Verse of the day
Now go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you are to speak.
– Exodus 4:12
Voice of the day
Lord, take me where You want me to go / Let me meet who You want me to meet / Tell me what You want me to say and / Keep me out of your way.
– Fr. Mychal Judge
Prayer of the day
God, go with us, speak through us, lead us to those you’ve chosen, give us the words you would have us say, and keep us out of your way.
On the flight between Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and the Dallas / Fort Worth International Airport, I was doing a bit of reading from Thomas Merton’s book Disputed Questions. In the light of all that is going on in this country and the profound lack of critical thinking on the part of so many who support the totalitarian regime that is the current presidential administration, these words from Merton seemed quite appropriate.
It seems to me that for all our pride in our freedom and individuality we have completely renounced thinking for ourselves. What passes for “thinking” is mass-produced, passively accepted, or not even accepted. We simply submit to the process of being informed, without anything actually registering on our mind at all. We are content to turn on a switch and be comforted by the vapid, but self-assured slogans of the speaker who, we fondly hope, is thinking for the whole nation. (p. 5, Kindle edition)
“All too much violence exists in the world and our societies. Amid wars, terrorism, human trafficking and widespread aggression, our children and young people need to be able to experience the culture of life, dialogue, and mutual respect. Above all, they need the witness of men and women who embody a different and non-violent way of living. From local and everyday situations up to the international order, whenever those who have suffered injustice and violence resist the temptation to seek revenge, they become the most credible agents of non-violent peacebuilding processes. Non-violence, as a method and a style, must distinguish our decisions, our relationships and our actions.”—Pope Leo XIV, 30 May 2025
Verse of the day
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
– Romans 8:38-39
Voice of the day
Both God and LGBT people send forth a radical love that breaks down fixed categories and boundaries.
– Patrick S. Cheng, “Radical Love: An Introduction to Queer Theology” (2011)
Prayer of the day
Let us dwell in the truth that nothing—no category, boundary, or fear—can separate us from your radical, liberating love that welcomes and affirms all your children.
“We have a choice today about what we put in our hands: do we put clothes on the backs of the naked, the needy, the migrants in our neighborhoods, or do we put weapons of war in our hands to spread fear and terror?” -Fr. Brendan Patrick Busse SJ, Catholic priest & pastor of Dolores Mission Church / Iglesia Misión Dolores
Here is the great temptation of the modern age, this universal infection of fanaticism, this plague of intolerance, prejudice and hate which flows from the crippled nature of man who is afraid of love and does not dare to be a person. It is against this temptation most of all that the Christian must labor with inexhaustible patience and love, in silence, perhaps in repeated failure, seeking tirelessly to restore, wherever he can, and first of all in himself, the capacity of love and which makes man the living image of God. — Disputed Questions, “Christianity and Totalitarianism”
On Pride: This sickness is most dangerous when it succeeds in looking like humility. When a proud man thinks he is humble his case is hopeless. — Seeds of Contemplation, p. 38
Verse of the day
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.
– Psalm 139:14
Voice of the day
It’s okay to distance yourself from spaces that demand a version of you that no longer is true. Belonging shouldn’t depend on an illusion.
– Cole Arthur Riley
Prayer of the day
Creator, help us to embrace the truth that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, giving us courage to step away from places that ask us to be anything less than our authentic selves.
We did a lot of walking/hiking in and around Skagway (10.7 miles). By the time we got back to the ship, I was exhausted. I have also been reading Thomas Merton’s Alaskan Journal (Thomas Merton in Alaska: The Alaskan Conferences, Journals, and Letters). This entry seemed apropos after the long day of hiking.
Last Sunday I climbed a mountain behind the convent, guided by a boy who knew the trail. Very tired after it! (p. 27)
We have barely touched the tip of the iceberg (pun fully intended!) on this cruise when it comes to experiencing the wild beauty of Alaska. Today we are cruising Glacier Bay and have seen a number of glaciers. While we aren’t hiking we are experiencing the amazing beauty of the rugged landscape. We have watched otters floating, terns fishing, and a couple of harbor seals swimming. A reminder to slow down and experience the wonder of God’s creation.
I find it interesting that Merton was so focused on getting to Asia that he at times seemed to be in a hurry to leave Alaska. However, he was able to take time to simply be in the wilderness. This time for me is a time to slow down and simply be still.
In the words of the psalmist, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
Verse of the day
Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us, and his love is perfected in us.
– 1 John 4:11–12
Voice of the day
Love will lead us to the ways that we can show up and love others as we love ourselves.
– Darren Calhoun, “LGBTQ+ Christians Can Build Bridges With Our Non-Affirming Family”
Prayer of the day
God of love, as you abide in us, help us be led by your love so we may show up with compassion, reflecting your presence by loving others as fully as we are loved by you.
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