Tag Archives: hope

“Live what you express.”

This quote comes from a sermon by St. Augustine, Bishop of Hippo.[1]  Sounds a lot like an expression commonly heard in 12 step communities: You can’t just talk the talk and expect to get anywhere – you’ve got to walk … Continue reading

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Convincing Jeremiah.

Jeremiah was a reluctant prophet. Today, from the Mt. of Olives, we caught this glimpse of his home town Anatot. I can imagine him growing up, a rambunctious Preacher’s kid, running around and never imagining that God would call him … Continue reading

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The hand of God.

In Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom, John Donohue’s description of intimacy speaks of what I have come to know as being present with another.   When he speaks of “intimacy as sacred,”[1] he uses the example of a mystic … Continue reading

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The only way out.

“The only way out is through.”  These wise words were spoken to me some three decades ago, during my initiation into a way of life based on the 12 steps of recovery.  The friend who shared this wisdom was communicating … Continue reading

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The gift of encouragement.

“I want your voice on my GPS,” my friend Kate remarked a few years ago.  She was driving a group of us to a retreat at Holy Cross Monastery, along the Hudson River. As often happens when traveling “country” roads, … Continue reading

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Temporary housing.

The mornings have grown fairly warm, but we all know the real summer heat has yet to arrive. Last week, I rode with a small, dedicated team as they visited a few old friends, including one woman who has been … Continue reading

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In the vesper light.

Late yesterday I was privileged to attend an interfaith prayer meeting.  Though we concluded our time by breaking bread together, enjoying a feast in the salt air and getting to know one another, the primary purpose of our gathering was … Continue reading

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Radical unprotectedness.

Earlier this week, as I was fishing for information on St. Francis of Assisi, I came across a phrase attributed to Simon Tugwell, who describes Franciscan spirituality as “a way of radical unprotectedness.” The meaning of “unprotectedness” seemed obvious to … Continue reading

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Four amigos.

This morning I had the privilege of meeting with four gentlemen – “pillars of the community” – who were hoping I would serve on a small community board with them.  I couldn’t imagine why they would want me – I … Continue reading

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Blessed by the most vulnerable.

As I go along in ministry, I seem to get clearer and clearer about my sense of call.  Rapidly I find myself getting over the need to apologize for what often comes across as a broad and unwieldy sense of … Continue reading

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