Keeping the Faith

Give thanks to the Lord, for God is good, for God’s mercy endures forever. – Psalms 118

In recent weeks I have been privileged to enjoy multiple opportunities to reflect upon the significance of giving thanks. In community with family and friends, here in California and across the country in cities like Baltimore and Philadelphia, I have been blessed to safely gather with loved ones. This Advent especially, I am grateful for health, for friendships, and for the ability to travel yet again.

At a recent memorial for a deceased friend, one of his sons beautifully sang the spiritual, “Swing Low Sweet Chariot.” The lyrics posted below ground me in the notion of journey…and redemption…and the concept of “home.” As I understand the history of the song, it was written long ago by slaves who yearned to be re-united with their communities. Here is an inspiring rendition from “The Plantation Singers,” a professional a-cappella group. I share this in the spirit of us affirming all who have gone before us- their struggles and their accomplishments – so as to recognize the blessings afforded to us today.

Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry he home

I looked over Jordan and what did I see
Coming for to carry he home
A band of angels coming after me
Coming for to carry me home

Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home

If you get there before I do
Coming for to carry me home
Tell all my friends I’m coming too
Coming for to carry me home

Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home

There is always room for doubt. There is also room for faith and hope. This is the nature of mystery. -Martha Hickman

Recently I read this blog post on the importance of “transformational leadership.” I agree wholeheartedly with author George Couros and his assessment of the distinction between transactional and transformational leadership. I feel blessed to work alongside transformational leaders.

The Danger of a Single Story also reminds us to utilize empathy as a basis for accompaniment, service and leadership. This Ted Talk delivered by Novelist Chimamanda Adichie was shown at a workshop I attended last month. To be safely learning alongside other educators- in person once again- is a true gift.

As we enter into these holiday weeks ahead, may we remain present, grounded and aware of all our blessings that abound.

There is nowhere on earth filled with the pure magic that New Orleans has to offer. -David Grohl

Last week I returned to the “Big Easy” for work and I feel like I re-captured a part of my soul. The people, the customs, the music, and the food of New Orleans inspire me whenever I am there. I am grateful for my colleagues in Lasallian education, whose hospitality and welcome is always appreciated.

In addition to the above picture depicting the quote from Saint Teresa of Calcutta, I am pleased to share two New Orleans- influenced resources:

Here is a link to a great New Orleans brass/funk/soul band, The Soul Rebels.

The below is a classic from poet Langston Hughes. Blessings to you and yours!

The Negro Speaks of Rivers


I've known rivers:

I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than the

     flow of human blood in human veins.



My soul has grown deep like the rivers.



I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young.

I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep.

I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it.

I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln 

     went down to New Orleans, and I've seen its muddy 

     bosom turn all golden in the sunset.



I've known rivers:

Ancient, dusky rivers.



My soul has grown deep like the rivers.

Langston Hughes

Often recall to mind the purpose of your vocation, and let this [inspire] you to do your part to establish and maintain the kingdom of God in the hearts of your students. -John Baptist de La Salle

This week we are setting up our Day of the Dead altar at home. This altar will remain displayed until after Thanksgiving. I greatly appreciate this annual ritual of calling to mind those who have gone before us and their continued presence in our lives today.

My mom, Joan, joins my dad, Al, and other loved ones on display in this year’s altar. It will be an emotional experience for me to print out and place her photo in a new frame. Our neighbor Alan joins the group this year, too. Both of these losses in the last 5 months continue to challenge and inspire me each day to be my best self to my kids, colleagues, friends and family.

“The Passion of Questlove” describes the journey of well-rounded musician, Questlove, of the group, “The Roots.” Reading this NY Times article this morning expanded my appreciation for Questlove’s talents and interests. I first became familiar with his band while in college in Philadelphia, and have since become a big fan of Questlove’s musical diversity through his leadership of Jimmy Fallon’s house band on “The Tonight Show.” If you haven’t yet seen, “Summer of Soul,” I highly recommend it.

I hope to continue to tap into similar inspirations, interests, and ancestors for the resilience to enter into the winter months that lie ahead. May these autumn weeks continue to bring promise and hope.

