Midweek Musings

Ancient olive groves surrounded me on both sides of the stony path leading to the Convent of San Damiano in Assisi where St. Francis heard God’s voice to repair the Church. One particular tree had something to teach me. Though fractured, the tree was whole. (6/23/26)

As a little girl, I loved to twirl. At 5, I felt the freedom and movement of a love far deeper than I could imagine. Can I feel that freedom and wonder even now? As part of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit still moves in my life and in yours. (3/16/22)

Return to Me with your whole heart. We hear this throughout Lent and we strive to return to God every day. How can we live and pray with our whole hearts? Contemplative prayer can help us to live wholehearted lives. (4/1/22)

The more that I stop and wonder at God’s creation, whether it is my child’s question, a firefly, hummingbird or cosmic images from the James Webb Space Telescope, I can’t help but feel drawn to the Sacred and to God’s love for humanity. Can wonder lead us closer to God? And how does wonder and fear of the Lord interact? Take a moment to consider God’s awesome presence. (8/4/22)

The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone and it is amazing in our eyes! How can kerygma, proclaiming the Good News, teach us to be the cornerstone? How can we see the world, each other and ourselves with Easter eyes? (4/30/22)

Two women, separated in life by over 2,000 years, shared a characteristic that emboldened them to speak truth in the midst of threatening circumstances. Looking back at the lives of my mother, Patricia, and St. Mary Magdalene, I recognize their grit. I was eight years old when I shared a sacred moment with my mother. (1/8/25)

In John’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us to wash the feet of others, even through misunderstanding or betrayal. Do we also allow others to wash our feet? If we can do both things, wash and be washed by others, we will be transformed by the love of Christ. (4/14/22)

The meaning of ashes on our foreheads takes us to the ground of our beings where God’s truth and mystery dwells. In awe, we stand gazing at our own lives and moments of wonder that help us to gaze at the cross with humbled and expanded hearts. From ashes to awe to the cross we stand in our truth before the crucified one and allow God to be God.

Through the story of the Woman Caught in Adultery, Jesus challenges us to drop the stones that keep us from experiencing God’s love and mercy. What stones do you hesitate to drop?

Allow this Lenten poem (2022) to lead you from ashes to the cross, from the ground of your being to the love and mercy of God, to transformation as you return to God. (You can read or listen to the poem)

Return to me with your whole heart. During Lent, we strive to return to God. How can we live and pray with our whole hearts?

The magnetism of the monks draws us out to walk. By their example they encourage metanoia, a change of direction in those who lead our nation. They invite us to wake from our stupor, to stop allowing fear to paralyze us. Together, in the beloved community they are creating along the road, we see there is power in numbers and nonviolent action. (2/15/26)

The mystery of the Eucharist boggled my mind as a child. I wondered what Jesus would taste like or what superpower I’d discover once I received it. I believe that it sustains me by the grace freely given to all. It helps me to acknowledge my need for Jesus and live in its mystery. (1/18/26)

Truth’s perpetual flame illuminates the darkness. If I consider light as something that I can understand or control, then perhaps that diminishes the light. Sometimes my ego, stubbornness or pride can block the light of truth if I close myself off from new ideas or solutions. What of mystery and wonder? A moonbow bewildered me at first. (7/7/25)

When I think about Jesus’ life lessons as a master teacher, I recognize his keen ability to teach the important things. His words and actions distilled undeniable and sagacious truth. What the Pharisees and scribes thought was his arrant dismissal of the Torah was Jesus’ uncanny ability to point to what mattered. (10/28/25)

I watched a mother and her little boy who moved along the sand with a toe-walking gait of someone with cerebral palsy. He held her hand along the shoreline, the gentle waves reaching their feet as they looked for shells. She walked at his pace, letting him let go of her hand to venture forward a few feet, always returning to safety beside her. He was delighted. (9/25/25)

A loud minority in the Church decried the confusion of Pope Francis for the past twelve years. As far as clarity goes, Pope Francis could not have been more clear on foundational issues of living the faith. (5/3/25)

Fr. Tony was new to our parish and passionate in his vocation. He gave an entire homily on our response: “It is right to give You thanks and praise.” I was lifted up by his enthusiasm. As he spoke from the stirrings of his heart, I was invited to go deep. I realized that I, too, could exult in God. (3/20/25)

We often question our worthiness and whether we need to earn God’s love and belonging. The movie, “Encanto,” helps us to look closely at what it takes to feel worthy of the gifts we are given. In time, we realize that no one can earn what is already within us. (5/13/22)

A golden retriever can teach us a lot about magnanimity: having a loftiness of spirit that enables one to bear trouble calmly and with a noble generosity. Like Jesus, we can face “fruitful, creative tension” with a willingness to listen and learn from one another. (5/30/22)

During the first half of life, a person develops confidence in his or her identity (ego), shaping it through life’s experiences and desire for success, need for belonging, importance and security. As a person grows spiritually, though, he may find that these things no longer help him in a path to self-discovery. (10/9/22)

Perspective. What a tremendous word. I have a deep appreciation for the perspectives of others, especially if it helps me to expand my own vision and see more clearly. At the same time, I want to share my perspective – my observations, etc. How can all of us benefit from a both/and viewpoint? (11/14/22)

God’s mercy is always available to us but how often do we receive it? I may not think I need it or maybe I don’t consider myself a sinner. I may not feel worthy of God’s forgiveness. Through the parable of the Prodigal Son and the movie, “The Mission,” we explore God’s mercy and what makes it so important to living a full life. (1/26/23)

My mother’s death in 2011 has taken me on a journey of grief and gratitude, hope and joy. Through the engaging Marvel series, WandaVision, we journey through what grief can teach us about cherishing life, sadness, and letting go of trying to control our worlds and emotions. Today, I am finding peace. (3/2/22)

Fortitude is a Gift of the Holy Spirit that requires both courage and vulnerability. Fortitude creates a paradox that helps us to live as witnesses to God's love and mercy. What we might consider weakness allows us to embrace the strength that comes from Jesus. (1/26/24)

What can the Assumption of Mary teach us about living to the fullest, embracing each moment that comes? As my children leave for college again, I am faced with the reality of an empty nest. Yet, so much more awaits if I live in the present and go all in. (9/7/23)

How do we find blessings outside of our comfort zones? The key is in the movement. Just as St. Paul uses running in a race as a metaphor for endurance in the spiritual life, I have discovered that running benefits my mind, body and spirit. Here are seven ways that I have discovered blessings outside of my comfort zone. (7/15/23)