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Tag Archives: thisness

Loving Things in Themselves

The only way I know how to love God is to love what God loves. Continue Reading Loving Things in Themselves

“Ensouled” Animals

Francis and the Animals “Ensouled” Animals Thursday, October 7, 2021 Readers of the Daily Meditations may be familiar with the theological and scientific work of Ilia Delio. Today we share a reflection that honors both her Franciscan theology and her personal relationship with a beloved pet. It is almost a week since our beloved cat,… Continue Reading “Ensouled” Animals

An Appreciation for Art

Finding God in the Arts An Appreciation for Art Sunday, August 15, 2021 I’ve always loved beauty and art. When I was on the road and I would have an afternoon off after a conference, I would almost always go to the local art museum. It was a contemplative practice and something I could do… Continue Reading An Appreciation for Art

To Live Lightly

Franciscan Way: Part One To Live Lightly Wednesday, October 2, 2019 Today, we will continue with my Franciscan brother and long-time friend John Quigley’s summary of Franciscanism. I’ve added my thoughts in italics within brackets. [Francis] knew that we share this earth, our loves and work with all of God’s creatures, our brothers and sisters.… Continue Reading To Live Lightly

The Eternal Now

Heaven Now The Eternal Now Tuesday, April 30, 2019 Jesus’ primary metaphors for the Eternal Now are “the kingdom of God” and “the kingdom of heaven.” He is not talking about a far-off celestial heaven. “Look around you, look at the fields; already they are ready for harvest! Already the reaper is being paid his… Continue Reading The Eternal Now

Thisness: Weekly Summary

Thisness Summary: Sunday, March 18-Friday, March 23, 2018 Each creature is not merely one member of a genus and species, but a unique aspect of the infinite Mystery of God. God is continuously choosing each created thing specifically to exist, moment by moment. (Sunday) Without truly seeing and valuing individual lives, war and violence become… Continue Reading Thisness: Weekly Summary

Inner Light

Thisness Inner Light Friday, March 23, 2018 I have the immense joy of being a [human being], a member of a race in which God became incarnate. As if the sorrows and stupidities of the human condition could overwhelm me, now I realize what we all are. And if only everybody could realize this! But… Continue Reading Inner Light

One of a Kind

Thisness One of a Kind Thursday, March 22, 2018 My friend, Sister of Saint Joseph and Professor Mary Beth Ingham, knows John Duns Scotus inside and out. Over a decade ago we spoke together at a conference in Albuquerque called Holding the Tension. Today I share her insights from Duns Scotus’ teaching of haecceity or… Continue Reading One of a Kind

Go Deep in One Place

Thisness Go Deep in One Place Wednesday, March 21, 2018 Franciscan philosopher-theologian John Duns Scotus’ idea of “thisness” mirrors Jesus leaving the ninety-nine sheep and going after the one (Luke 15:4). And, just like Jesus, Duns Scotus holds that precious, irreplaceable “one” fully inside a “commonwealth” or community, the Body of Christ. Duns Scotus does… Continue Reading Go Deep in One Place

75 Years of Life

Thisness 75 Years of Life Tuesday, March 20, 2018 (Spring Equinox) I was born 75 years ago today. I know 75 is a somewhat arbitrary number, yet our culture has assigned it some significance. CAC staff encouraged me to share my journey, and they sifted through old photo albums to illustrate my very human path.… Continue Reading 75 Years of Life

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Our theme this year is Nothing Stands Alone. What could happen if we embraced the idea of God as relationship—with ourselves, each other, and the world? Meditations are emailed every day of the week, including the Weekly Summary on Saturday. Each week builds on previous topics, but you can join at any time.
In a world of fault lines and fractures, how do we expand our sense of self to include love, healing, and forgiveness—not just for ourselves or those like us, but for all? This monthly email features wisdom and stories from the emerging Christian contemplative movement. Join spiritual seekers from around the world and discover your place in the Great Story Line connecting us all in the One Great Life. Conspirare. Breathe with us.