Be curious, not judgmental. -Walt Whitman

My wife and I have recently started watching Ted Lasso together, and last night’s episode included this quote from the poet Walt Whitman. Since we are both coaching CYO sports for our kids’ teams, the premise of this show, plus the personality and approach of the title character – who is coach of a professional soccer team – really resonate with us. The show’s humor and quirky nature often provide a welcome respite from the fast paced blur of our daily lives these days and weeks.

This morning I participated in what could have been a contentious discussion pertaining to a situation at one of the schools I support. Instead I left the meeting refreshed by the “active listening” and “seeking understanding” that was demonstrated by all in attendance. I was reminded of this above Whitman quote, and was grateful – especially in today’s world- for the chance to participate in honest, constructive dialogue that acknowledged and respected differing perspectives while also valuing core attributes such as dignity and respect.

Yesterday marked “World Teacher Day” and I am pleased to share this Teacher Serenity Prayer in honor of our teachers, including all parents and those inside and outside of a classroom who teach in many ways:

God, grant me the serenity to appreciate the unique gifts of my students, courage to challenge them to do their best, and wisdom to help them become all that YOU created them to be. Amen.

Enjoy this latest video from my favorite Irish cellist, Patrick Dexter. Along with guest Gurdeep Pandher, together they highlight the beauty of music and the sheer joy of dancing. Watch their collaboration on ‘Bach and Bhangra’ here.

Blessings to you and yours!

Life is a process. We are a process. The universe is a process. -Anne Wilson Schaef

Recently my favorite baseball team clinched a postseason berth earlier than any other team in the major leagues…Vamos Gigantes! I have enjoyed two blissful weeks of coaching 5th grade boys’ soccer, and my wife starts coaching 4th grade girls volleyball in a few days. Next week I begin my limited fall travel for work, and all feels right in the world. The return of our back-to-school routine and my professional activities are welcome and appreciated. I find myself even enjoying doing homework with my children after-school, which is a nice relief from the challenge of distance learning not that long ago.

In “How to Build In Time to Pray,” author Marina Berzins McCoy cites the importance of intentionality, building in breaks, and practicing gratitude. These elements of a healthy spiritual life resonate with me, as does her suggestion about listening to a song or a hymn to draw ourselves closer to the divine mystery that is God. To that end, I am pleased to share two resources from this past week that supported my prayer. This quote from Meister Eckhart depicted in the image, along with this live performance from Bruce Springsteen of “I’ll See You in My Dreams,” filled my heart with appreciation for the time and space to reflect upon the wonder and goodness of God and eternal life. Enjoy.

The key to success is action and the essential in action is perseverance. -Sun Yat Sen

Christ on the Sea of Galilee (1841, Eugene Delacroix)

This week while in a meeting, one school leader described the awkward “nuances of interconnectedness” that are strained during this current round of re-opening schools. She referenced how students are unable to speak during lunch because they are forced to eat indoors due to the physical campus restraints of this particular school, and how faculty miss out on the informal lunchroom professional development and community-building. All the schools I work with are now open for this new academic year, and I remain inspired that they continue to do so with grace given all the realities presented by how our society continues to confront Covid-19 in our communities.

Meanwhile my family, friends, and colleagues in the New Orleans area are challenged by the damage, loss, and lack of electricity caused this week by Hurricane Ida. Family in Pennsylvania may be threatened by tornados and/or flash flooding today. And fellow Californians flee the Lake Tahoe area and other locales around our state that are devastated by wildfires.

What are we do amidst such conditions? God invites us to love. To trust. To persevere. To serve.

Monday’s Psalm reading encourages us to give praise to God. This is easier for me to do as a person of privilege, whereby others without medical care, those who do not have the economic means to evacuate areas, or and those without communities of support may be unable to do so. Let us keep those individuals especially in our prayers throughout this week ahead.

In addition to the Psalm below, I invite you to listen to these two songs as well. I have been listening to a lot of blues music lately, and California is a song from a 1960’s British blues band that played with John Mayall. And this cover of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah– by my favorite Irish cellist Patrick Dexter- is worth a listen, too.

Psalm 96

Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Tell God’s glory among the nations;
among all peoples, God’s wondrous deeds.

For great is the LORD and highly to be praised;
awesome is God, beyond all gods.
For all the gods of the nations are things of nought,
but the LORD made the heavens.

