I have felt the presence of the Holy many times throughout my life. This is probably one of the main reasons I became a priest, though at the time of my ordination I didn’t know it. What follows are some of the ways the Holy has used to touch my Read More
Connecting to the Holy
I have felt the presence of the Holy many times throughout my life. This is probably one of the main reasons I became a priest, though at the time of my ordination I didn’t know it. What follows are some of the ways the Holy has used to touch my Read More
Comments
Jan 28, 2014 5:11 AM EST
When I feel the overwhelming feeling of unconditional love.
thank you, John-
- Gretchen
Jan 29, 2014 10:03 AM EST
John,
Well done and well said. God is present, even in the mundane. Thanks for reminding us to notice.
Glenn
- Anonymous
Mar 17, 2014 1:20 PM EDT
I was sorry to have missed this last blog posting-- but thanks for an inspiring reflection John. It's had me further reflecting (and Im doing a good deal of that lately working step 4 of the 12 steps, a written moral inventory w/sponsor and my mens group)... The Holy in my life has been most prominent in the warmth and caring (a life giving, unexplainable type of compassion) of some men and women I've been blessed to meet and get to know-- oddly enough, some were known also in 'big dreams' (ie., during a particularly harsh time in my life there's one dream I had of meeting Peter, yeah the apostle, and as I was sitting around watching my daughter who was a distance away playing and she couldnt see me-- knowing my pain and how I wouldn't feel it then, custody battle mindset or whatever, he sat with me lovingly and just cried without saying anything; I woke up feeling amazed, and thought 'so THAT'S compassion'-- to "feel with" someone...It felt very healing). Other experiences of the Holy have included the bewildered looks, laughs, and enthused responses of the college students these past 7 years who-- maybe in rediscovery of their own earlier encounters or maybe a first encounter-- meet the holy hilarity of the God of the Bible (the REL134/133 classes)... My own captivation with God's sense of humor has me, probably, paying too much attention to that aspect of Him-- but as a result, I have found something of the Holy in people like Andy Kaufman (a theologian of the ridiculous, and how many there were who thought even his own untimely death was staged for an elaborate prank that we'd all someday discover...), or the humorous theology of Twain. I look at my two English Bulldogs-- with twice the skin they need, as cute as that looks, and legs too short to keep their fat bellies from dragging on the ground, and think (by the very existence of creatures like these) the Holy is closely connected to humor, and absurdity. I'm not referring to Jung's "Trickster" in this sense (that's more of a satanic figure as I see it), but benevolent and good natured 'surprise' that seems to lighten things up or give new perspective (like how Dostoevsky had Jesus return during the Inquisition and his response to the long winded Inquisitor was only a kiss and off he went...Brilliant and humorous 'surprise'). Those moments give me hope in new surprises in my own life... Elswhere, I miss the ocean and the Fair Oaks American River trail (don't get out there anymore as much as I should, but the Holy was always there-- and always made me want to draw it accompanied by lived ones...). Just weighing in on a great subject John, thanks for the blog that got me reflecting (and for sharing your experiences of the Holy). God bless you, Mark
- Mark Peterson
Watch and Wait
It is unclear at this moment if my body Read More
Comments
Jan 03, 2014 4:06 AM EST
We're watching and waiting with you AND praying.
- Roger Kirchner
Jan 03, 2014 7:35 AM EST
A prayer for long term stability and improved health day by day... Happy New Year John.
- Mark Peterson
Jan 03, 2014 7:51 AM EST
My birthday wish is for you to turn the corner to wellness.
- Rosemary C Barnes
Jan 03, 2014 12:07 PM EST
I totally relate to the 'watch and wait' process. I think these times give us new definition to taking it "a day at a time"! You know you are in my prayers, for mostly good days, with only rare "pooped out & can't keep goin'" days. I pray that God will pour blessings down on your head in abundance.
- Trisha
Jan 03, 2014 4:54 PM EST
Your family is praying for you too, Uncle John. We love you want you to get stronger and feel more energetic so you can really enjoy your kids and grandkids. They are lucky to have you in their lives and nearby. xo
- Jennifer Pedersen
Jan 03, 2014 7:25 PM EST
Following, praying and hoping for the best for you.
I pray that significant progress is coming although it may not be as visible as desired at this time. You are very tough....hang in there.
- Joe Flemming
Jan 03, 2014 7:30 PM EST
I agree with Jen (my sister). Take it one day at a time. We are all here for you.
- Kathy
Jan 04, 2014 6:11 AM EST
praying for a healthy 2014 for you and your family...
- Linda A Walters
Jan 04, 2014 6:32 AM EST
John...I am praying for you and with you on a regular pattern. You walk this walk well as a spiritual leader and beloved child of God.
- scott starbuck
Jan 04, 2014 4:50 PM EST
Sounds like Advent...renewal, new life...
- Vicki Kramer