… would not be beautiful enough … In the past few days I had an experience that I want to verify with you, and I also want to ask you a question. My father got sick, apparently with the flu, then as the days went by, strange, worrisome symptoms appeared, to the point that on […]
even heaven without that hard headed man who is my father … Read More »
“ … when the body of a royal Habsburg is taken from the cathedral for burial, the solemn procession makes its way to the Habsburg tomb. An official knocks loudly on the sepulchral doors with a staff. “Who desires entry?” says a voice from inside the doors. “Otto of Austria; once Crown Prince of Austria-Hungary;
a royal entombment … Read More »
“When I look at a patient, in this case a dying patient, I really look at the primary core spiritual need that they are presenting to me. Is it a quest for meaning to try to determine what their life meant or what their faith means? Or, are they presenting a need for affirmation, support,
Spiritual Issues in the Care of Dying Patients … Read More »
… into grace. God, “rich in mercy” (Eph 2:4), like the father in the Gospel parable (cf. Lk 15:11-32), does not close his heart to any of his children, but waits for them, looks for them, reaches them where their rejection of communion imprisons them in isolation and division, and calls them to gather around
suffering transformed … Read More »
“All you have to do is read the newspaper to see how active hatred is in our world today. That’s a "no brainer." That’s why the issue is so important. And it is also possible that the increase in narcissism and feelings of self-entitlement, so common in our country today, has led to an increase
on hatred … and forgiveness … Read More »
“The quality of mercy is not strain’d, It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest: It blesseth him that gives and him that takes. ‘T is mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes The throned monarch better than his crown; His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,
the quality of mercy … Read More »
“You have to forgive yourself for the things you don’t know, and forgive others for the things they don’t know, and we do know. Working with others, who are different, is difficult for everyone, but above all for scientists who, contrary to what is thought, are very conservative, so much so that “entrusting themselves” is
forgiving ourself … offering ourself … Read More »
Throughout my career, I’ve seen how personal conflicts can intensify in emotion when people continue to think the worst about one another. When this happens to me, I begin my campaign to pray for those who are angry at me or who may be trying to harm me. At least three times a day, I ask
Prayer for enemies … Read More »
I discovered this prayer after I had written a philosophical paper, and a colleague who didn’t criticize it or ask questions when I read it publicly later criticized the paper behind my back and tried to damage my reputation. I addressed the criticism in writing, but my anger continued to grow. Every time I opened
Lord, you are the just Judge. You take care of it Read More »
If we harm someone intentionally, we need to ask that person for forgiveness. But in trying to clear up harms and possible harms, we often find ourselves powerless. Sometimes, I give advice that I think will be quite fruitful, only to realize at 3:00 in the morning that I might have really blown it. At
Make good come out of whatever harm I might have caused Read More »
