Photo Credit: Pixabay.com In literary criticism, there is a term describing people who are essentially good persons but who have a gnawing trait that eats away at their goodness and sometimes emerges as the fatal flaw ending in tragedy. Think of Shakespeare’s Othello, a good man who is easily corrupted into a jealous rage about... Continue Reading →

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com We are praying a lot these days, and many are wondering if our prayers are heard. The wars and atrocities in Ukraine, Israel, Palestine and some of the countries of Africa, have us confused and leave us feeling depressed that so many human beings are suffering under the vicious and savage encroachments... Continue Reading →

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com Last week I referred to Jesuit James Martin’s description of an evil spirit as “a real and coherent force opposed to God and one that can overtake people.” This evil is often personified as a being, a demon. But the reality can be that it is a “devouring worm in Gehenna (hell)”... Continue Reading →

Photo Credit: Mary Ann Flannery, SC It was one year ago that I was part of a group of tourists privileged to walk on the streets and pathways that Jesus walked while on earth. The trip was a thrill of a lifetime and I have written about it before in my blog posts. I have... Continue Reading →

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com If you are an American, did you feel this past week like you were climbing a chain link fence trying to cut through vicious razor wire just to feel free as a citizen of democracy while congress whittled away at that democracy? If you belong to a religious denomination, did you feel... Continue Reading →

Photo Credit: EPIC Assist If I told you I live in Kindland, you would think I was engaged in fantasy, trying to tell you a sweet story, trying to lure you into an imaginative realm.  Who could possibly live in a place called Kindland?  Who made up this imaginary place?  Kindland is real and it is Cleveland,... Continue Reading →

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com I absolutely love music. My favorite genres are pop, (old time), classical, old country, blue grass, and folk. I admit to not liking hard rock or heavy metal and I have to continue my attempts to appreciate hip-hop. Actually, with hip-hop, I get the culture aspect of it and that seems to ingratiate... Continue Reading →

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com I was startled in my tracks last week when someone asked me what conscience was and how is it handled in religion.  Seeing my reaction he continued, “No, seriously, what is conscience?” he asked innocently enough.  My first thought was to suggest he take a course in religious studies at the university where I... Continue Reading →

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com There is so much to love about the leadership style of Francis I, Pope of the Catholic Church. I know that many of you are not Catholic and maybe not even be near the understanding of what a pope is or how this man is considered one of the most energizing and... Continue Reading →

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com SLICING POTATOES It helps, putting my hands on a pot or a broom, in a wash pail. I tried painting, but it was easier to fly  slicing potatoes. And isn’t this true? The Islamic poet Rabia knew of the ‘ordinariness’ of daily spirituality. Her challenging life of abuse left her emotionally unable... Continue Reading →