Year: 2020

“Helena was not merely content to be a pious mom praying on the sidelines–when she was about 70, she went on a two year pilgrimage to the Holy Land and was the instrumental force in establishing what we now know as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The site was built on both the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and tomb, and contains the last four stations of the actual Via Dolorosa.”

“I have watched doctors, nurses, and other staff continuing to do their jobs in the most trying of circumstances. We call them heroes—but too often we call people heroes but then are content to continue to put them in harm’s way.”

“But, along came Cornelius, with his very Roman household. They listened to Peter proclaim Good News of God in Christ, and before any of them affirmed faith or gave permission, the Holy Spirit fell unbidden upon them. (Acts 10:44-48) It seems that God refuses to be bound by anyone’s understanding of the way religion ought to be practiced.”

“We wait trusting that God waits with us in our longings, questions, doubts, and fears. We wait holding close to God’s truth that we are not alone. We wait offering our prayers for what is to come delighting in God’s provision right now.”

“Many theologians and mystics have taught ways to separate the two. A classic textbook is St. Ignatius Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises, with its daily examination of conscience (Examen) to stay on track. But actually learning how to live in this messy world full of messy people, and to hear God’s voice within you, takes practice, prayer, and trusted teachers and companions. “