True Simplicity
In his final days, my father spent time with all ten of his children. With true simplicity, we spoke words of love and mercy, while we helped him let go with grace and peace.
From Ashes to the Cross
You are dust
To dust you shall return
A cross
Grit, dirt, ashes
Smudged on our bodies
From the praise entering Jerusalem
That quickly turned to death
On a cross
The Messiah
The Anointed One
So many questions
You Are Here
“You are here.” This prayerful statement, when uttered from our lips, can remind us of God’s abiding presence, even when we don’t feel it or even believe it.
Todos, Todos, Todos!
“Repite conmigo: Todos, todos, todos.” (“Repeat with me: Everyone, everyone, everyone.”) Pope Francis proclaimed this message to 1.5 million young people at World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal this past August. He later emphasized that the church is open to everyone, including “the sick, the elderly, the young, old, ugly, beautiful, good and bad.”
Goodnight House: The Weeds Among the Wheat
I recently helped clean out my childhood home. It was both bittersweet and healing as I walked through the empty rooms with only clutter remaining. My dad, at 91, finally moved into assisted living. With a sense of relief and gratitude from all ten of his children, he has surrendered to the care of others while he holds on to what independence he can. I have to believe that being cared for can offer him healing, too.