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
reconciliation
Forgiveness Keeps the Sanctity of Your Relationships
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
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?”
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”
Lenten Forgiveness Series #2: “We, though many, are one!”
"Our ability for feeling the same as someone else is one of the things that makes us human and helps us live life more abundantly. Feeling the same as someone else is a wondrous moment when we feel a special unity with someone rather than our usual feelings of difference from other people." During this … Continue reading Lenten Forgiveness Series #2: “We, though many, are one!”
“Do you hear that?” — What God Has to Say to You
Winter is beginning its waning here in Central Minnesota. The sun rises just a little bit more to the north and the snow recedes revealing all the slumbering flora of last year. One could be tempted to excitedly announce the end of winter today, but the wiser person has patience and understands the longer and … Continue reading “Do you hear that?” — What God Has to Say to You
Lenten Forgiveness Series: A season like never before!
"Two things are happening at once that make this year’s Lent not only new, but Lent like never before. They both ask us to consider doing one of the most important things we can do during lent: forgiving someone." During this latter part of Lent, I am writing a weekly series of articles on forgiveness … Continue reading Lenten Forgiveness Series: A season like never before!
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
How Restorative Justice Puts Catholic Faith into Action
This article is for Catholics and others who want to learn about restorative justice, how restorative justice is an important way to live the Catholic faith, and basics for implementing restorative justice groups in parishes and communities. Related points in a recent Vatican News article linking restorative justice practices to Pope Leo's address on 2026 … Continue reading How Restorative Justice Puts Catholic Faith into Action
Live and Forgive 