Oblate Program at Belmont Abbey, NC

Tag: self knowledge

Our True Nature

“Break free of yourself. Take note as to whether even here, you are acting for me or for you. Cease to exist in your own eyes and focus everything on me. first and foremost your thoughts, since your actions depend on them. At noon couldn’t you take stock of your inner life in such a… Read More ›

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Prayer, self-knowledge, and union with others

Self-knowledge and humility go hand in hand and necessary if one’s prayer is to take fruit. Putting on the ‘Mind of Christ’ can be at times arduous, yet it also leads to great joy. People who take their relationship with God seriously know that when speaking of prayer it has different shades of meaning. Prayer if… Read More ›

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The Character of George Washington

When George Washington died in 1799, Congress passed a resolution naming him “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.” In his new book, “Founding Father,” Richard Brookhiser reflects on why Washington warranted this great tribute. “Founding Father” is a “moral biography,” a meditation on the importance of character,… Read More ›

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Our self awareness

To exist, to be, our self awareness, these are gifts given to us that nothing can lessen their value.  It is true that life is very difficult; we all go through periods of deep pain and suffering, as well as moments when we are happy and content.  Yet it all passes, but our sense of… Read More ›

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What or who we truly are is not yet known

I agree that being a loving person is something humans are not. Yet we strive to become loving and in that we call upon the Lord for grace and healing. Self knowledge allows us to see our need and woundedness without despairing, or having our ego shattered. Jesus as the Word has loved us into… Read More ›

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Intuition and faith

I think that it is important on the spiritual path, to trust ones intuition when encountering some kind of problem with the faith, images of God, or simply what is told by Father, or some other spiritual authority. As we mature in the faith and also experience, we have more to draw from than is… Read More ›

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Inner freedom

It is a difficult road to travel when someone simply wants to be a decent human being. For the desire to do the right thing, to be fair, just, loving, compassionate and yes to have empathy for others, usually leads to inner conflict and suffering. Before that desire comes into being, it is possible to… Read More ›

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Stances

I was reading from the 1st letter of John . . . and came upon this verse: “love cast out fear”. I have often wondered at this and have longed for the freedom that it offers, for those who come to some experience, or understanding, of what it means. I would suppose most children have a… Read More ›

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Laughter

I pretty much find humor everywhere, people, events, politics, faith; all have their humorous side for there is much that can be laughed about, not in cruelty, though humor can be used for that, or in mockery. Yet for the most part, I believe humor has at its root in compassion, for we tease, joke,… Read More ›

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About choice

People have different understandings about faith, what it is, why some have it and others don’t and also as one matures, the above understandings change, it seems to be a life long process.  A slow maturing that never ends, an ever deepening adventure for those who are on the path….. pilgrims who learn to deal… Read More ›

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