“First things first” is a common slogan that challenges us to keep our priorities in order. It reminds us to make sure that the most important things in our lives are given “first place,” that is, given priority over other aspects of our lives that are less important. In the…
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In the 1980’s Eugene H. Peterson, American theologian, writer, and poet, wrote a book describing Christian discipleship as “a long obedience in the same direction.” He wanted to stress God’s slow work of transformation in a world obsessed with instant sensations and results. When I first heard Peterson’s description, it…
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In 1936, during the Third Reich, a now famous photo was taken of a group of about 100 shipyard workers in Hamburg, Germany. Men are lined-up close together, facing the same direction, their rigid right arms saluting Hitler…with the remarkable exception of one man. His arms are folded against his…
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Who among us doesn’t weep or at least tear up and grimace at the seeming endless death and disease in our country wreaked by the coronavirus pandemic? There is great sadness and grief at the deaths and suffering caused by COVID-19. Way too many lives in way too many places…
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“Never forget!” was a common cry that followed the horrific events of September 11, 2001 because, as human beings, we naturally recognize the power of remembering. We create holidays and set up memorials so that significant people and events who have made us what we are do not become lost…
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Not too long ago I was speaking to a person seriously ill, unsure if he would survive or not. Naturally, the severity of his condition led him to question how God would receive him if he were to die. Had he lived a good enough life? He knew he had…
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On Sunday, October 11, 1931 Sacred Heart Monastery Chapel was solemnly dedicated by Bishop Thomas Joseph Toolen of Mobile. Last Sunday we celebrated the 89th anniversary of this dedication as a solemn feast. For eighty-nine years this Gothic edifice has stood tall at the center of Sacred Heart Monastery both…
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Each year on the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary on October 7, I recall my childhood days in which praying the rosary was part of my everyday prayer practice. I can remember the beautiful white pearl rosary my grandmother sent me for my First Communion Day and always…
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One of the joys of welcoming new members into the monastery is the enlivened retelling of familiar stories from years gone by at meal times. Eventually, new members will read and study the community’s history, On Good Ground, written by Sister Mary Ruth Coffman, but the oral tradition of the…
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Every year as summer begins to give way to autumn, Jewish people throughout the world gather in synagogues and homes to celebrate the High Holy Days, the ten “Days of Awe.” The message of their celebrations is one of spiritual renewal, fresh starts, and repentance. Every year I try to…
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