"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace." ~ Traditional Franciscan Saying It's a very old saying within Franciscan tradition, sometimes even attributed to St. Francis of Assisi himself. But what does it mean. "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace?" and why would someone ever ask for that? What is peace? It's always … Continue reading Job Opening: Peacemaker, no previous experience needed
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When You Can’t Consider Forgiveness, Consider God
"Praised be my Lord for those who forgive on account of your love, and endure weakness and trials. Blessed are those who shall endure in peace, for by you, most high, they shall be crowned." ~ Canticle of the Sun, St. Francis of Assisi Scientific research has indicated that the benefits of forgiveness - e.g. … Continue reading When You Can’t Consider Forgiveness, Consider God
Forgiveness Means Seeing Our Part
One of the challenging pieces of forgiveness is to look not only at the person we feel wronged us, but also to take an honest look at ourselves and our part in what happened, and what we are experiencing. It could be that we helped create the circumstance that led to the wrongdoing. Whether through … Continue reading Forgiveness Means Seeing Our Part
Your Wake-Up Call from Love Today
If you follow the daily biblical readings in the Liturgy of the Word for the Catholic Church, you will see that today's reading from John's first letter includes the most straightforward, and in some ways complete, explanation of God that there is: God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God, and God … Continue reading Your Wake-Up Call from Love Today
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
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
Podcast: Speaking of Faith, Speaking of Forgiveness
In the latest episode of the Diocese of St. Cloud podcast Speaking of Faith, Tom Delaney, a Secular Franciscan, educational psychologist, and mental and behavioral health advocate explains forgiveness as both a gift and a process that integrates wrongdoing into one’s life story. He shares how forgiveness can offer health benefits and allows us to … Continue reading Podcast: Speaking of Faith, Speaking of Forgiveness
Live and Forgive 