Tag: peace
Learn to have a perfect abandonment of yourself
My son, as much as you can abandon yourself and your own will so much will you enter into Me. And as to desire nothing outwardly brings peace to a man’s soul, so a man, by an inward forsaking of himself, joins himself to God. It is My will, therefore, that you learn to have… Read More ›
Just one look
It was early morning when the day still fresh, the air cool and hope was in the air, before fatigue could set in or disappointment change the days youthful texture, that is when I saw him, sitting peacefully, he was old, in his seventies I would say, with a glorious beard golden in color suffused… Read More ›
The Danger of collaboration with evil
Merely to resist evil with evil by hating those who hate us and seeking to destroy them, is actually no resistance at all. It is active and purposeful collaboration in evil that brings the Christian into direct and intimate contact with the same source of evil and hatred which inspires the acts of his enemy…. Read More ›
Life is all about Prudence
A few weeks ago we noted that there is no longer much difference between “naysayers” and “skeptics” — pointing out that they have become one and the same (skepticism and mockery) in this age of materialism that so disdains the supernatural. But there are other extremes, times when believers begin to believe everything, veering into… Read More ›
Love cannot come of emptiness
I have learned that an age in which politicians talk about peace is an age in which everybody expects war: the great men of the earth would not talk of peace so much if they did not secretly believe it possible, with one more war, to annihilate their enemies forever. Always, “after just one more… Read More ›
It happens to just about everyone
No matter what belief, faith or philosophical stance that is taken, the one holding it will one day be attack for being different from the attacker. It is a sling fest I believe and perhaps it has always been so. Today however it does seem to be more prevalent, no doubt because of our ability… Read More ›
Gospel of Life
This icon depicts Jesus consoling a beloved disciple when he experienced the unexpected frustration and sacrifice required of those who would follow in the footsteps of Christ. Living the Christian life has never been an easy task, and today is no exception! In a world wrought with selfishness and sin, there is opposition all around…. Read More ›
Attainment of peace of heart
Aelred of Rievaulx lists six stages to be passed through in the attainment of peace of heart and tranquility of mind. The rejection of worldly standards, particularly the search for pleasure or possessions and the ambition for honors. The setting aside of self-love, vanity, pride, and the comparison of self with others. Reflection on the… Read More ›
Violence will not really change anything
I am against war, against violence, against violent revolution, for peaceful settlement of differences, for nonviolent but nevertheless radical changes. Change is needed, and violence will not really change anything: at most it will only transfer power from one set of bull-headed authorities to another. Thomas Merton
Five Hard Truths That Will Set You Free
Some years ago I read an essay by the Franciscan Theologian Richard Rohr. I will say, (honestly) that I do not share a lot of agreement with Richard Rohr (no need to detail that here), but I found this particular essay compelling. I do not recall the exact title of that essay but in my… Read More ›