERE THE DEVIL“
A LAY CISTERCIAN SEEKS GOD ONE DAY AT A TIME
Hello once more. As I seek God every day as I am and where I am, I came across these resources that you might find of interest. I keep asking myself the increasingly complex question of „How does all of this fit together?“ My… Continue Reading „A LAY CISTERCIAN SEEKS GOD ONE DAY AT A TIME“
Four BRICK WALLS THAT CHALLENGE MY SEEKING GOD
In my most recent Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5), I thought about the barriers that keep me from having in me the mind of Christ Jesus. As I begin to be more self-aware of the spiritual universe around me, new revelations seem to pop up… Continue Reading „Four BRICK WALLS THAT CHALLENGE MY SEEKING GOD“
THE PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY OF LENT
Lent is a season of preparation and reflection. We are asked, as Church Universal, to prepare our minds and hearts for the Christ Principle. Before each momentous event in the life of Christ, we must prepare and reflect on how we have become what… Continue Reading „THE PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY OF LENT“
LENTEN PENANCE: A LAY CISTERCIAN REFLECTS ON CAPACITAS DEI, DENYING ONESELF TO MAKE ROOM FOR CHRIST EACH DAY
If you hear his voice, says the Psalms, harden not your hearts. Lent is upon us once again. It pops up yearly as we trudge down that path of choices we call life. As described in this clip of Harry Potter and the… Continue Reading „LENTEN PENANCE: A LAY CISTERCIAN REFLECTS ON CAPACITAS DEI, DENYING ONESELF TO MAKE ROOM FOR CHRIST EACH DAY“
WHAT WAS JESUS‘ I.Q.?
My latest Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5) had several tangential directions from the Holy Spirit. I can’t keep up with the profusion of energy that overshadows me. Let me give you a tiny example. My meditations were about God emptying himself (kenosis) of being God… Continue Reading „WHAT WAS JESUS‘ I.Q.?“
TEN NEW IDEAS I LEARNED ABOUT HEAVEN FROM THE EDGE OF TIME
Scripture is the bedrock of what we know about the mission of Christ. It is also written, says St. John in 20:30-31, to show us the way, the truth, and the life. Conclusion.“*30Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of [his] disciples… Continue Reading „TEN NEW IDEAS I LEARNED ABOUT HEAVEN FROM THE EDGE OF TIME“
MY LECTIO DIVINA SCARED ME
Normally, I do Lectio Divina at about 2:30 a.m. as part of my old man bathroom ritual. It helps get me back to sleep. There was nothing normal about the Lectio Divina today. I was frightened and what frightened me might not be what… Continue Reading „MY LECTIO DIVINA SCARED ME“
REFLECTIONS ON WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU MAKE YOUR POLITICAL VIEWS YOUR RELIGION
The past week’s events have left me in shock over the lack of respect people have for our Presidential electoral process, our Nation’s Capitol, and the behaviors displayed by any and all political parties. Long ago, I lost my respect for the political processes… Continue Reading „REFLECTIONS ON WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU MAKE YOUR POLITICAL VIEWS YOUR RELIGION“
THE HABIT OF CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICE
In my practice of trying to have Christ Jesus’s mind each day (Philippians 1:5), I have noticed that I do best when I establish some sort of habit or schedule to help me focus. I don’t want to fall into the trap of establishing… Continue Reading „THE HABIT OF CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICE“
WONDER IF…
The notion of wonder is exciting to me as I do my Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5). My mind has become my friend, almost another person inside me prompting me to visit places I could not do physically. I use my mind every morning at… Continue Reading „WONDER IF…“
WHAT DOES YOUR SPIRITUAL CLOSET LOOK LIKE?
You have heard and maybe even seen television shows about hoarding. It is a compulsion not to throw away anything because of a perceived or unconscious need you will need later on. If left unchecked, the house becomes cluttered sometimes to the point of… Continue Reading „WHAT DOES YOUR SPIRITUAL CLOSET LOOK LIKE?“
THE MATHEMATICS OF BEING
I can’t think of a more esoteric and theoretical topic than the one above, The Mathematics of Being. Not being a person with a great comprehension of either mathematics or being, I make the perfect person who can speculate on what I have come… Continue Reading „THE MATHEMATICS OF BEING“
MAKING ALL THINGS NEW
If Christmas is about the gift of God to us in Christ Jesus, then New Year is about the ability to see what is new, not with the eyes of the world (that only comes on New Year’s day), but with the eyes of… Continue Reading „MAKING ALL THINGS NEW“
THE FIVE GIFTS CHRIST GAVE ME ON MY BIRTHDAY.
