Keeping the Faith

The truth must dazzle gradually or every person be blind. -Emily Dickinson

Here’s a reflection from my inbox this morning, thanks to IgnatianSpirituality.com.

On the front porch, perched upon a worn wooden table and leaning against a bowl filled with water bottles, stood the sign: “Delivery Folks: Cold Water. Thank you!”

Waiting there in the shade, I marveled at my friend’s kindness. “Kathy, you are so thoughtful!” I said, as she swung open the door.

“Oh, it’s nothing. Just a little something. They work so hard every day.” She glowed as she recounted how seeing the delivery people happy made her happy.

Later that afternoon, I curled up on the couch to read Always Discerning by Joseph Tetlow, SJ. In it, Tetlow proposes a new take on the Examen. He calls it the “Gifts Examen.”

Here is the proper matter for the Examen in the twenty-first century: all the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Take the first gifts of faith, hope, and love. Spend a day or a week—or a longer time if you are weak in it—practicing that virtue. Then patiently work through wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude (courage), piety, knowledge, and fear of the Lord…

But never think that living these virtues is merely of personal interest. “These gifts are meant to renew and build up the Church.” (Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel, 130) …And wouldn’t the Church in my place and time be wonderfully attractive if all of us went through the week displaying the “fruit of the Spirit,” walking in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness, and self-control?

I reflected on this sentiment in light of the events earlier in the day. My friend was indeed “displaying the fruit[s] of the Spirit.” Kathy’s love, kindness, and goodness were renewing and building up those who entered her world. It was absolutely, as Tetlow says, “wonderfully attractive.” Kathy’s Spirit-infused compassion and thoughtfulness were changing the world one “Thank you” and one refreshing sip of water at a time. Her seemingly little sign and gesture spoke volumes: You are seen. You are loved. You matter.

And isn’t this the same whisper we hear when we really listen in prayer? You are seen. You are loved. You matter.

This is how it’s done. This is how we build the kingdom among us: one small gesture at a time.

—Excerpted from “Using Our Gifts to Build the Kingdom Among Us” by Rebecca Ruiz

“Built By Black History.” -NBA Celebration of Black History Month

I was fortunate to recently attend a Golden State Warriors game and, among many impressions, I was left inspired by the warm-up gear and attire of the teams. All of these steps acknowledged the impact and legacy of black women and men. We had great seats with an insightful view into the effort, hard work and professionalism of the athletes. I have been a lifelong sports fan and greatly appreciated the evening spent with Brigid as a break from the daily demands of work and life. More on the NBA’s February celebration can be found here.

Paul Farmer- doctor, humanitarian and leader – recently passed away unexpectedly. Years ago I read Mountains Beyond Mountains and learned of Paul’s dedication to social justice. His life commitments demonstrated an unwavering belief in the goodness of humanity. Paul also modeled the obligation that those of us who have privilege hold to impact the lives of others for the better. Peace and justice activist John Dear wrote this summary reflection on Paul’s life and legacy that I recommend as a resource for prayer and reflection: “Paul Farmer was my friend. He should be made a saint—and a doctor of the church.”

Last night, Russia invaded Ukraine, and my morning prayer focused upon this quote from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” Today my daughter’s basketball team begins their season, and I am excited to be helping out with coaching. Next week I return to travel for work, with a full March ahead. Lots of moving pieces, as always, and doing my best to recognize the blessings amidst the daily flurry of activity. Wishing all my best to you and yours!

Serving people means growing their capacity and implies that everyone can contribute. – Juana Bordas

In How to Become a Servant Leader, the following practices were cited by authors Bob Vanourek and Gregg Vanourek:

Listening: acknowledging the viewpoint of followers and validating these perspectives.
Empathy: standing in the shoes of others and seeing things from their point of view.
Healing: in helping followers become whole, servant leaders are themselves healed.
Awareness: understanding oneself and the impact one has on others.
Persuasion: creating change through gentle, nonjudgmental argument.
Conceptualization: being a visionary for an organization.
Foresight: predicting what is coming based on the present and the past.
Stewardship: carefully managing the people and organization—and holding the organization in trust for the greater good of society.
Commitment to the Growth of People: treating followers as unique and worthy, with intrinsic value beyond what they contribute to the organization.
Building Community: helping followers identify with something greater than themselves.

I enjoyed the chance to be reminded of these excellent recommendations during my morning reading today. Later in the morning I was pleased to read this below prayer shared by a colleague. Blessings on your week ahead!

