There is a hurt that comes from the hands of others, and It is the hardest to carry quietly. A friend who became a stranger overnight. Christ knew this road: “When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; When he suffered, He did not threaten, But entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23). And from the cross he whispered, “Father, forgive them, For they know not what they do.” This is nobility: Not the proud refusal to be hurt, But the quiet refusal to ha

Late in the evening when the house is still, The quiet can feel like an absence. I have known that darkness and The prayer that comes with it. It makes the heart ache and The mind vacant. There's the Name too. It's hard to whisper in those moments Because the fear of His abandonment feels real And the desire for wisdom seems fake. I've been there. I'll bet you have, too. It makes you close your eyes and Hold your arms tightly across your waist. Eventually .... and There's alw

Somewhere deep inside, Beneath my titles, My work, My relationships, My words, and If I'm being honest, My own noise ... There is a flame burning. I did not kindle it. It was given as a gift. It was fostered by saints, (and, oddly, some sinners too). I tended to it by Sacrament and Silence (not nearly enough ... yet!) And it has never once been extinguished ... Ever! This is the great, joyful secret of my life (it could be yours too, by the way). God is not far away. The ligh

Freedom is transfiguration The self ... Opened ... Illumined ... Indwelt by the ineffable God. On Tabor ... The veil between Heaven and earth thinned ... Christ was transfigured ... Apostles beheld uncreated light. The mystery's promise? Humanity's destiny ... Radiant with uncreated glory! Tabor's end and Upper room's beginning! Freedom is Pentecost(al) Winds blow while Hidden chains disappear Tongues of fire ... Set people ablaze. Contemplation stills the heart Confession un

We built it and We've been so proud of it. The machine, I mean. The efficient, soul-crushing Machine that has become our life. And no, I'm not talking about the Incessant whine about the marginalized or the Aggressive inanities of any number of Theories espoused, processes employed, and Practices pursued. I'm talking about a culture of noise, of Constant activity, and the Superficial distractions that led to a Deep spiritual disconnection and the Deliberate denial of the Divi

I spoke to the moon once and All I heard was the light of the night. I spoke to the sun too and All I heard was the heat of the day. I spoke to the sky and All I heard was the wisps of the clouds. I spoke to a tree and All I heard was the creaking of branches. I spoke to the rain and All I heard was the patter of droplets. I spoke to the ocean and All I heard was the rolling of waves. Then, I got to thinking ... These things that I saw and that I heard ... gave me peace ... A

"Blessed is the life of those who dwell in the desert, as they mount up with wings of the intense love of God." - Anavathmoi: Antiphon 1....

Today is the Feast of Theophany (January 6) when, at the baptism of Christ in the Jordan, the Holy Trinity appeared clearly to humanity. Think about it like this: the Father's voice is heard from Heaven, the Son of God is incarnate, and the Holy Spirit descends on Him in the form of a dove (cf. Matthew 3:16-17). As you ponder this glorious event that takes place simultaneously in history and eternity, take the time to learn this simple, new prayer that the Holy Spirit reveals

My dear St. Theoctistus of Sicily, you served God and His people by raising up a monastery that became a place of refuge, rest, and protection for people suffering and dying under the tyranny of iconoclasm. Your compassionate tears, your unrelenting labor, and your constant prayer brought forth the uncreated silence of the Holy Spirit and the uncreated light of Christ for those you served. O Righteous One, I ask your intercession today for a brotherhood of men who commit them

My dear St. Sabinus of Sicily, you served God's people by using your gifts of discernment and wonderworking. And sought the omnipresent...