Ever wonder how the big names in Catholic spirituality seem so calm and collected? They seem to have found and be connected with something that gives their view of the world, and the way they engage with the world, a deep abiding peacefulness. I can laugh and say, "It's like they know something we don't! … Continue reading How to Worry Less and Connect More
Minnesota
How to Use Forgiveness for Staying Human
If you and I can agree that being a human being is basically a good thing, then we can talk about our lives being even better by being even more human. We can talk about what "humanizes" and what "dehumanizes." What humanizes us is good, because it levels up the good things about being human. … Continue reading How to Use Forgiveness for Staying Human
How to Make Your World More Forgiving for You (and Everybody Else)
If you could make the world a more forgiving place for you, would you? For as long as human beings have been around, they have looked for ways to arrange the world and its events so as to fulfill our needs, wishes, hopes, and desires. Over millennia, we have looked for these ways in science, … Continue reading How to Make Your World More Forgiving for You (and Everybody Else)
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
Love & Forgiveness: Process is Everything and Everything is Process
Let me tell you something about being a Franciscan that you may find insightful about your own life, and your own efforts to unfold the best parts of yourself and live your life fully. What I have learned about being a Franciscan is that it's more like a process than it is a status. Yes, … Continue reading Love & Forgiveness: Process is Everything and Everything is Process
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
Presenting Tonight at Mary of the Visitation
I am looking forward to being hosted this evening at Mary of the Visitation Church in Big Lake (MN, USA) as part of Parish Renewal Week. My presentation will be at 7:00 PM. Admission is free! If you’re in the area, come visit with me! It would be good to see you! Bring a friend … Continue reading Presenting Tonight at Mary of the Visitation
Being Forgiven, Now Forgive
Get rid of all bitterness,all passion and anger,harsh words, slander,and malice of every kind.In place of these,be kind to one another,compassionate,and mutually forgiving,just as God has forgiven you,in Christ. Ephesians: 31-32 Please share these words with someone who needs them today. This article is an original work of the author and was not composed by … Continue reading Being Forgiven, Now Forgive
“Can religion help with peacemaking?”
“Can religion help in peacebuilding?” That was the basic question today in a webinar I attended that was conducted by the Strategic Religious Engagement (SRE) Hub at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown University. My quick reaction to the question was, “Seriously? Of course, religion can help in peacebuilding!” Peacemaking … Continue reading “Can religion help with peacemaking?”
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
Live and Forgive 