It is easy to reduce the world to facts, to seek to understand every aspect of something, but mystery protects us from that. There are big mysteries like the Trinity or Christ’s presence in the Eucharist and then there are little mysteries, like grass growing from the soil. We understand a great deal, but we don’t understand any of these things completely. Find something that no one understands completely and dwell with it for a while. Read more
Julian of Norwich was an English mystic who experienced profound revelations of God’s love. In exploring that love Norwich experienced God not only as father but also as a mother. On this feast day of Julian of Norwich spend ten minutes imagining God as a loving mother. What does this offer to our understanding of God? Read more
There is a sign for some businesses that says “Gone Fishing” rather than “Closed”. “Gone Fishing” means that there is something better, or other, to do than work–it isn’t just a day when we’re not working, we’re going fishing instead. So this Sabbath don’t just not work; instead go fishing, whether you actually fish or not. Read more
Do not manipulate, do not try to impress, simply be. Watch how you dress, what you say, what you do–who are you doing it for? Christ should be the standard and goal. Read more
Giving thanks for our food is a good habit, but too often we rush through it. Today, for each thing you eat, give true and meaningful thanks. Thank God for the animals, the plants, the soil, the work of farmers, packers, shippers, cooks. Think of every element that went into bringing the food to your mouth and thank God for it. Read more
Walk as much as possible to get where you need to go, even it that means parking at the far end of the lot. As you walk, pray through your surroundings. Read more
Experiment with praying while you sleep. As you go to sleep, repeat a simple prayer such as, “Lord Jesus, Have Mercy.” See if it will continue into your dreams. Read more
Submit–give up getting your way, having your voice heard. Respond to others and serve them. Follow, serve, submit. Meditate on the passion narrative. How did Jesus submit to the authorities, to the cross? Read more
What gift has God given your neighbor, your boss, the man you pass everyday on your way to lunch? God has given each person some gift, we can be sure, but what is it? Look for the giftedness of others and marvel at what God has given. Read more
A child with a puzzle and lot of pieces that don’t seem to fit–we’ve all seen or experienced the frustration. Often a child needs an adult to come alongside, take her hand, and show her the way to do it. The sense of relief is clear, when a master comes into frustration and begins to teach, to show the way forward. You are the child. This week hold a million puzzle pieces and a box top you can’t make sense... Read more
Word + Flesh
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