Notes from a Friar: The Theology of a Poet
June 8, 2023
Meditating upon the Core
Reflect For St. Bonaventure, his structure for reality began with the Trinity: the self-diffusive, creative force of love shared in relationship between the Father, Spirit, and Son. What would it look like to imitate this same dynamic in our own …
Rain or Shine
Reflect The weather: It has its effect on my body–and my soul. A dark cloud may mean a welcome rain, but it seldom lifts my spirit to say an Alleluia. I want sunshine. Pray I pray by the window and …
Welcoming Sinners
Reflect Jesus was known for his relationships with sinners, persons at the margins of society due to their employment, health condition, ethnicity, or lifestyle. Following Jesus, I transcend my judgments and the mores of society to see the holiness in …
When Praying Feels Impossible
Reflect Thomas Merton understood so much about the challenges of the engaged spiritual life. He wrote, “Prayer and love are really learned in the hour when prayer becomes impossible and your heart turns to stone”. Have you felt this, or …
Leading to the Light
Reflect What and who we surround ourselves with has an impact on our habits, language, and overall behavior. Am I surrounding myself with people who help lead me to the light? Or do I allow myself to fall into bad …
Start with Compassion
Reflect We are often our own worst critics, failing to extend compassion to ourselves when we would easily do so for a loved one. Use this prayer to find your center within God’s compassionate embrace. Pray God of mercy,I feel …
Shalom
Reflect One of the great mysteries of life is the reality of trauma and unexplainable suffering in our world. When blindsided by this kind of darkness, we can come face-to-face with despair or a paralyzing sense of hopelessness. The goal …