Oblate Program at Belmont Abbey, NC

Tag: Dohle

The experience of Mercy

“Mercy expresses God’s sovereignty. God is not like a judge or a public servant, who justly applies the law established by a higher authority. In this process, he does not proceed in an arbitrary fashion; rather, he acts according to his own loving kindness. Mercy is not opposed to justice. Mercy does not suspend justice;… Read More ›

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The way our culture is going

The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable. —Brennan Manning I was talking to friend who was complaining about the way our culture is going…. Read More ›

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In times of darkness, trust

Because always, even in the darkest moments, in moments of sin, in moments of weakness, in moments of failure, I have seen Jesus and I trusted Him. He has not left me alone. —Pope Francis It can be easy to say ‘God is Love’, perhaps too easy. Love is stronger than death; it does not… Read More ›

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Feast of the Magi (Epiphany 2016)

Outside of the Jewish faith, three men who sought wisdom all the days of their lives, seeking the light, truth and wisdom, followed the Star over the land facing danger, discomfort and even death.  O Lord, that we may also seek truth and wisdom without rancor towards others and not allowing fear or anxiety to… Read More ›

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A New Year of Mercy (2016)

For the New Year of 2016, may we grow in the courage to look within, and in that seeing and experiencing our own inner struggles and failures; we may grow in compassion for others and understand that just as we each need mercy, so perhaps we should extend it to all. A friend of mine… Read More ›

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Grace and gift giving (What I learned from my Dad)

In 1983 my mother died at the age of 63. It was not a sudden death. On my home visit in 1982 she told me that she had about a year to live. She was worried however about dad because he kept thinking she would get better. So when mom died it hit my dad… Read More ›

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Feast of the Holy Family 2015

In good families, as well as those that are less so, have chaos as an important component. Children from the moment they are born begin growing apart from their parents, becoming individuals in their own right. There is a saying, the love of parents move towards allowing their children to becoming more and more independent,… Read More ›

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Stephen the Martyr Feast Day (Day after Christmas 2015)

For many, Christmas can be a very sentimental time of the year. Baby Jesus, pretty lights and decorations, parties and yes gifts. All good, and possibly for those who don’t get caught up in the cultural tornado of frenzied activity (probably more than is realized), a very good time of the year. Sentiment is good… Read More ›

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In the beginning was the Word

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.—Luke 2:14 Peace is something mankind longs for. Even those who are committing acts of terror or hoping for a future of peace when their cause wins, which is an illusion, for the fruit of violence is more violence. God has good… Read More ›

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Our deepest longings to be seen and loved

God with us is not some abstract theological theory, but a lived experience if we do not fear the process needed in order for that to become a reality The season of Advent brings to the fore the importance of waiting, patience and endurance. We all have rites of passage in our lives, some we… Read More ›

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