Oblate Program at Belmont Abbey, NC

Tag: Holy Spirit

Yes (God is faithful)

The myth of the spiritual life is that we will one day reach perfection.  If this is not believed consciously, then it is often operating on an unconscious level.  For after all did not Jesus say:  “Be you perfect as your Father is perfect”?  So willpower (the will-to-power), can become the central operative in this… Read More ›

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Moving toward a low-impact environment

Large numbers of people are staying away from mainline church services precisely because they do not want to be put to sleep; much organized religion is seen as all too boring. The absence of religion does not necessarily make them more socially aware. An alternative source of desensitization has emerged. Our excitement-prone generation is looking… Read More ›

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Of Silence

Let us act in conformity with that saying of the Prophet: “I said I will guard my ways lest I sin with my tongue; I have put a bridle on my mouth; I was dumb and was humbled and kept silence from good things.” Here the prophet shows that if we ought at times for… Read More ›

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Waiting

Waiting can be a frustrating process, for it is often mixed with both anticipation and the knowledge of how little control we have in its fulfillment. There is a point in which there is only emptiness, boredom and a feeling of being constrained, when what we desire is withheld from us. We can distract ourselves,… Read More ›

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Holy Water and Blessings Are Especially Crucial at Doctor’s Offices and Hospitals

It is always a good idea to use sacramentals when visiting a doctor and certainly in the hospital. Medals. The Crucifix (especially). Holy Water. For many years now there have been accounts — particularly from nurses (but also regular laity and priests) — about the spiritual dynamics at our health care centers. People of all… Read More ›

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I don’t blame the past

. . . We simply don’t know the inner pain that others carry, or the shame, or anger, until a relationship is formed and trust built up enough, so that some kind of openness and sharing with others can be experienced. I guess that is perhaps one of the great gifts of the 12 step… Read More ›

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Prejudices and bigotry (part 2)

(return to part 1) I remember one day, I saw a women and her small son stranded near a traffic light on Hwy 212, near were I live. She was from a different race and I was hesitant to stop because of how I look. I have a very long beard and hair and some… Read More ›

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Deep

The human heart is deep; filled with longings and desires than can not be fulfilled.  Or if they are, or seem to be, it is soon discovered that fulfillment is also an illusion.  There is always something more to be attained or sought after.  Relationships seem to be one of the main sources of suffering… Read More ›

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Astounded

As I age (I have just turned 62), I find myself being astounded at the turn of events in my life.  In the past, when I went to the doctor, it was a simple matter of going in and getting a clean bill of health; it was expected and I was not disappointed.  Then when… Read More ›

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What is the fullness of time?

1. “When the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman … ” (Gal 4:4). What is the fullness of time? From the standpoint of human history, the fullness of time is a concrete fact. It is the night when the Son of God came into the world in Bethlehem, as… Read More ›

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