(photo: Tom Delaney, Sherburne County, Minnesota, 2025) There is a prodigious deer population here in our little corner of the oak savanna in Central Minnesota, maybe because of our proximity to Dunes State Forest and Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. It seems that they appreciate the network of walking trails through the woods and frequently use … Continue reading Forgiveness Multiplies Forgiveness
Secular Franciscan
Forgiving Just As Forgiven
(photo: Tom Delaney, Sherburne County, Minnesota, 2025) From lauds (morning prayer) in the Liturgy of the Hours for today (Ephesians 4:29-32): Never let evil talk pass your lips; say only the good things people need to hear, things that will really help them. Do nothing that will sadden the Holy Spirit with whom you were … Continue reading Forgiving Just As Forgiven
A New Paradigm of Love for Understanding Human Flourishing & Forgiveness
(photo: Tom Delaney. Sherburne County, Minnesota, 2025) The heat of the days is giving way to coolness, and the hours of sunlight have declined. All living things are now drawn into a time of taking their rest. Everywhere you can see the wisdom of Jesus' words in the Gospel of John (12:24): Amen, amen, I … Continue reading A New Paradigm of Love for Understanding Human Flourishing & Forgiveness
Resurrection Saves from Sadness & Despair
(art: Resurrection, woodcut print, 15th century C.E.) In his General Audience today, Pope Leo XIV explored the topic of personal sadness and explained how the resurrection of Jesus Christ can give us a hope that replaces despair. The pope's address is part of the the cycle of catechesis that will continue throughout the entire Jubilee … Continue reading Resurrection Saves from Sadness & Despair
Justice Will Always Be Delivered
(art: La Justicia entre los arcángeles Miguel y Gabriel, Jacobello del Fiore, 1421 C.E.) Justice is an important matter for forgiveness. When we are experience a hurtful event and its accompanying moral distress or moral injury, from something deep and fundamental in our own being we know "that's not the way it is supposed to … Continue reading Justice Will Always Be Delivered
Pope Leo XIV: 2025 Jubilee Year is Time for Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Prior to his death, Pope Francis declared 2025 to be a Jubilee Year, A Jubilee Year is an "event of great spiritual, ecclesial, and social significance in the life of the Church." The concept of "Jubilee" has its origins in the Book of Leviticus (chapter 25) as a special year of reconciliation, pilgrimage, and coming … Continue reading Pope Leo XIV: 2025 Jubilee Year is Time for Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Pope Leo Delivers Message of Hope for the Downcast, Weary, and Suffering
(photo: Pope Leo XIV, Edgar Beltran, 2025) Forgiveness offers both the forgiver and forgiven a relief from the painful and burdensome negative emotions that are experienced when forgiveness has not happened. Particularly when someone has experienced moral distress and moral injury in a hurtful event, we know that these events are commonly followed by: guilt … Continue reading Pope Leo Delivers Message of Hope for the Downcast, Weary, and Suffering
Forgiveness: Receiving and Giving God’s Grace
(photo: Tom Delaney, Sherburne County, Minnesota, 2025) "Frost and cold, bless the Lord!" (Daniel 3:69) Yesterday morning we woke up to our first frost of this autumn here in on the oak savanna in Central Minnesota. The pastures were white and silver that tuned to a brilliant gold as the rising sun cast it's first … Continue reading Forgiveness: Receiving and Giving God’s Grace
Theology of Health: Harvard University Human Flourishing Scholar Tyler Vanderweele Webinar
(photo: Dr. Tyler Vanderweele, Archivo Fotográfico Universidad de Navarra, 2023) I started Live and Forgive while completing a program in forgiveness education and forgiveness group facilitation in the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University, and still receive ongoing support from the Human Flourishing Program. Dr. Tyler VanderWeele is the director of the Human Flourishing Program, … Continue reading Theology of Health: Harvard University Human Flourishing Scholar Tyler Vanderweele Webinar
Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi Today
Today is the day that the Catholic Church remembers the death of St. Francis of Assisi. Written accounts tell us that he died on October 3, 1226, a date termed his transitus. By the time of his death, St. Francis had started an entire movement, including religious orders that included clergy, nuns and laity. He … Continue reading Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi Today
Live and Forgive 