I’m very moved by your post, Emanuel, and I think your application of David’s story to present day shows courage and insight. Your description of the elements of judgment, forgiveness, and healing and the role they play in bringing about reconciliation is particularly striking. I agree that your words can lead us to be optimistic that our sins…[Read more]

Thank you for your thought-provoking reflections, Sr. Becca and Sr. Deana. I can’t speak to the qualities of a monastic life though I believe in the value of following a rule of life so that honoring God is the center of all activities. I appreciate the simple advice for eating and exercise that you offer, Sr. Becca, and Sr. Deana, your question…[Read more]

Br. Monty, I think that is a wise approach. Do you find it has been effective in creating relationships that are healthier for you and other parties involved?

Blessings,
Maggie

Sr. Deana, thank you for opening this meaningful discussion on an important topic. For me, the reassurance that the forum is a safe place to share is comforting, and like Tom, I hope that sharing my authentic experiences and spiritual revelations and challenges is fruitful. That being said, the advice I used to give my writing students on…[Read more]

Sr. Becca, thank you for your honest and thought-provoking response. What I find particularly difficult about forgiveness is the need to forgive over and over again. Forgiving someone for a hurtful action, I have discovered, does not mean that the person will not hurt me again. I have one person in my life in particular who comes to mind, and I…[Read more]

Thank you for your comments. Sr. Becca, I appreciate your recommendation of the book The Sign of the Cross by Bert Ghezzi and have read over the preview. I was struck by the author’s connection between the symbol of the sign of the cross and the impact that the ritual of signing had on his daily life and spiritual growth. I will add this book…[Read more]

One way I have learned to appreciate the rhythms of the Christian year on a weekly, seasonal, and yearly basis is by becoming familiar with the Revised Common Lectionary. My ministerial association provides a round table weekly podcast on Thursdays to discuss the Lectionary readings for the following Sunday and to explore their significance in…[Read more]

Sister Becca, I absolutely share your struggle between prioritizing relationships and having a tendency to be introverted. Finding balance is something I am still working on, but I think recognizing that quiet times give me energy to respond better in my relationships has helped.

Thank you for your comment, Becca. I believe there is a lot of overlap between vision and mission, and the distinctions are not always clear. I don’t think the terminology is all that important if people feel they have a sense of direction that fulfills their spiritual purpose.

I’m glad you share my love of the Peace Prayer of St. Francis, and…[Read more]

That’s a very good question, Sister Becca. It does seem wise to take a retreat in lives so busy that we feel we have to compartmentalize all of our tasks into silos. I think such retreats would offer not only a chance to renew our spirits and refresh our minds and bodies, but also provide an opportunity to reevaluate our priorities. Even a…[Read more]

What a beautiful quote! As a global thinker, I am often struggling to contain and organize overflowing thoughts, influences, information, emotions, and experiences. David Steindl-Rast’s quote provides a perspective about the benefits of just releasing these elements that definitely bears further reflection. Thank you for posting…[Read more]

Your mission statement provides an overview of a plan for living that I found very clear and direct. I’m sure that it will serve you well in creating your rule for living that will also be motivating for other people. Thank you for sharing it.

Blessings,
Maggie Hoggard

Dr. Nobles, thank you for your comments and for the recommendation. I’ve downloaded an ebook version of Brother Lawrence’s book along with a devotional guide and look forward to studying them in the coming weeks. I love your insight into how you came to see your identity as one who is beloved by God. Upon reflection, who could want for anything…[Read more]

Becca, the questions you raise are challenging ones that get to the heart of what it means to choose “the better part” and what it is that motivates us to be Marthas rather than Marys. Since in the time of Jesus, there were prohibitions against women being educated, His advocacy for Mary being included in the instruction with males resonates with…[Read more]

I share the struggle of doing versus being as well, and I was brought up short by Br. Monty’s observation that much of his contemplation was actually focused on doing. I find myself reflecting on whether that is true for me too. How much of my prayer life, for instance, have I devoted to asking God for direction or clarification about what He…[Read more]

I loved the metaphor of living life without silos, and I think it really struck me because I have compartmentalized roles and responsibilities for so much of my life. I would like to think that my central values and purpose remained constant despite the silos I relied on to ease daily functioning, but I know I let some important aspects of my…[Read more]