Reflection Words come to life within a person. Who we are speaks louder than what we say. We cannot hide our character under our words for very long. It is easy to bluster against evil actions or to speak in pious language but eventually our listeners see through us. We cannot hide behind safe words. We are called not only…
Reflection We have the standard from Christ, “By this shall all know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another”. That love is shown outwardly by our civility and courtesy to each other. Civility acknowledges the value of another person. It is a way of living showing thoughtfulness, consideration, and respect for others. If the public…
Reflection Jesus took Peter, James and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves and he was transfigured before them. Mark 9:2-10 In mythic tradition, the mountain is the place where earth touches sky. Its summit enters the sphere of eternity and its base is in the mortal world. At the mountain top, the divine reveals itself…
Reflection Patience enables one to endure difficulty, provocation, or annoyance calmly. It gives others their own space and time .Patience is about waiting, tolerating, and forgiving. Patient people are not easily provoked. “Patience is not passive; on the contrary, it is active; it is concentrated strength.” Anger is sometimes justified but it is never an excuse for cruelty. Practice can…
Reflection The goal of forgiveness is reconciliation. Forgiveness can neutralize bitterness. A bitter attitude poisons us from within. It robs us of peace and wellbeing and turns life sour. Forgiveness removes resentment and anger and replaces them with compassion for the weaknesses of others. It is based in a healthy understanding of our own failures as well as our perceived…
Reflection During Lent it might be well to reflect on sustainability. Sustainability means trying to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. More and more we are realizing that spiritual emptiness can’t be filled by a culture of consumption. What really makes us happy is relationship with others and with…
Candle Lights for a Cure has been founded to honor all those lost to Covid in the towns of Brentwood, Bay Shore, and central islip. They ask that anyone who has lost a loved one would send a photo and a memory to be shared on their website. Events are bein planned for April. Their goal is to begin the…
Reflection Having compassion lifts us out of our own small world and broadens our vision. We are enabled to see beyond ourselves to the injustice and oppression afflicting others. When we are concerned only for ourselves, self-absorption and self-involvement detach us from reality. We become engrossed only with our own desires and our own self-interests. Compassion is an inner sensitivity…
Reflection The United States has reached a tragic total of 500,000 dead from Covid-19 Let us remember them. Today we gather in our hearts all those who have been part of our lives and the life of this nation and who have been lost to us. Let us remember them and send the supportive energy of our combined mourning and…
Reflection Sometimes it is necessary to reflect on whether we live our religion but we are ignoring the gospel. We need to look at whether we are strong in observances while we buy into the stereotypes and prejudicial attitudes afloat toward the poor, the alien, and those different from ourselves. If we listen to ourselves as we speak, do we…