Writings for the Journey

Jesus took Peter, James, and John up the mountain where they experienced him transformed, totally loved and accepted by his Father. “This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased, listen to him.” Peter was so taken by this experience that he wanted to...

As we grow in our Christian life, we want to be able to grow in our relationship with Jesus. When people become friends, they gradually want to reveal to one another who they really are without putting on a mask to appear more acceptable. Jesus wants us to be...

When we think of an entrance into contemplation, we think of Mary, Jesus’ mother. She must have had a tremendous openness for receiving God’s presence in her life. That trust was most evident when she accepted the Holy Spirit’s design for bringing Jesus into our...

Henri Nouwen tells a story about his love of the circus. When he was a small boy, his father took him to the circus that was touring Germany. There were lions and tigers, but what thrilled him the most was the high wire act. Three of five family members twirled...

Jesus preached with words, but much of his preaching involved tales that were about acting in a certain way. The good Samaritan, the widow’s might, the prodigal son, the man who wanted to store up his grain in a second barn... these are a few examples of people who...

This past weekend a group of people on retreat made a one-year commitment as Holy Cross Associates (now called Spes Unica Associates). They promised to grow spiritually, create community, and serve others. Our vocation is a call from God. As Christians, we do not say...

What do I have that is truly my own? When I have thoughts about life, God, other people, is it only my thinking? Maybe these thoughts come from a cast of players who have had an influence on my life. There are my parents and the generations that preceded them, my...

Most of us keep a calendar. We record the events of our lives with its dates and times. There are obligations, meetings, and many other items. We sometimes are not tuned in to what is happening now. We find the days, weeks, months, and seasons slipping by. What we...

Jesus says that he is the vine and we are the branches. Where do the branches get its green leaves, and its ability to produce the grapes? In the metaphor it is from the vine that is Christ. It is Christ who creates the dynamic the gives energy, strength do produce...