Every evening, a rabbit we came to name "Francis" makes its rounds through the pastures. The rabbit has figured prominently in the mythology of many cultures, including the Ojibwe and Dakota cultures indigenous to our part of Central Minnesota. Seeing Francis is an opportunity to experience a long time historical and important spiritual legacy related … Continue reading Forgiveness Keeps the Sanctity of Your Relationships
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Your Love is the Source of Your Forgiveness
Early summer's warm weather and revitalizing rains have greened the landscape here in Central Minnesota this month. The pastures fill with good fodder for horses and all creatures alike, and the woods are full of life. I think it is true that you can't give something that you don't already have. When it comes to … Continue reading Your Love is the Source of Your Forgiveness
Love is Your Key to Human Flourishing
For a very long time, and all around the world, thinkers have asked whether we can clearly define a good life, or the best life, for ourselves. The idea is that if we could clearly define it, then we would know what we need to do in order to get it and have it for … Continue reading Love is Your Key to Human Flourishing
Your Moments Are Sacred Time…Always
Growing up in rural Wisconsin and in Minnesota, I learned that the lichen I see growing on rocks in the wilderness grows at an extremely slow rate. A small spot of lichen represents years, or even decades of growth. Learning this made me more aware of ways we can see time from different perspectives and … Continue reading Your Moments Are Sacred Time…Always
We Are Meant to Be Abundantly Alive, And We Can
In Minnesota we joke about something we call the "Minnesota Goodbye." The Minnesota Goodbye is a prolonged process of saying goodbye to a leaving guest, or as a leaving guest. In the typical scenario, guests will fully prepare to leave by putting on their hats and jackets while the hosts are present, and hen guests … Continue reading We Are Meant to Be Abundantly Alive, And We Can
How to Use Forgiveness to Grow in Your Spirituality
Our Catholic faith recognizes forgiveness as something called a "spiritual work of mercy" -- a charitable act by which we come to the aid of our neighbor (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2447). The United States Council of Catholic Bishops explains, "Just as Jesus attended to the spiritual well-being of those he ministered to, these … Continue reading How to Use Forgiveness to Grow in Your Spirituality
Franciscan Wisdom: Forgiveness is Partnering with God
One of the most important things we need to remember in forgiving someone is that God is our partner. We can come to an understanding that God is always with us, at our side as the constant friend, including in the times when we are wronged or hurt by someone. In a way, it is … Continue reading Franciscan Wisdom: Forgiveness is Partnering with God
Franciscan Wisdom: Forgiveness lets us see ourselves as God sees us
This is an article for people who want to understand from a Franciscan perspective how the wrongdoing they may experience of others, and the forgiveness granted to them, is part of a process of personal conversion, spiritual growth, and ultimately transformation with and in God. The recent theological explanations of Franciscan Fr. Roberto Pasolini are … Continue reading Franciscan Wisdom: Forgiveness lets us see ourselves as God sees us
Lenten Forgiveness Series #4: Everything must be fulfilled
"How would the scriptures be fulfilled,which say that it must come to passin this way?”~ Gospel for Palm Sunday, Matthew 26:54 During this latter part of Lent, I am writing a weekly series of articles on forgiveness for the Diocese of St. Cloud and the “Everyday Discipleship” section in Central Minnesota Catholic magazine. In this week’s … Continue reading Lenten Forgiveness Series #4: Everything must be fulfilled
Lenten Forgiveness Series #3: “Road to Jerusalem, road to forgiveness”
"Are there not twelve hours in a day?If one walks during the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world." John 11:1-45Gospel reading for the 5th Sunday of Lent During this latter part of Lent, I am writing a weekly series of articles on forgiveness for the Diocese of St. Cloud … Continue reading Lenten Forgiveness Series #3: “Road to Jerusalem, road to forgiveness”
Live and Forgive 