As we “enter Jerusalem” tomorrow, Palm Sunday, we may want to assess the degree to which our life’s journey is truly a spiritual pilgrimage, a pilgrimage that includes contemplation designed to lift us out of our false selves, contemplation designed to help us transcend our worldly nature.
The Church as an Instrument of Peace In a Troubled World, Part 6
March 13, 2012 by | Leave a Comment
Though we aspire to bring peace to a troubled world, we first must achieve solidarity within the Church through robust conflict resolution programs consistent with Vatican II.
Face of a Franciscan
September 1, 2011 by | Leave a Comment
Face Work is a social science discipline that studies a person’s need to Save Face, Protect Face, and Restore Face, thus managing threats to their social image, identity, or standing. The ultimate tool for effective Face Work is hinted at in friar Murray Bodo’s phrase “the Face of a Franciscan.”
We Were Deceived
August 10, 2011 by | Leave a Comment
Last week I watched a refreshingly candid interview with Archbishop Dolan conducted by Raymond Arroyo on The World Over (EWTN). Their discussion of the passage of New York’s “same-sex marriage” bill brought to mind my earlier posts.
New Path to Immigration Reform
April 11, 2011 by |
In a new Taming the Wolf White Paper I discuss the use of mediation techniques to foster convening in large-scale conflict that has hit impasse.
Detoxification
March 24, 2011 by |
In the latest edition of St. Anthony Messenger, the magazine’s editor, Pat McCloskey OFM, calls for “Detoxifying our Political Disagreements.” This is a worthy sentiment.
Rules for Civility
February 9, 2011 by |
I fear too many cherished cultural norms have been gutted: honesty, transparency, and integrity have been replaced by coarser values.
Civility and Deception
February 7, 2011 by |
Deception is the most significant barrier to civil discourse.
A Saint’s Advice
February 3, 2011 by |
St. Antony counsels us to meditate continually on the Apostle Paul’s words, “Let not the sun go down upon your wrath” (Eph. 4:26).
Evil and Human History
Without the Gospel promise that he delivered, fresh and relevant and alive in the present, we would not have the courage or reason to engage in reconciliation work.