Winter 2025

IMAGE As humans, we are the pinnacle of God’s creation, made in God’s image and likeness—and yet formed out of the dust of the earth. Our all too earthy dust only came to life when God blew his breath, his Spirit into us. That being so, we are not only important, but in some unnamed…

Recent events in the Middle East, especially in Egypt and elsewhere, have inspired and exhilarated the entire world. What an amazing and transformative outpouring of courage, tenacity and hope we have all witnessed on our TV, computer and cell phone screens! What an example of heroism, persistence, and patience. What a remarkable and incredibly peaceful…

HARD Have you ever gone through a time in your life when everything seems hard? When nothing goes right? When it seems as though God is far, far away, and though you call out for God, there seems to be no response? Winter 2019 Newsletter in PDF format (1.3MB)

Forgetfulness seems to be a regular part of my life these days. I’ve simply forgotten that deeper, more important reality in the midst of the daily work and responsibilities. Mindfulness, or remembering, is a major understanding in the Benedictine tradition, and in early Christianity, as well as in Buddhism and other religions. Fall 2022 Newsletter…

As winter approaches, nights are longer and days are shorter, colder, and darker. In late October the leaves begin to fall. In the perennial border, leaves and stems begin to die back. The grass turns yellowish green before going brown and dead. Annual plants die completely. Winter is a stripped down time for trees and…

RELAXING When we think about trying to follow the Gospel directives, or in old-fashioned terms, the practice of virtue, we normally associate this with a lot of effort. Suppose that what is needed is not more will power, or muscle power, or major inner strategies? Suppose we might need to relax. Relax? Summer 2021 Newsletter…