Fr. Henri Nouwen wrote Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World with the intention to inspire secular people to not forsake their spiritual lives. My work as a hospital chaplain often entails offering pastoral care to people in crises who do not associate with any religious denomination. Some of the unifying spiritual … More Brokenness in The Beloved
According to St. Augustine, the inner man is differentiated from the outer man by his ability to reason. The ability to reason makes a human person different than animals. This abstract knowledge from the fourth century presented by St. Augustine is now backed up by science. According to the neuroscientist, Paul MacLean in his book … More What does the Reptilian Brain have to do with the Holy Trinity?
Human beings are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Therefore, the mind of the human person is considered to be good. “And because the mind is regarded as praiseworthy, not only as being learned, but also as being good, one gives heed not only to what he remembers and what he understands, but … More Real Love
In “sapiential” or “wisdom literature” using metaphors is common. In the Book of Sirach, the author is imagining God as a king and ruler who is sitting on his heavenly throne directing providence through the divine word. This image of God prepares the way for the mystery of the Holy Trinity. From this image we are led to imagine a sovereign … More The Origin of the Holy Trinity is Found in Wisdom Literature
The gospel of John chapter fourteen is filled with passages of Jesus comforting his disciples. The disciples want Jesus to stay with them forever. Jesus is explaining to them why he needs to leave. Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there … More Many Dwelling Places
How traumatic was the crucifixion! Yet, equally glorious is the resurrection! The timeless allure of the Easter story resonates in the soul of every person. No one has gone through life without experiencing some kind of betrayal, trauma, mocking rejection, or death. No one! Even the process of being born is a traumatic disruption from a … More The Risen Jesus
Ancient Biblical wisdom literature is beautifully poetic and filled with creative metaphors. Two components of wisdom literature include: (1) envisioning the world and (2) imagining the nature and destiny of human beings. These components of the human imagination can be observed in the scripture verses of Psalm 14 and in Song of Solomon. In terms of envisioning the … More Wisdom Literature
The flow of grace is an amazing thing that brings supernatural life into the world. Grace is not created by human beings. Grace can only be created by God and used by human beings. Therefore, the flow of grace between God and the human person is a flow of divine love where the initial gift … More The Supernatural Life of Grace
One of the most fascinating things I recall from a trip to Disney World was the difference that women can make. One of the attractions at Disney World displayed the wild west theme. There was no structure, no families, life was wild and untamed. Then we went to the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse. … More Women Create Strong Communities
A good dad teaches his son to use his talents and skills with confidence. A great dad teaches his son how to cry and open his eyes to the poor. A good mother teaches her daughter how to joyfully serve others. A great mother teaches her daughter how to stay true to herself and care … More The Difference Between Good & Great
Joyful Living 