Ultimately, both justice and the motivation for seeking it must be grounded in the equality of all human beings before God and in our respect for nature as also being God’s child. – Ronald Rolheiser

At God’s table of life, all peoples know peace and creation flourishes. – Leslie Penrose

Last night I came across the Westminster United Church on Twitter along with a recent prayer resource from its worship services. I am not familiar with this congregation although I was drawn to the readings and resources provided on-line. Their mission statement describes their community as “an inclusive church for Progressive Christians…Creating something beautiful for God.“

Recognizing God’s beauty in my day to day life is a practice I attempt daily….with limited success, at times! Beginning my day with the Daily Readings from Scripture, regular walks and time outdoors in nature, and (trying to) absorb all the energy of my children with positivity and optimism describe some of my efforts. Of late, I am extremely grateful for the privilege I enjoy of working remotely while my office and our close colleagues strive to ride out this Omicron wave of Covid as safely as possible.

“A Gentle Presence”

A Poem by Chuck Lathrop (in More Than Words, pp. 142-143)

For the church to call itself to work as Jesus did, in poverty and under oppression,
is to seek an unaccustomed stance.
It is to be, stand, and operate from the point of view of the world‟s victims and losers.
It is to live and preach the gospel from the bottom up. It is a falling down, a downward mobility, if you will, into the commonality of human existence.
It is neither nice nor comfortable.
In addition, it is confrontational and conflictual.
Because of such a stance, the church, while it is committed
to and in the world, will also be at odds with the world “as it is.”
Such obedience to God will necessarily mean it will be a minority phenomenon, a threat to any political or cultural status quo.
The ramifications are many, the cost is high.

I would add….”And the reward is great.”

Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and test of our civilization. – Mahatma Gandhi

This Gandhi quote was shared during an evening Zoom last night, and I recently viewed this depicted prayer on Twitter.

Again I find myself working from home, with in-person meetings and travel temporarily postponed for a few weeks. I give thanks for the privilege of my family, our health and my own ability to telecommute. May God provide strength and resilience to those whose lives are upended by the Omicron variant and to all on the frontlines serving those most in need. I still trust that our societal differences in this country, and our varied communal approaches to this pandemic, will yield a more full version of God’s Kingdom at a future point. Stay healthy and well!

The people we love are the foundation for all else. -Samantha Power

Over Christmas break, one of the books I enjoyed reading was The Education of An Idealist. The author Samantha Power served as UN Ambassador during the Obama administration, among other roles. Her powerful story of emigrating from Ireland, becoming involved in international humanitarian aid, and balancing the demands of parenthood, partnership and power was a compelling memoir. Click here to learn more about Samantha and her contributions to the international and national community.

This morning I received a call from a school leader and we discussed our collective fatigue over decision-making, safety protocols, and caring for our professional and personal responsibilities within this ever-evolving Covid-reality. We also shared our thoughts on the fresh opportunity that this start to 2022 affords us. Based on that conversation, I treated myself to a cup of coffee and a bagel at our neighborhood coffee shop after I walked my kids to school.

I really enjoyed the ensuing fifteen minutes, for I developed this terrible habit when I was a school administrator of eating my lunch at my desk. For over fifteen years now, I eat through most lunch breaks unless a meal is part of a meeting or a work commitment. I don’t recommend this practice! The time I took this morning for myself- to enjoy a fresh bagel and a cup of coffee at my favorite park- have reframed my outlook for the day. I feel enlivened, focused, and ready to go. And all it took was fifteen minutes.

What will you do with your fifteen minutes today? Maybe you will enjoy this tune that I listened to while sipping my coffee, by Louie Armstrong, one of my favorite jazz musicians (depicted above). Blessings on your day!

Louis Armstrong – What A Wonderful World

Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth. -Muhammad Ali

“On grace and gratitude” is how a recent meeting opened for me. The theme to this opening prayer compelled me to think in thanksgiving of all those working so diligently and thoughtfully to support my family and me. From the crossing guard, to the garbage collector, to the educational therapist, to the volunteer CYO basketball coach…not to mention my children’s teachers, along with our friends and colleagues. I enter into these upcoming Christmas weeks in deep gratitude for all those serving my community.

I have also enjoyed numerous recent opportunities to reflect upon Mary. In my Catholic Christian faith, we celebrate her as the mother of God. My wife and I attended my kids’ school liturgy on one of Mary’s recent feast days, and I also attended a luncheon at my office on that same day. Mary’s commitment to community and her courage have always inspired me. As I prepare to celebrate my first Christmas without my own mother here on earth, I find myself praying more often to Mary and leaning on her example and life story to grow my own resilience and perseverance.

I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the strain of the omicron variant of Covid-19 that now faces our global community. My children were unexpectedly home for the last half of the week due to an outbreak at school, healthcare institutions in certain parts of the United States are already overburdened, and together we face this next unknown chapter with cumulative exhaustion. May God protect our healthcare workers and support all those affected by this next wave of our pandemic.

“Becoming a More Humane Leader” emphasizes humility, listening and supporting others to reach their full potential. I pray that we practice these tenets throughout these holiday weeks. I hope that the joy and potential of Christmas bring to you and yours the blessings that God wishes for each and every one of us. Take care and stay healthy.

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