Minute Meditations

“He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt” (Luke 18:9). Humility is one of the most enduring characteristics of Francis’s life and attitudes. It’s the foundation of his ...

“Which commandment is the first of all?” (Mark 12 :28). One of the best stories about St. Francis is his explanation to Brother Leo about “perfect joy.” “When we come to St. Mary of the Angels, soaked by the rain and ...

“Every kingdom divided against itself becomes a desert, and house falls on house” (Luke 11:17) At the time of Francis, Italy was not a united nation, but numerous city-states, each with its own ruler and militia. Francis was well-acquainted with constantly ...

I am driving down the road toward my favorite walking site. It’s humid, but nothing like it was yesterday. I’m overwhelmed. I can’t even finish reading any articles right now. International news, social issues, issues of faith. Just as one ...

I’ve lived my whole life trying to figure out how to outmaneuver suffering; yes, how to fly away. But I have no wings. What if I just surrender to Thich Nhat Hanh’s idea and let my suffering open to its ...

I turn to art, as I always do, in trying to understand the holy. The first thing that came to me initially as I dove into the miracle of the loaves and fishes was a perfect carving of two identical ...