Tag Archives: Celtic spirituality
A Loving Partnership
Francis and the Animals A Loving Partnership Friday, October 8, 2021 If you wish to know the Creator, come to know his creatures. —St. Columban, Sermon 1 Scholar Edward Sellner has traced the influence of early Celtic spirituality to places throughout the world, including Francis of Assisi’s area of Italy. This sense of kinship… Continue Reading A Loving Partnership
Universal Christ Mystics
Unveiling the Universal Christ Universal Christ Mystics Friday, August 27, 2021 Perhaps because the Romans never occupied Ireland and parts of Scotland, the Celtic Christianity that developed there retained its connection to the natural world. The writer John Philip Newell explains how Pelagius (c. 354–418), an early and frequently misunderstood Celtic Christian theologian, saw creation… Continue Reading Universal Christ Mystics
The Circle of Eternity
Communion of Saints The Circle of Eternity Wednesday, March 10, 2021 I once shared a happy dinner with the beloved Irish poet and philosopher John O’Donohue (1956–2008). He passed away far too soon at the age of 52, and I imagine he was immediately welcomed into the communion of saints, living in the “circle of… Continue Reading The Circle of Eternity
The Fruitful Margins of the Empire
Mystics and the Margins The Fruitful Margins of the Empire Wednesday, September 30, 2020 On the margins of the Roman Empire, Ireland and Scotland helped hand down the Christian contemplative lineage. The Romans had conquered much of Europe by the time of Jesus’ birth; though they ruled Britain, the Romans never occupied Ireland or parts… Continue Reading The Fruitful Margins of the Empire
Trinity: Part One: Weekly Summary
Trinity: Part One Summary: Sunday, May 5—Friday, May 10, 2019 The mystery of Trinity is embedded as the code in everything that exists. (Sunday) If we take the depiction of God in Rublev’s The Trinity icon seriously, we have to say, “In the beginning was the Relationship.” (Monday) Trinity overcomes the foundational philosophical problem of… Continue Reading Trinity: Part One: Weekly Summary
Rediscovering the Gospel Message
Spirituality of Imperfection: Week 1 Rediscovering the Gospel Message Monday, July 18, 2016 The spirituality of imperfection is, quite simply, the Gospel. However, in the fourth century, Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire. From that time on, the spirituality of imperfection—Jesus’ liberating message—became a subtext, a minority position. Once you align with imperial… Continue Reading Rediscovering the Gospel Message