This morning, about 2:46 a.m., I began my meditation on my one and only Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5). I thought about what might be awaiting me as an adopted son or daughter of the Father. Lest I become too seduced with pride (like Adam… Continue Reading „THE FIVE GIFTS CHRIST GAVE ME ON MY BIRTHDAY.“
I DIDN’T SEE THAT ONE COMING
Some situations in my life blindside me and lead me to ask „I didn’t see that one coming.“ This Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5) was like that. There are just lots of images bombarding my conscious mind, all different, some quite bizarre. It is like… Continue Reading „I DIDN’T SEE THAT ONE COMING“
LITURGY OF THE HOURS FOR BEGINNERS (like myself)
Liturgy of the Hours is a cornerstone Cistercian practice that I perform each day to place me in the presence of Christ. I don’t say prayers to become holy, rather I am holy because these prayers allow me to open my heart to Christ.… Continue Reading „LITURGY OF THE HOURS FOR BEGINNERS (like myself)“
GOD IS PURE ENERGY
My friends: Well, here we are at the end of the calendar year, which has always been the beginning when we seek God as we move through our lives each day. Each day is a lifetime of discovery and wonder. Tomorrow is the day we… Continue Reading „GOD IS PURE ENERGY“
THE ADVENT OF GOD
My family, friends, colleagues, and fellow pilgrims on the road to Forever. As my Advent penance, I am giving up giving gifts at Christmas. Our house is doing without any gifts except each other. (I say that because we spread our gifting out throughout the… Continue Reading „THE ADVENT OF GOD“
FEELING JESUS IN SCRIPTURE
As I begin to peel off the layers of my own sloth, greed, gluttony, lust, jealousy, vengeance, and hatred, to name a few vices, only to have them return at the beginning of the next day, I am reminded that everything in the world… Continue Reading „FEELING JESUS IN SCRIPTURE“
MORE IS BETTER, OR IS IT?
I met a man, quite similar in appearance and temperament to me, who keeps trying to pray as much as possible in the hopes of becoming more like Christ and less like himself. The more he prays, he thought, the holier he would become… Continue Reading „MORE IS BETTER, OR IS IT?“
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SAY TO THE HOLY SPIRIT WHEN YOU ARE SITTING ON THE EDGE OF YOUR BED AT 6:14 A.M. FOLLOWING YOUR MORNING OFFERING PRAYER.
This is a long title, don’t you agree? This morning at 6:14 a.m. (I got to sleep in late.), I found myself, as I always do in the a.m., sitting on the edge of my bed, reciting my daily morning offering, and thinking about… Continue Reading „BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SAY TO THE HOLY SPIRIT WHEN YOU ARE SITTING ON THE EDGE OF YOUR BED AT 6:14 A.M. FOLLOWING YOUR MORNING OFFERING PRAYER.“
HOW GOOD ARE YOU AT FILLING UP HOLES?
FILLING IN THE HOLES In contemplative prayer, one characteristic is that you must deliberately slow down. Another reaction that I have found is in thinking that I have to do something with the time I meditate or it is not productive, I must fill… Continue Reading „HOW GOOD ARE YOU AT FILLING UP HOLES?“
THE ART OF CONTEMLATIVE PRACTICE
For some time now, I have noticed myself under the influence of the Holy Spirit. I know that because I have begun to recognize the Holy Spirit speaking to me through others. I have given up about approaching the Spirit with my requests. Now,… Continue Reading „THE ART OF CONTEMLATIVE PRACTICE“
QUESTIONS IN SEARCH OF AN ANSWER
MESSAGES FROM THE EDGE OF TIME 1. If Heaven is the reason why we are here on earth, why is it we don’t do more to prepare ourselves to live there? 2. It is better for you to have the perspective that all humans… Continue Reading „QUESTIONS IN SEARCH OF AN ANSWER“
WHOSE CHURCH IS IT?
WHOSE CHURCH IS IT? The Church is the visible manifestation of God whom we cannot see. The Church, or gathering of believers, is the living Body of Christ on earth, but also those living in heaven, and also those awaiting purification. Many humans only… Continue Reading „WHOSE CHURCH IS IT?“
WAKING THE SPIRIT
As the saying goes, „Be careful what you wish for, you may get it.“ Contemplation is all about the resignation of self to let the Holy Spirit overshadow you. In reality, the term, „waking the Spirit“ is a misnomer, an attempt by human words… Continue Reading „WAKING THE SPIRIT“
poetry in the silence and stillness of winter
As I usually do each morning, and today is no exception, I sit down to my computer, recite my Lectio phrase to begin my practice of contemplation, „have in you the mind of Christ Jesus,“ then wait. Whatever comes my way, I try to… Continue Reading „poetry in the silence and stillness of winter“
HOW TO PLAY IN GOD’S PLAYGROUND
HOW TO ORGANIZE AND FOCUS ON THE LIFE OF CHRIST SEEKING GOD EACH DAY IN ALL THAT COMES MY WAY The following pages are samples of the horarium (hourly agenda) and Internet sites that I use to organize my day as a Lay Cistercian.… Continue Reading „HOW TO PLAY IN GOD’S PLAYGROUND“
MONASTERY AND LAY CISTERCIAN PONDERINGS
I share with you what I have received via the Monastery of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit, Conyers, Georgia, and also from the Lay Cistercians (with permission). Blessings on you this day. Remember, peace is not the absence of conflict but rather the… Continue Reading „MONASTERY AND LAY CISTERCIAN PONDERINGS“
WHICH POLITICAL PARTY DO YOU TRUST THE MOST?
