Category Archives: Advent

Advent IV: Love

Posted on December 22, 2017 by

Our faith tells us that the infinite love that is the architect of our hearts has made our hearts in such a way that nothing less than an infinite love will put to rest the restless longings of our hearts. –James … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Mystical, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Advent III: Joy

Posted on December 15, 2017 by

This Advent I’ve been enjoying short films from The Work of the People that speak of this season of waiting. They invite me to be unravelled, to hold my cup of longing and not go around it, to welcome the stranger, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Advent II: Peace

Posted on December 12, 2017 by

Why couldn’t I just settle down and be present? Have I not been spending enough time in silence? Am I suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder? Is this more evidence that I have ADHD? I looked around the sanctuary artfully decorated … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Advent I: Hope

Posted on December 8, 2017 by

Hope God, you come like the persistent widow and knock on my door. You keep knocking, wearing me down with your pleas until I do right. You come like the friend at midnight calling me out of bed to give my neighbour what they … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Poetry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

From Weakness to Weakness

Posted on December 23, 2016 by

There is a dog in Loyola House that soothes the aching soul. Perhaps you’ve heard of the “balm in Gilead that makes the wounded whole”? Apparently someone at Loyola House in Guelph, Ontario has a dog who does the same thing. People who go there for … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Christmas, Poverty of Spirit, Reflections, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Weakness: The Heart of Belonging

Posted on December 16, 2016 by

My old friend, Insecurity, showed up again when I attended a two-day SoulStream board meeting. Even though I was among people who are open, accepting, and kind, I felt uneasy. Someone mentioned a book I hadn’t read or music I hadn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Christmas, Poverty of Spirit, Reflections, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The God We Got

Posted on December 9, 2016 by

God could have come with battle lines drawn, an army of trumpeting archangels, and a legion of patriarchs. But God came in vulnerability, a baby without a home . . . –from “The Arrival” by Ann Siddall Why did God … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Christmas, Poverty of Spirit, Reflections, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

God Became Weak

Posted on December 2, 2016 by

“O come, o come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,” we sing. We too “mourn in lowly exile here” until the Son of God appears. We long for God to come in power and right our injustice, heal our ills, dispel our confusion, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Christmas, Poverty of Spirit, Reflections, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Satisfying the Desires of All

Posted on December 18, 2015 by

“Insights are a dime a dozen,” Father Richard explained to the small gathering of spiritual directors last Sunday afternoon. “It doesn’t matter so much what an experience in prayer means; what matters is that we stay with God in it.” Relief washed … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Christmas, Spiritual Direction | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Where I Am

Posted on December 11, 2015 by

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” sings Andy Williams over the store’s loud speakers. I can’t get out of the mall fast enough. On my walk home, I remember that it’s the second week of Advent, and we still haven’t put up our … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Christmas | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments