Tag Archives: critique
Invitation to Solidarity
Solidarity Invitation to Solidarity Sunday, May 24, 2020 Throughout human history, countless people have been poor, vulnerable, or oppressed in some way. Those holding positions of authority within systems of power secure their own privilege, comfort, and wealth—almost always at the expense of those most on the margins. Much of history has been recorded to… Continue Reading Invitation to Solidarity
Pope Francis and St. Francis of Assisi
Franciscan Ecological Wisdom Pope Francis and St. Francis of Assisi Monday, May 18, 2020 I deeply appreciate the many ways Pope Francis has continued the work of Vatican II by letting in the “fresh air” of modern science and other disciplines. While new information is one of the primary ways we come to understand Reality… Continue Reading Pope Francis and St. Francis of Assisi
Speaking Out
Disciples, Prophets, and Mystics Speaking Out Monday, March 16 Prophets must first be true disciples of their faith. In fact, it is their deep love for their tradition that allows them to criticize it at the same time. This is almost always the hallmark of a prophet. Their deepest motivation is not negative but profoundly… Continue Reading Speaking Out
Mysticism and Eco-Spirituality
Alternative Orthodoxy Mysticism and Eco-Spirituality Friday, February 7, 2020 When the bow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature—every mortal being that is on the earth. —Genesis 9:16 Franciscan alternative orthodoxy emphasized mysticism over morality. Moralism is the task of low-level religion, concerned with creating an… Continue Reading Mysticism and Eco-Spirituality
Radical Solidarity
Action and Contemplation: Part Two Radical Solidarity Wednesday, January 15, 2020 A contemplative lens is the only frame through which we can recognize and address the three sources of evil: the world, the flesh, and the devil. When we remain in egoic consciousness, evil (especially in its first hidden forms that look so much like… Continue Reading Radical Solidarity
Dancing Polarities
Action and Contemplation: Part Two Dancing Polarities Monday, January 13, 2020 The words action and contemplation aptly describe the two dancing polarities of our lives. In classic Christian philosophy, Thomas Aquinas and many others stated that the highest form of spiritual maturity is not action or contemplation, but the ability to integrate the two into one life stance—to be service-oriented… Continue Reading Dancing Polarities
Ours to Do
Action and Contemplation: Part Two Ours to Do Sunday, January 12, 2020 I founded the Center for Action and Contemplation more than thirty years ago because I saw a deep need for the integration of both action and contemplation. Over the years, I met many activists who were doing excellent social analysis and advocating for… Continue Reading Ours to Do
Moral Capitalism
Economy: Old and New Moral Capitalism Wednesday, November 27, 2019 I’m afraid that some readers have given up on this week’s meditations by now, convinced that I hate capitalism and money and that I don’t even believe people should get paid for a hard day’s work. That’s just not true! I’m not going to say… Continue Reading Moral Capitalism
Politics: Old and New: Weekly Summary
Politics: Old and New Summary: Sunday, November 17—November 22, 2019 There is no such thing as being non-political. (Sunday) We are called to be “in Christ,” which means we share—always imperfectly, and always in community with others—the call to be the embodiment of God’s love in the world. —Wes Granberg-Michaelson (Monday) Twice a year we… Continue Reading Politics: Old and New: Weekly Summary
