On Sunday I came across this beautiful image on Twitter, and thought it a perfect picture to honor Mother’s Day. Sunday also marked the feast of Saint Louise de Marillac, herself a single mother who overcame great adversity to co-found the Daughters of Charity. I was privileged to previously lead a school named after her,Continue reading ““Education is about elevation.” – George Courus”
Category Archives: Prayer
“The whole reason why we pray is to be united into the vision and contemplation of God to whom we pray.” – Julian of Norwich
Here in San Francisco, yesterday we moved into the “yellow tier,” the least restricted level of California’s re-opening system. The state plans to fully re-open within about six weeks. In some ways I find it surreal, in other ways I continue to marvel at the miracle of modern medicine, the heroism of so many individuals,Continue reading ““The whole reason why we pray is to be united into the vision and contemplation of God to whom we pray.” – Julian of Norwich”
“Here’s the truth about racial injustice. It’s not just a Black America problem or a people of color problem. It is a problem for every American. It is keeping us from fulfilling the promise of liberty and justice for all.” – Kamala Harris
On the one hand, yesterday’s court ruling regarding the murder of George Floyd brought some peace to those most impacted by the disturbing state of systemic violence against our black sisters and brothers. On the other hand, as I heard reflected on the news that I watched last night, true justice only would have beenContinue reading ““Here’s the truth about racial injustice. It’s not just a Black America problem or a people of color problem. It is a problem for every American. It is keeping us from fulfilling the promise of liberty and justice for all.” – Kamala Harris”
“Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.” Dolores Huerta
President Biden declared today national César Chávez Day. When I first moved to California over twenty years ago, on the first March 31st that I lived in the Golden State, my future wife organized an event to honor and celebrate César’s legacy. I learned then of a man I have come to ever more deeplyContinue reading ““Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.” Dolores Huerta”
The Beatitudes are no spiritual “to do list” to be attempted by eager, rule-keeping disciples. It is a spiritual “done” list of the qualities God brings to bear in …people. Ronnie McBrayer
Yesterday in fourth grade religion I explained the Beatitudes to my son as “be” attitudes taught by Jesus. In his Sermon on the Mount, I believe that Jesus gave a clear indication of how we – as People of God – can care for our earth and for one another. Compassion, positive intention and actionContinue reading “The Beatitudes are no spiritual “to do list” to be attempted by eager, rule-keeping disciples. It is a spiritual “done” list of the qualities God brings to bear in …people. Ronnie McBrayer”
“True hospitality consists of giving the best of yourself to your guests.” -Eleanor Roosevelt
On this feast day of the Three Kings, I find myself reflecting upon the notions of journey and hospitality. Throughout my morning walk, I thought about the values of patience and persistence as we live through the tenth month of our experience of this pandemic. In terms of hospitality, I find irony in my beliefContinue reading ““True hospitality consists of giving the best of yourself to your guests.” -Eleanor Roosevelt”
Be satisfied and be grateful. For what you have. For what you receive, For what God has given you. -Rabbi Albert Lewis
This week I am grateful for how much I enjoy serving in educational leadership. I am thankful for my faith and my family. I appreciate my health and the privilege I experience in being able to work from home. In this excellent piece, Hang in There, Help is on the Way, the significance of perspective,Continue reading “Be satisfied and be grateful. For what you have. For what you receive, For what God has given you. -Rabbi Albert Lewis”
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”
This quote from today’s Gospel seems appropriate. While I presume Jesus was preaching of the Kingdom of God, and how God can provide the nourishment that we need, I also hear it this morning from the perspective of prayer. This past weekend I spent time in the woods, in the Pacific Ocean, and with myContinue reading ““Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.””
“Appreciation can make a day — even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.” Margaret Cousins, Suffragist
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year. What typically would be a household full of friends is this year instead an intimate gathering of us and the dog:) We’ll still cook all day, have a 3pm toast with the neighbors on our block, and will also begin our day with our annual Family TurkeyContinue reading ““Appreciation can make a day — even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.” Margaret Cousins, Suffragist”
“The Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, ‘The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way.'” -Today’s Gospel (Luke)
Yesterday I attended two insightful Zoominars. “Whiteness and the Catholic Church” was sponsored by my alma mater, the University of San Francisco. This discussion invited participants to practice deep self-awareness along with continual reflection around race, place and history. Panelists discussed “how to create a sense of co-responsibility for all.” I enjoyed this scholarly andContinue reading ““The Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, ‘The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way.’” -Today’s Gospel (Luke)”