Living the Rule 
Stories and examples of how monastics and oblates live out the Rule in their daily lives.
Evil is truly the great Banality
“Imaginary evil is romantic and varied; real evil is gloomy, monotonous, barren, boring. Imaginary good is boring; real good is always new, marvelous, intoxicating.” ― Simone Weil When I was in the Navy, people often made fun of those who were on some kind of disciplined spiritual path. They believed that they must be unhappy… Read More ›
On the side of the downtrodden
For all, those who are Pro-Life and the Pro-Choice camp, the abortion issue is painful and heartbreaking. “Human beings are so made that the ones who do the crushing feel nothing; it is the person crushed who feels what is happening. Unless one has placed oneself on the side of the oppressed, to feel with… Read More ›
A troubled young man
About a year ago, we had a young man come into the retreat house one morning asking if he could stay a couple of nights. He was traveling and his place of employment would pay for his lodging. Did not know what his job entailed, but he told me that he was on the road… Read More ›
Pope Francis: A defense
I read an article on the Christian Review titled: Four Years Later: Reflections on an Unprecedented Pontificate. When I first starting reading the article I found myself rolling my eyes a bit, and I guess they may still be rolling. It started off with this quote: “On March 13, 2013, I sat in my office… Read More ›
Being with
One of our newest employees, Fiona is her name, has very recently suffered a great tragedy in her family. One of her brothers died recently from drowning. I can’t imagine how horrible it must be to receive that kind of news; it is not something one can prepare themselves for. She is a gentle soul,… Read More ›
Just another day
It was a hot day in Georgia, so I guess it was just another day. Air heavy, kinda hard to breathe, sweat, and yes more thirsty than hungry. I was with Jerome, dental appointment, as usual went longer than it should have, so I asked him if he would like to eat out. Of course… Read More ›
What the Near Death Experience may have to offer us
It all about perspective and yes faith as well My faith will dictate to me my perspective towards the world, its meaning and my place in it. As a Catholic that perspective will hone it down to a finer point. Then I am a monk, so that will further narrow down how I interrupt the… Read More ›
Changing perception
A piece I wrote 11 years ago when in working in our infirmary. For whatever reason, Clarence’s driver, the one who takes him to dialysis did not show up on Thursday morning. So I was called to take him in for his appointment. The trip is not a long one, it takes about 25 minutes… Read More ›
Holy man off Cleveland exit I-75
He actually has a regal look about him, at least when first spotted, sitting on the side of the road. Long white beard, thin hair also uncut, in matching white shirt and shorts, soaked with sweat on some days. Looks almost like some sort of holy man one might see in India, along the roads… Read More ›
The waiting
If you can be quiet enough, attain an inner calm, it is the reality of waiting, of just being that comes to consciousness, though for what, well, perhaps that is the question. Being busy is a way of losing that awareness, the absurdity of life apart from the silent waiting below the churning thoughts fears,… Read More ›