Whenever our interior life becomes caught up in its own interests and concerns, there is no longer room for others, no place for the poor. God’s voice is no longer heard, the quiet joy of his love is no longer felt, and the desire to do good fades. – Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium 2 IContinue reading >>
Dirty
In the millenia before Ashtags and selfies and Ashes at Starbucks and neat little crosses administered with freshly washed hands, people knew you meant something if you had ashes on your heads. You were mourning, or were sorrowful, or had done something so damaging to the community that public penance was required. You were oneContinue reading >>
7 Lenten ideas that have nothing to do with candy
I’m reposting one of my favorite collections of spiritual suggestions, full of resources for a fruitful Lent. Rather than try to come up with a new batch of ideas, why not stick with what works? **Updated with latest link to Sacred Space for Lent 2018 Lent is one of my favorite times of year. MaybeContinue reading >>
When Lent can’t be about playing with your food
Food is literally what gets us through the day. It gathers us together, it gives us joy, it affects our bodies, and it inspires our creativity. For these reasons I’ve never poo-poohed making a sacrifice of some type of food during Lent. To alter the rhythm of our days by changing our eating patterns guaranteesContinue reading >>
Laetare Sunday and my pink belt
On this fourth Sunday of Lent, many liturgical Christians will shed their purple, don some rose, and heed the call to rejoice. Naturally, I feel some pressure to match my clothes to the liturgical calendar, especially since I always spend Laetare Sunday conducting a choir and attending a brunch at a large alumni event forContinue reading >>