Tag Archives: Suffering
The Wisdom of Job
Wisdom in Times of Crisis The Wisdom of Job Tuesday, July 7, 2020 Theology does not by itself provide wisdom in crisis. All theology must become a living spirituality to really change us or the world. It’s disappointing that we Christians have emphasized theology, catechism, and religious education much more than prayer and practice. The… Continue Reading The Wisdom of Job
Sustained in God’s Love
Wisdom in Times of Crisis Sustained in God’s Love Monday, July 6, 2020 In the light of eternity, we’re here for a very short time, really. We’re here for one thing, ultimately: to learn how to love, because God is love. Love is our origin, love is our ground, and love is our destiny. —James… Continue Reading Sustained in God’s Love
Dark Liminality
Liminal Space Dark Liminality Tuesday, April 28, 2020 When I am in that darkness, I do not remember anything about anything human. —Angela of Foligno (1248–1309) After working as a physician and bioethicist for decades, Living School alumna and chair of the CAC Board LaVera Crawley became a hospital chaplain and spiritual companion for patients… Continue Reading Dark Liminality
Courage in Times of Trouble
Teresa of Ávila and John of the Cross Courage in Times of Trouble Monday, April 20, 2020 Tessa Bielecki is a Christian hermit in the tradition of the Desert Mothers and Fathers. Co-founder of the Spiritual Life Institute, she was a Carmelite monk and Mother Abbess for almost 40 years, establishing experimental monastic communities of men… Continue Reading Courage in Times of Trouble
Praying in Our Time
Teresa of Ávila and John of the Cross Praying in Our Time Sunday, April 19, 2020 As of today, like many of you, I have been in self-isolation for several weeks. Honestly, it is a bit like when I sometimes go on a hermitage during Lent; except now, of course, my prayers are with the… Continue Reading Praying in Our Time
Hope and Suffering
The Universal Pattern Hope and Suffering Friday, April 17, 2020 When we try to live in solidarity with the pain of the world—and do not spend our lives running from it—we will encounter various forms of “crucifixion.” Pain is physical or emotional discomfort, but suffering often comes from our resistance to that pain. The soul… Continue Reading Hope and Suffering
Why Suffering?
The Universal Pattern Why Suffering? Tuesday, April 14, 2020 Sooner or later, the heart of everybody’s spiritual problem is “What do we do with our pain? Why is there evil? Why is there suffering?” Job begs God for an answer to this mystery, and he can’t get one. He only begins to trust when he… Continue Reading Why Suffering?
The “Backside” of God
The Universal Pattern The “Backside” of God Monday, April 13, 2020 I feel a deep solidarity with individuals throughout the world who are wrestling with health issues. In 2016, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent a complete prostatectomy. The wisdom lessons that God offered me before, during, and after the surgery were pretty… Continue Reading The “Backside” of God
Lesson Five: Nothing Can Come Between Us
Reality Initiating Us: Part Two Lesson Five: Nothing Can Come Between Us Friday, April 10, 2020 Good Friday It is true that you are going to die, and yet “I am certain of this, neither death nor life, nothing that exists, nothing still to come, not any power, not any height nor depth, nor any… Continue Reading Lesson Five: Nothing Can Come Between Us
