The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
As we seek to serve you, Lord
As we walk with all of our Sisters and Brothers
As we see you in the face of the stranger
As we see you in the face of the homeless person on the street
As we see you in the face of the refugee
As we see you, we realize
There are NO strangers or aliens
There are simply your children
There are simply our own family members
For all of your creation
For all of your children
I lift this humble prayer to you
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
“Brigid is especially connected to the elements of water and fire. Many holy wells across Ireland are dedicated to her and wells are places of healing, where those suffering with illness come to be transformed.”
— Christine Valters Paintner, PhD Sacred Seasons: A Yearlong Journey through the Celtic Wheel of the Year- A Self-Study Online Retreat
An excellent reminder even in the midst of the freezing temps… humanity is the common ground…
Temperature Cleveland, Minnesota January 30, 2019
We’ve been experiencing a bit of a chill in Minnesota. It’s not that we haven’t been here before, we have. But, it’s been a few years since the subzero temperatures of today, were quite so low. We are owning our bragging rights. Family members from my home town in southern Minnesota were posting on Facebook the minus 30 degrees farenheit registered this morning.
There have been some nasty surprises today. Electrical poles have split from the cold and other poles had equipment failures, leading to power outages. One area of the state has a natural gas breakdown going on. The official word is their system is “strained.” Xcel Energy has rented motel rooms for those without gas. A Sheriff’s office is dropping off space heaters. It was too cold for Deicer to work at the airport this morning. Flights were canceled until we warmed…
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This truly breaks my heart… and ironically, today I am wearing a shirt with Merton’s quote: Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy.
About ten miles or so from Thomas Merton Square in Louisville, KY — the street corner where Merton had his famous “Fourth and Walnut” epiphany in 1958 — is a Hindu house of worship, Swaminarayan Temple. Earlier this week, the temple was vandalized.
— Read on www.patheos.com/blogs/carlmccolman/2019/01/religious-violence-hate-crimes-and-contemplation/
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
You call us to a variety of ministries
You guide us through a variety of tasks
You give to us strength in our weakness
You give to us hope in the midst of despair
You give to us love in the midst of hatred
You give to us a sacred calling
You equip us for that calling
Lord, make us instruments of your peace
In your mercy, hear this humble prayer
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
“Every photo we make is in some way a self-portrait, because it reveals something about how we see the world.”
— Christine Valters Paintner, PhD Eyes of the Heart: Photography as a Christian Contemplative Practice
Jake’s book, like his Blog Looking For God in Messy Places, is in part a reflective-autobiography and spiritual discernment. His honest and humble look at a life that was often tumultuous and difficult is incredible. His stories and his way with words draws you into the narrative so that you feel you are literally there. His use of story and Scripture invites the reader into a deeper discussion and discernment in their own life. He sure did that with me and I found some incredible connections as a result. This book, despite the difficult and often painful nature of his story, is literally soaked in hope! His interpretation of the Parables of Jesus for today resonated deeply with me. It is both timeless and timely as we navigate this complex and complicated world. His tone is pastoral and caring, not preachy!
The discussion questions at the end of each chapter invite the reader to continue the discussion. This would be an excellent resource for small group study or even a congregation wide study.
Thank you, Jake, for this offering of your life, story, and faith!
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
When the day is done and the sun has set
When you sit and reflect on the day gone by
Where have you seen the Spirit’s presence
Where have you shared the love of Christ
Where have you shone the light go God’s Grace in the darkness
Lord, help us to see your presence
Lord, help us to be your light
Lord, make us instruments of your peace
In your mercy, hear this humble prayer
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
Remembering a brief holy rest
Time spent wandering intentionally
Time spent simply being still
Time for reflection and contemplation
Time spent with my beloved wife
For such sacred moments and times I thank you, Lord
Now, as my eyelids grow heavy
I lift this humble prayer to you
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
A powerful reminder…. we are not invisible!
Notice Me by Kaze
Sitting in a café, drinking tea and using the free wi-fi, a homeless man looking scruffy and tired walks up to me.
“Hi,” he says. He talks about his grandmother and how she died. I nod and make ‘fill-in” comments, like “okay,” and “that’s nice.”
He keeps talking with great detail, never repeating himself. Finally, he says, “I have schizophrenic problems. I don’t like the meds. They make me blah. Well, I have to go now.”
He turns as to go and then turns back and starts talking again. He does this several times but always comes back to talk some more. He is very friendly and seems to want me to understand about each member of his family. I continue to nod and utter meaningless comments.
Finally, he says, “I just want someone to notice me. My grandmother noticed me.” And he started talking again…
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