When I was a pastor, I was invited to lunch by the parish’s ladies group. The group gave me a Christmas present. At the presentation, one of the group’s leaders told a joke as she presented my present.
Tag: spirituality
Seeking detachment from the way things were
 |
|
My daughter’s yearbook arrived the other day.
Brimming with colorful photos of smiling students and teachers at various gatherings, it filled me with not only the nostalgia that always accompanies the end of the school year but with a yearning for the way things used to be, before masks and social distancing.
Humility is the basis of the spiritual life
 |
|
“Though He was in the form of God, Jesus did not deem equality with God something to be grasped at. Rather, He emptied Himself and took the form of a slave, being born in the likeness of men. He was known to be of human estate, and it was thus that He humbled Himself, obediently accepting even death, death on a cross!”
Paul quotes these lines of the Kenotic Hymn in the second chapter of his letter to the Philippians, citing Christ’s example of humility as a model for the community to emulate.
Two leaders of the Christian community in Philippi were fighting with each other, causing dissension and conflict, so Paul, from his prison cell, seeks to heal the division. The Kenotic Hymn is probably the earliest Scriptural articulation of the Paschal Mystery, the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The Greek word “kenosis” means “self-emptying,” a pouring out, a radical gift of self.
Talk in Janesville on Carmelite spirituality
JANESVILLE — Fr. Thomas Otanga, OCD, will talk about Carmelite spirituality on Sunday, March 11, at 11 a.m. at St. John Vianney Church, 1250 E. Racine St.
He will discuss the spirituality of such Carmelite saints as St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila, and St. Thérèse of Lisieux.
The Order of Carmelite Discalced Seculars (OCDS) in Janesville is the only one in the Diocese of Madison. OCDS members are men, women, married, and single from all walks of life.
The spiritual path of ‘Doctor Strange’
 |
|
Scott Derickson’s new film, Doctor Strange, has received rave reviews for its special-effects, its compelling story-telling, and the quality of its actors, but I would like to focus on the spirituality implicit in it. Doctor Strange is far from a satisfying presentation of the spiritual order, but it represents a significant step in the right direction, which proves especially helpful for our time.
The plot line
Played by the always splendid Benedict Cumberbatch, Dr. Strange is dashing, handsome, ultra-cool, a brilliant neurosurgeon, called upon to handle only the most delicate and complex surgeries. He is also unbearably arrogant, pathologically self-absorbed, utterly dismissive of his colleagues, something of a first-class jerk.
Reflecting on the value of work
 |
|
Labor Day is a public holiday which honors the American labor movement and contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. It also offers us opportunities to reflect upon the value of work.
Through Baptism and Confirmation, our daily lives are consecrated, through the indwelling Spirit, to proclaim, reveal, and witness to God’s Kingdom through our prayers, Eucharist, charity, and our daily work.
Be proud of work
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.'”
Why you should read The Great Divorce
|
|
In my capacity as regional bishop of the Santa Barbara pastoral region, which covers two entire counties north of Los Angeles, I am obliged to spend a good deal of time in the car.
To make the long trips a bit easier, I have gotten back into the habit of listening to audio books. Just recently, I followed, with rapt attention, a book that I had read many years ago but which I had, I confess, largely forgotten: C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce.
The inspiration for this theological fantasy is the medieval idea of the refrigerium, the refreshment or vacation from Hell granted to some of the souls abiding there.
How to build a solid spiritual plan for life
REEDSBURG — On January 8, 2015, the second evening in a series of talks for the Spirits and Spirituality Program was held at Karstens Hall at Camp Gray in Reedsburg.
The program is a joint effort between St. Cecilia Parish in Wisconsin Dells, St. Joseph Parish in Baraboo, and Sacred Heart Parish in Reedsburg. All parish members ages 21 and over are invited to attend.
Reflections on work as we mark Labor Day
|
|
Labor Day offers us opportunities to reflect upon the value, blessings, and crosses of work from the perspective of Catholic spirituality. Since we spend much time working and commuting to work, such reflection is important.
In Genesis 1:26 God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” By our work, we honor the gifts and talents we received from God. Our work helps us to co-create with God by transforming creation in ways that benefit humanity, reflect Christ-like values, and bring creation to its completion and fulfillment.
Transforming the world — and ourselves
When we make crutches or rosaries, or write about poverty, we ought to feel good because our work benefits others. When we prepare meals, grow crops, or repair computers, we should be proud because our work serves others.
Abbot Marcel Rooney founds institute to deepen understanding of sacred liturgy
MADISON — In Latin, “orate” means “pray.” More than just an invitation, it is a command to pray, says Abbot Marcel Rooney, OSB, former abbot primate of the Benedictine Order.