Tag Archives: death
Coming to Terms with Life and Love
Choosing Love in a Time of Evil Coming to Terms with Life and Love Tuesday, May 18, 2021 I have been deeply moved by the wisdom of Etty Hillesum (1914–1943) for quite some time, and found myself returning to her journals many times over this past year. She died at Auschwitz at the age of 29, but her… Continue Reading Coming to Terms with Life and Love
A Mystic for Our Times
All Will Be Well A Mystic for Our Times Monday, April 5, 2021 My friend Matthew Fox published a book during the COVID-19 pandemic about Julian of Norwich. I love Julian’s teachings because she focuses on God’s infinite love, goodness, and mercy. Even during the Black Death (bubonic plague) in which perhaps a third of… Continue Reading A Mystic for Our Times
The Saving Power of the Cross
Scapegoating and the Cross The Saving Power of the Cross Friday, April 2, 2021 Good Friday Today the primary human problem is both revealed and resolved. It is indeed a “good” Friday. What is revealed is our human inclination to kill others, in any multitude of ways, instead of dying to ourselves—to our own illusions,… Continue Reading The Saving Power of the Cross
A Presence That Continues
Communion of Saints A Presence That Continues Thursday, March 11, 2021 Theresa Torres’ description of receiving her faith through her grandmother is a wonderful reflection of how faith was once passed down generation to generation. Her grandmother, or abuelita, inspires spirituality not as a religious creedal statement or morality code, but as a healing and… Continue Reading A Presence That Continues
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
Trusting a Deeper Aliveness
True Self/Separate Self Trusting a Deeper Aliveness Friday, September 4, 2020 I believe a regular practice of Centering Prayer is one of the most effective tools we have for discovering our True Self. Sitting in silence, we become adept at compassionately observing our separate self at work, as it tries to maintain control of the… Continue Reading Trusting a Deeper Aliveness
The Illusion of the Separate Self
True Self/Separate Self The Illusion of the Separate Self Tuesday, September 1, 2020 CAC faculty member James Finley studied under Thomas Merton as a young monk in formation. While many have been influenced by Merton’s writings, few have had the opportunity to learn from the mystic himself. Today, Jim reflects on the insights on the… Continue Reading The Illusion of the Separate Self
Dying as Disorder
Order, Disorder, Reorder: Part Two Dying as Disorder Thursday, August 20, 2020 Dying is not extraneous to life; it is a part of the mystery, and we do not understand life until we stand under death. —Richard Rohr There may be nothing more disordering than being diagnosed with a terminal or chronic illness. It upends… Continue Reading Dying as Disorder
Dying Before We Die
Wisdom in Times of Crisis Dying Before We Die Wednesday, July 8, 2020 CAC faculty member Cynthia Bourgeault addresses a fear that motivates all of us on some level—the fear of death. It is a matter of true wisdom to know how to face death wisely and courageously, which is why every religion and culture… Continue Reading Dying Before We Die
The Presence of Spirit
Liminal Space The Presence of Spirit Monday, April 27, 2020 Many things can bring us to the “threshold” of our ordinary ways of thinking and behaving, but even good rituals are merely “stand-ins” until Reality itself, often in the form of great love or great suffering, steps in and changes us forever. My friend Paula… Continue Reading The Presence of Spirit