Related to our recent posts, I have come upon a possible method to handle what can become a real spiritual dilemma. My posts have been based on how the current political and ecclesial divisions strain our faith and our religious spirit. I pointed out that theologian and writer Walter Brueggemann developed a concept of royal... Continue Reading →

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com Our call in this life is an amiable one. We are called to flourish. The Greeks knew this. For many years, I taught parts of classical Greek philosophy and Catholic theology as a basis of ethics in the media, a course I thoroughly enjoyed teaching. In a nutshell, there are some concepts... Continue Reading →

Bring on the sunshine. Dig your toes into the sand or the grass or the creamy foam of the morning ocean. Open the zany beach umbrella or the table umbrella on your patio or in your backyard. Or simply languish on the squeaky porch swing or the rocker or the chaise lounge. But, for heaven’s... Continue Reading →

Quick now. Can you name off the top-of-your head someone or something like an activity or a piece of art, which inspired you to make a major change in your life? Do you need more time to think of a name or several?  I recommend a practice you can do periodically to list the names... Continue Reading →

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com We are very close to the formal start of our election process which usually begins on Labor Day. But we will be enduring an insufferable summer for more than hot days and humid nights. Political fires will ignite furies and tempers under the embers of our anxieties smoldering as they were for... Continue Reading →

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com Traditionally, Americans have celebrated June for weddings and graduations, both of which inspire joy and celebrate achievement. Having attended the wedding of my godson and nephew recently to his wonderful bride, and having read several graduation speeches, I got to thinking about commitment and its power to encourage others who witness how... Continue Reading →

(Occasionally I ask Lily, our little Maltipoo, to write a letter to the President. She is full of advice about anything canine. Her letters provide some much-needed levity when we get too serious.) Dear Mr. President:  I’m so sorry that I haven’t written to you in so long after Commander left your company to be rehomed.... Continue Reading →

Photo Credit: Freepik Today is Memorial Day, a day of commemorating the fallen who fought on our behalf in wars that took our young but assured our freedom. It makes me pause to recall in a sobering way that at this point in history most of us have no personal relationship with a man or... Continue Reading →

Photo Credit: Jesuit Retreat Center - Parma, Ohio You may be making your summer plans by now or at least thinking about them. There’s a lot to consider for summer. Gardening, yard work, outdoor house repairs, picnics, family reunions. Yep, there’s a heap of living to be done when the warm, slash hot, season is... Continue Reading →

If you haven’t seen the movie Cabrini, be sure to make the effort. By now, however, it might be streaming on one of the several venues like Netflix or Max, etc. It is the story of St. Francis Xavier Cabrini, and the founding of her missionary community in her native Italy before coming to America to... Continue Reading →