The Courage to Forgive
Jesus compels us to fight evil through the power of good. Our society tends to view evil as strong and goodness as weak. However, nothing could be further from the truth. It is easy to hold a grudge. On the contrary, it is difficult to forgive.
Planted Near Water
We all know that there are times when life can feel, as Jeremiah writes, empty and wasted. What replenishes you as a disciple, as a steward, as a Christian? If it feels far away or hard to reach, why is that? How can you bring it closer?
Engaging Volunteers: Is It a Generation Thing?
Generational differences shape our worldview, and we bring those characteristics with us to church. So, when building an effective parish volunteer base, it’s important to take note of the different experiences and priorities inherent in each generational experience.
Living in Paradox
Here in our monastery, we talk about how the Christian life is paradoxical, it is a different way of being human. It tends to run contrary to rational thinking, by transcending its inherent limitations so that God’s Will could be made manifest here on earth.
Questions You Should Be Asking About Your Website and Blog
It’s crucial to be able to connect virtually with your community — this has never been truer for churches. How can you make sure your parish isn’t being left in the digital dust? Here are some questions to ask if you think it might be time for an online refresh.
The gift of the Mission
We need to remember that stewardship isn’t a job that we apply for. It’s a gift bestowed directly from God, the Creator of all, and that can be scary all on its own, if we are preoccupied with our own unworthiness. But what if we stop looking in the mirror and look instead to God?
Plant Your Works in the Word
Time after time we find ourselves less mindful than we could be. There are always tasks to be completed, problems weighing on our minds that we can’t quite give over to God. We lose ourselves in these things instead of in Scripture. We “clock in” with Bible reading instead of “diving in.”
Lowering the Nets
Peter felt he had failed. But if he had not spent a whole night pulling empty nets onto his boat, doubting himself, growing ever more tired and ever more discouraged, the whole impact of the next day’s catch would have been lost.
4 Ways to make the most of the Winter Lull
While the winter season may seem bleak, this lull is also an opportunity of growth for you and your community. Your intentionality in the next few weeks can lead to a stronger parish in the future. So, lean in a little. Use the time to regroup, refocus, and move boldly!
Proclaiming God’s Wondrous Deeds
Formed in love, the grace of God animates us. His divine indwelling elevates our faith. We find the courage to witness to others through grace. If we fail to desire or find opportunities to share the Good News of Christ, we have entirely missed the point of what it means to be loved by Love itself.
It Takes All Kinds
Who is God asking you to be today? We are all striving to serve the same Spirit, but we are given different gifts to do so. The one who has the gift of knowledge may fail if today he decides he wants to be a healer. The one who has the gift of “varieties of tongues” might falter in the expression of wisdom.
The Spin Cycle
We cannot live without God’s Mercy, His unconditional, eternal, and ever-present love. We do not always get it right; the world does not get it right. The world is like a washing machine stuck on the spin cycle, relentlessly rotating, never getting where it needs to be.