Granted that both political parties are not beacons of truth and both tell their share of obfuscations, in this last week before elections, I am asking these pointed questions to find out where my mind and heart are. I do not presume to tell… Continue Reading „WHICH POLITICAL PARTY DO YOU TRUST THE MOST?“
YOU MUST SEE THIS WEBSITE
I share my joy with you about a website that I discovered by Father Luke Dysinger, O.S.B. with very rich contemporary subjects and also patristic and other primary sources. You can read the actual texts of the ecumenical councils, plus other great writers. Father… Continue Reading „YOU MUST SEE THIS WEBSITE“
make a virtual retreat at Our lady of the Holy spirit monastery
Think you are all alone and cut off from your Church as you ponder the inscrutable happenings of the COVID 19 virus? There are two ways to look at Church: one is a place where you go to pray, and the second one is… Continue Reading „make a virtual retreat at Our lady of the Holy spirit monastery“
THREE SOURCES OF INSPIRATION
In my quest to seek God daily wherever I am and however I am, my Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5) jangled my roots with the thought that I m sometimes caught up with the externals of Cistercian practices and charisms (making sure that I pray… Continue Reading „THREE SOURCES OF INSPIRATION“
ON THE ENDURING INFLUENCE OF AIDAN KAVANAUGH, O.S.B.
To a great extent, all of us are, in large part, the result of people we have bumped into during our solitary sojourn down whatever paths life has taken us. People and sometimes events have shaped who we have become and that process continues… Continue Reading „ON THE ENDURING INFLUENCE OF AIDAN KAVANAUGH, O.S.B.“
WHY IS THAT?
I have used the question WHY more in these last five years than in all of my previous time on earth. Why is that? Here are some of my reflections from my Lectio Divina meditations on the Mystery of Faith. Perhaps the WHY question… Continue Reading „WHY IS THAT?“
god’s hall of fame
Now that football has returned to the television, many commentators give very interesting breakdowns of the game so that neophytes like me can understand the intricacies of the strategy. Just playing the professional game is an accomplishment, but a few rise above this to… Continue Reading „god’s hall of fame“
TENACITY AND SINGLEMINDEDNESS
These two words are ones which I have never used together, but yet are quite logical when describing the events in the life of Father Vincent de Paul Merle, O.S.C.O., Trappist missionary to Nova Scotia in the early 1800s. You can read all about… Continue Reading „TENACITY AND SINGLEMINDEDNESS“
SILENCE AND SOLITUDE: iT MAY NOT BE WHAT YOU THINK
In one of my Lectio Divina meditations (Philippians 2:5), the thought presented itself to me that there was a certain depth of meaning which I heretofor had not noticed about silence and solitude. SILENCE – If I use my three universe template to look… Continue Reading „SILENCE AND SOLITUDE: iT MAY NOT BE WHAT YOU THINK“
MUSIC TO LISTEN TO WHEN SITTING ON A PARK BENCH IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER LONGING FOR CHRIST
I love music that elevates and transforms me from self to God. All music does not do that for me. I share what I have found that inspires my contemplative soul. Agnus Dei by Samuel Barber. One such piece is Samuel Barber’s Adagio for… Continue Reading „MUSIC TO LISTEN TO WHEN SITTING ON A PARK BENCH IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER LONGING FOR CHRIST“
What have you learned?
I am counting on God asking me two questions when I approach the Throne of the Lamb for my particular judgement. Matthew 25 gives all of us pause to stop and reflect on these questions. Here are my two: What did you learn? Notice… Continue Reading „What have you learned?“
waiting for the master
This is a story I wrote many, many blogs ago but I think it needs repeating. WAITING FOR THE MASTERImagine yourself seated on a park bench in the dead ofwinter. Jesus has told you that He will be passing by thebench sometime soon. You… Continue Reading „waiting for the master“
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“
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“
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: 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?“
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