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and what fills it resound;
let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!
Then shall all the trees of the forest exult.

Before the LORD, for God comes to rule the earth.
God shall rule the world with justice.

Prayer is paying attention. -Joan Baez

This week at home we are off to the races- the new school year has begun and the mornings in our home are abuzz with anticipation. And some frantic energy to start our walk to school on time! I love this time of year and it’s wonderful to be reminded of the joys of the post-summer return to in-person learning. It’s been a couple LONG years since we’ve experienced this type of reward…and I am very grateful for the health officials and educators who work so tirelessly to make our schools safe for kids these days.

Yesterday I became re-acquainted with one of my favorite ballads, “The Lakes of Ponchartrain.” The version of this old Irish tune is best performed by Paul Brady, in my opinion. I invite you to view it on YouTube here. It’s a beautiful and at times tragic story. Yet resilience shines through, much like faith challenges us to do as well.

Journey of Exploration

Let us set out together on a journey of exploration,
an adventure of discovery.

Let us trust our Self
to find our own unique ways
to walk with God on our journey.

Let us trust our Self
to learn to dance along the path …
our own special dance in rhythm with the Spirit
of God…

Let us trust our Self
to be able to follow the Spirit with confidence…
the Spirit of Life and love…
who longs to lead each of us to abundant life
and love and happiness.

Let us trust God in the depths of our Self…
and believe that our own deep desire for God
is “only a shadow”
of God’s passionate desire for us.

Let us believe that we only need to let go…
and to be open to God
in whatever tiny ways we are able…
and that God will respond with eagerness…
illuminating our path…
and then running exuberantly to meet us
with arms flung wide
to embrace each of us
in divine and fervent love.

– By Jean Gill

Come to us, Holy Spirit, remain with us, and enlighten our hearts. Give us light and strength to know your will, to make it our own, and to live it in our lives. -Vatican Council II (1962)

Recently while on vacation, my daughter took a tumble off of her bike. From 50 feet in front of her, my viewpoint left me fearful that I would peel her off the bike trail with her bottom teeth sticking through her forehead. Miraculously, she escaped relatively unscathed! With just a couple scratched elbows, she planted herself firmly back on her bike following her fall, in order to successfully complete the final two miles of our six mile family bike ride. The resiliency of children continues to inspire and amaze me!

The schools with whom I am privileged to work are now back in session; my kids return next week. Summer is over, Covid continues, and together we persevere. I pray for all who are suffering.

I recently read this poem by Mary Oliver that reminded me of the benefit of placing ourselves within the context of God’s greater creation.

Wild Geese- Mary Oliver

You do not have to be good.

You do not have to walk on your knees

for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.

You only have to let the soft animal of your body

love what it loves.

Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.

Meanwhile the world goes on.

Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain

are moving across the landscapes,

over the prairies and the deep trees,

the mountains and the rivers.

Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,

are heading home again.

Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,

the world offers itself to your imagination,

calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting –

over and over announcing your place

in the family of things.

And this morning I read today’s Scripture and recalled the strength of the Hebrew people as they persevered toward their own liberation. I have hope.

Psalms 85(84),9.11-12.13-14

I will hear what God proclaims;

the LORD–for God proclaims peace.

To God’s people, and to God’s faithful ones,

and to those who put in God their hope.

Kindness and truth shall meet;

justice and peace shall kiss.

Truth shall spring out of the earth,

and justice shall look down from heaven.

The LORD will give God’s benefits;

our land shall yield its increase.

Justice shall walk before God,

and salvation, along the way of God’s steps.

Blessings to you, and in a special way, to all educators and students, in hopes for their healthy and safe return to school. I pray that they build and sustain nurturing relationships of trust and support. May this new year ahead bring us growth, community and unity.

I don’t regret. I don’t forget. But I still love. – Miles Davis

The other night I spent two hours on a plane on the tarmac of Philadelphia’s International Airport. While patiently awaiting to take off at the conclusion of the thunder and lightening storm, I watched “Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool” on Netflix. Not only was I grateful that I had thought to previously download the movie onto my I-Pad, I also enjoyed this documentary about one of my favorite musicians. I learned new aspects of his life and inspirations, and appreciated the welcome chance to sit still and be entertained.

