Reflections

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Richard Bruxvoort Colligan’s reflection on a St. Francis Life. Lord, Make Me… You Franciscans out there will likely complete that sentence “…an instrument (or a channel) of your peace.” If you’re hungry, you might finish the sentence with “… a sandwich, please.” I’ve been wondering recently– deeply wondering–  if such a life as St. Francis’ is possible. As his famous prayer goes: God, make me a channel of your peace flowing from your river. I grew up in Minnesota, U.S.A. as part of the Lutheran Church

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Rev. Mary Anne Dorner’s reflection, Spiritual Strength Training. For years, my primary way of exercising was walking outdoors in the beauty of nature.  Then I read Christine Valters Paintner’s book Eyes of the Heart: Photography as a Christian Contemplative Practice. After that, I began stopping along my path so that I could take photos of flowers and trees, ponds and woods, sunrises and sunsets.  I noticed at times that our neighborhood “crow” would wait for me and accompany me on my walk. 

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Sharon Perry’s reflection “The Imaginary Candle.” “The men in the jail want you to come and teach them how to pray” the Chaplain requested on the phone. I asked the Chaplain if the men knew that I was a woman. He answered that they did indeed know who I was, and they were waiting for me to come. He explained that, “After you taught the women in the jail how to pray, news traveled to the men, and now they

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission for the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Melissa Layer’s reflection on finding the healing presence of God among the pines. Praised be you, my Lord, with all Your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, who is the day, and through whom You give us light. And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour; and bears a likeness of You, Most High one. Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars, in heaven You formed them clear and precious and beautiful. Praised be You, my Lord,