Tag Archives: solitude
Engaged Contemplation
The contemplative life is not, and cannot be, a mere withdrawal. Continue Reading Engaged Contemplation
Joy and Sadness: A Lesson from Merton’s Hermitage
Thomas Merton: Contemplation and Action Joy and Sadness: A Lesson from Merton’s Hermitage Sunday, November 22, 2020 In 1985 my Franciscan “guardians” (as Francis called our superiors) gave me a year’s leave to spend in contemplation. It was a major turning point in my life, and ultimately led to the formation of the Center for… Continue Reading Joy and Sadness: A Lesson from Merton’s Hermitage
The World Carried Inside
Action and Contemplation: Part Three The World Carried Inside Thursday, January 23, 2020 When so much of our world is focused on making us feel like human “doings” instead of human beings, moving into solitude and silence is both a gift and a burden. Once we have overcome the external pressure to perform, we are left with… Continue Reading The World Carried Inside
A Practical Twofold Process
Action and Contemplation: Part Three A Practical Twofold Process Wednesday, January 22, 2020 As in the early church, the desert Christians were deeply committed to Jesus’ teachings and lived practice. Their chosen solitude and silence were not anti-social but a way to become better at seeing clearly and at loving deeply. Withdrawal was for the sake of… Continue Reading A Practical Twofold Process
The Prayer of Quiet
Action and Contemplation: Part Three The Prayer of Quiet Tuesday, January 21, 2020 The Desert Fathers and Mothers withdrew from cities to the desert to live freely, apart from the economic, cultural, and political structure of the Roman Empire. At first, the empire persecuted the church, but in 313 CE, Constantine gave Christianity a privileged status, not out of enlightenment or goodwill but in service of uniformity and… Continue Reading The Prayer of Quiet
Vocation: Weekly Summary
Vocation Summary: Sunday, May 27-Friday, June 1, 2018 Before you tell your life what truths and values you have decided to live up to, let your life tell you what truths you embody, what values you represent. —Parker Palmer (Sunday) As conscious human beings, our life purpose is to be a visible expression of both… Continue Reading Vocation: Weekly Summary