Some food for thought in the midst of this world crisis that US “leadership” (I use that term loosely) has created.
Our weapons dictate what we are to do. They force us into corners. They give us our living, they sustain our economy, they bolster up our politicians, they sell our mass media, in short we live by them. But if they continue to rule us we will also most surely die by them. For they have now made it plain that they are the friends of the “preemptive first strike.” They are most advantageous to those who use them first. And consequently nobody wants to be found dead using them second. Hence the weapons keep us in a state of fury and desperation, with our fingers poised over the button and our eyes glued on the radar screen. You know what happens when you keep your eye fixed on something. You begin to see things that aren’t there. — Seeds of Destruction, pp. 265-266 (New Year, 1962)
Merton was writing in the context of the Cold War and little did he know that the USSR and US would stand off in the Cuban Missile Crisis (October 16-29, 1962) before the end of the year. Or perhaps he saw it as an inevitable consequence of the madness that was the Cold War.
Once again we find ourselves here… Lord have mercy on us all.
“[R]esisting empire begins in imagination. It’s daring to dream of a reality entirely brand new: disrupted, shaken, free.”
–Kat Armas, Liturgies for Resisting Empire: Seeking Community, Belonging, and Peace in a Dehumanizing World our Lift Every Voice Book Club selection for March and April
What restricts your ability to imagine a different reality? What frees and strengthens your dreaming muscles?
Read or view our conversation with the author here.
Verse of the day
Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness; rather, expose them.
– Ephesians 5:11
Voice of the day
The cross is part of the mission. The imperialist occupation of the world is disrupted from within; the violence that until now has been the law is unmasked. The poor, imprisoned, and rejected Messiah descends into the darkness of death, yet in so doing He brings a new creation to light.
– Pope Leo XIV
Prayer of the day
Sun of Righteousness, you have broken through the veil of death. Uphold your light as we continue to confront the depravity of those who still champion it.
“Incarnation is more than just being in the body; it is also allowing the body to be the very vessel of connection, service, and sacred encounter. Without our bodies we would have no way of interacting with others in the world.”
–Christine Valters Paintner, PhD, The Wisdom of the Body: A Contemplative Journey to Wholeness for Women
How does your body enable you to engage in sacred encounter with the world?
To register for the self-study companion retreat to the book with extra resources and guidance click here. Use code BODY20 to get 20% off through April 30th. (Video content includes updated closed captions and transcripts.)
Verse of the day
Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
– Philippians 3:19-20
Voice of the day
The biggest threat to the gospel is repurposing it to reinforce the gates of hell on earth. And that is what Caesar’s chaplains do in offering Pax Americana instead of the peace that surpasses all understanding.
– Trey Ferguson, Theologizin’ Bigger (2024)
Prayer of the day
When your words are paired with twisted priorities, permeate the world with the wholeness of your true peace.
“The Exodus, the Exile, and Easter are like the blossoming of Spring after a long, dark Winter. It can catch us by surprise and delight us with new discoveries.”
–Christine Valters Paintner, PhD, Sacred Seasons: A Yearlong Journey through the Celtic Wheel of the Year — A Self-Study, Online Retreat
How are you being called to practice resurrection in the season ahead?
God of Rising, you bring new life to all the places death inhabits. Bless our own dying dreams with your breath of new life. Make our dry bones dance, inspire us to sing, revive our bodies so that we might become more vibrant, hopeful witnesses to the persistence of your love. We call on Christ’s wisdom to bless and sustain us in the practice of resurrection by which we honor our bodies and become agents of generous abundance. May all the nets we draw up from the water be overflowing with fish, may our wounds be still visible as a sign of healing grace, and may we encounter your presence when we sit at table with strangers. Let our lives be a celebration of all the ways your love thrives where once there was only doubt, like the first riot of daffodils in spring.
~Christine Valters Paintner, A Book of Everyday Blessings: 100 Prayers for Dancing Monks, Artists, and Pilgrims (Ave Maria Press)
“The rhythm of the breath connects us to the other ancient rhythm of the heartbeat. When we slow down enough to hear both, we are plunged into the body’s pulse and music. Listen to that song.”
–Christine Valters Paintner, PhD, The Wisdom of the Body: A Contemplative Journey to Wholeness for Women
What do you hear when you slow down enough to listen to the rhythms of your heart and breath?
To register for the self-study companion retreat to the book with extra resources and guidance click here. Use code BODY20 to get 20% off through April 30th. (Video content includes updated closed captions and transcripts.)
“[Mary, Mother of Sorrows] makes space within each of us to meet our own sorrow without turning away or denying it with false platitudes. . . . She holds our pain in the context of her great love, compassion, and care.”
–Christine Valters Paintner, PhD, Birthing the Holy: Wisdom from Mary to Nurture Creativity and Renewal
What invitation are you receiving from Mary, Mother of Sorrows?
To register for the self-study, companion retreat to the book with extra resources and guidance, click here.
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