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Author Archives: Mother Beth Tjoflat
Expectations.
Time and again, we have been warned to avoid having expectations. Our 12-step friends often caution us: “An expectation is a resentment waiting to happen.” The wisdom in this is indisputable. When I shift from dreaming dreams and making plans … Continue reading
Posted in 12-step spirituality, faith, Grace, Recovery, Uncategorized
Tagged 12-step spirituality, compassion, Epiphany, grace, healing, hope, hospitality, inner darkness, integration, mercy, recovery, spiritual growth, vulnerability
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In a mirror, dimly.
For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:12) This phrase came … Continue reading
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The holy “no.”
Originally posted on walkingwithclare:
(Photo taken at the Church of the Visitation, Ein Kerem, Israel.) As we journey this last week toward Christmas, we celebrate the young girl Mary, who without respect to personal cost, said “yes” to the invitation…
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The girl without hands.
Lately I have been thinking about this fairy tale, which I encountered years ago. In the past, it helped me in the “in-between times,” when the realization that old ways of being and doing no longer served me. Our 12-step … Continue reading
The heart of God.
The following sermon was preached this Thanksgiving Day at St. John’s Cathedral, Jacksonville, FL. (Deuteronomy 8:7-18; Psalm 65; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; Luke 17:11-19) May we experience that Love which is no respecter of persons. In the name of God, Father, … Continue reading
Posted in Christianity, Diocese of Florida, faith, Grace
Tagged Christianity, church without walls, community, compassion, grace, gratitude, healing, holy ground, homelessness, hope, mercy, Thanksgiving, unity, vulnerability
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Seven chaplains.
Twelve days ago, I had emergency surgery to remove my gallbladder, followed by a second surgery to remove a wayward stone that was wreaking havoc. Typically these procedures involve no more than a one-day stay, but I had a persistent … Continue reading
Posted in Christianity, faith, Grace
Tagged compassion, grace, gratitude, healing, holy ground, hope, hospital chaplaincy, hospitality, vulnerability
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Commit your way.
This afternoon, a couple of us from Church Without Walls will travel to a meeting of folks committed to ministry on the fringes. Nearly three years ago now, many of these saints graciously received me as a visitor when I … Continue reading
A habit and a habit.
The image that has stayed with me the most powerfully today came when I glanced over towards a new brother (a Benedictine monk) who had come to Church Without Walls for the first time. He was standing in his all-black … Continue reading
Into action.
This broken world needs people of prayer but it also needs people of action. My Third Order Franciscan friends have it right when they affirm a call to service that includes not just prayer and study but work. There is … Continue reading
Posted in Christianity, faith, Grace, Uncategorized
Tagged Christianity, community, compassion, holy ground, hope, inner darkness, mercy, vulnerability
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Church Invisible
Recently I reread a portion of Evelyn Underhill’s writing in which she speaks of the Church Invisible (those saints known only to God) and its role in making manifest the kingdom of God. She writes: Christian selves are simply parts … Continue reading
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