My Library Card: A Very Valuable Possession
The other day I was reflecting on some of my most valuable possessions. My library card was pretty high on my list. (more…)
For Advent, I Wish You Peace!
It’s Advent, that time of the year when we are invited by the Church to slow down and ponder the great mystery of God’s presence in our midst. But let’s face it. This time of year most of us are not slowing down. We’re speeding up! We are not pondering. We’re calculating— calculating how in the world we’re going to get everything done before Christmas—and how we’re going to pay for it! (more…)
Thank You, God, for Our Inventive Ancestors
On Thanksgiving Day we usually thank God for our blessings: family, friends, faith, good health, freedom, food, shelter, natural resources, etc. And this is a good thing to do. (more…)
Two Hinges of Prayer: Regularity and Spontaneity
Prayer swings on two hinges: regularity and spontaneity. In the Jewish tradition, these two hinges are called keva (the fixity of the prayer book) and kavanah (the spontaneity of the heart.) (more…)
Uncle Hank: Veteran of World War II
November 11th is Veterans Day, the day we honor all those who have served in the military. Today I’m dedicating my blog to one veteran I know: Henry Svoboda, my uncle, who served in the army during World War II. Someone has said, “To appreciate the ocean you must first appreciate a drop of water.” The ocean was World War II. Uncle Hank was a precious drop of water in that massive conflict. After he retired in 1986, my uncle wrote an account of his wartime experience. I will quote from that memoir. (more…)