I have spent significant time with family in Philadelphia throughout the past six weeks. Reflecting often on the notions of community and time, I recognize the privilege I enjoy of traveling back and forth to where I grew up. And I’m also grateful for the love and support of my spouse throughout these ventures back east.

I have also been thinking and praying often about the concept of “Journey,” most especially the journey of life. Richard Rohr, OFM, recently offered this excellent reflection on the journey of the Hebrew People. I am pleased to share it with you in hopes that you too find it a helpful resource. Visit the Center for Action and Contemplation for this resource below and many more…enjoy!

Great Themes of Scripture:
Hebrew Bible

Sunday
When we have an understanding of the great themes of Scripture, the whole book from Genesis to Revelation, we see it as communicating a pattern to humanity. The message is this: You are loved. You are unique. You are free. You are on the way. You are going somewhere. Your life has meaning.

Monday
Perhaps the most important thing to bear in mind when reading the first chapters of Genesis is that it is written not about the past but about the perennial present, the present that is always with us.

Tuesday
Israel is, as it were, humanity personified, and so what happened to Israel is what happens to everyone who sets out on the journey of faith.

Wednesday
God has communicated in a million ways that “I am your power,” but we do not believe and trust what we cannot see or prove. Instead, we bow down to lesser kings (like institutions, nations, wars, ideologies, etc.) that we can see, even when they serve us quite poorly.

Thursday
Job has experienced life’s meaninglessness. Yet in the experience of God he has found meaning, he has touched on something Real, something that seems capable of going on forever.

Friday
God’s chosenness is for the sake of communicating chosenness to everybody else!

Praying the Psalms

Christians tend to read much of the Hebrew Scriptures as a history book, but I hope this week’s meditations provided a glimpse into how much more they have to offer us. They are not merely descriptions of events that happened long ago, but an ongoing revelation of what God is doing today—not only in other people but in us! Perhaps no book is more accessible in this way than the Psalms, which reflect the fullness of the human experience—celebration and sorrow, praise and lament—on a personal and collective scale. Author Nan Merrill created a modern text based on the Hebrew Psalms, not a direct translation but as a way for us to access the depth of their beauty and emotion. She hopes that praying them can serve as a “loving movement toward engendering peace, harmony, and healing in our wounded world.” [1] She writes:

Who among us has not yearned TO KNOW the Unknowable? . . .

The Psalms have ever been a response to these deep yearnings: cries of the soul . . . songs of surrender . . . paeans of praise. . . . Affirming the life-giving fruits of love and acknowledging the isolation and loneliness of those separated from Love, may serve to awaken the heart to move toward wholeness and holiness. [2]

I invite you to pray with Merrill’s interpretation of Psalm 60 today:

Psalm 60

O Beloved, why do I believe that
I can separate myself
  from You, feeling like
an alien in a foreign land?
O, that I might return to
  the Light.
You know how I tremble with fear;
help me to break down the walls,
to let go of illusions, for
  I want to stand tall.
You have allowed me to suffer
  hard things;
You have not prevented my
  downfall.
You, who are Love, gave me leeway
  to choose,
to wander far from home.

O my Beloved, be gracious unto me,
welcome me back into new life,
hear my prayer!

The Comforter came to me:
“With joy are you ever at home
in my Heart,
as I have always lived in yours.
You are mine; I belong to you;
the broken are blessed with
humility,
the wayward who turn back
walk with me as love,
walk with me knowing Love.
Let your mind be guided by truth,
your heart informed by wisdom;
then will you know peace and joy.”

Who will enter the Heart of Love?
Who will open their hearts and
know the Beloved?
Who dares to face their fears, to
break down the prison walls,
to walk with Love?
O grant us help to answer the call,
strengthen us with pure resolve!
With the Beloved we shall triumph;
with Love we shall be free! [3]

Experience a version of this practice through video and sound.

[1] Nan C. Merrill, Psalms for Praying: An Invitation to Wholeness, 10th anniv. ed. (Continuum: 2007), x. Used with permission.

[2] Merrill, Psalms for Praying, ix.

[3] Merrill, Psalms for Praying, 111–112.

Great Themes of Scripture:Hebrew Bible

Great Themes of Scripture:
Hebrew Bible