Find the hope
On May 29, 2011, I was in conference with a guest at The Hermitage, a retreat center where I serve as Spiritual Director. It…
Exhalation of a Pine Wood in Winter
In the deep shadow of the wood, ice-bound needles clink together. Cold wind blows away the piney odor for a moment, and by its…
Practicing silence
At The Hermitage Community, the contemplative prayer center where I serve, we often remark to new guests that we give the gift or “permission”…
Good Yet
The old farmer stands at the end of the lane, big smile plastered on his face, waving goodbye. His coveralls are stained with work,…
Abbey Cemetery
for Kilian McDonnell, OSB This gentle hill heaves, pushing up crenellations— those markers of surrendered life secured even in death. A phalanx of gray…