Robin Williams' apparent suicide has placed a dark cloud on this day. He brought laughter to so many people and in a world short on joy, we need people who can lighten the mood. Many of the news stories about him note that he suffered from depression. It is a misunderstood mental health illness that many suffer from, often in silence. Robin Williams death reminds us of his comedy. His portrayal as Mrs. Doubtfire is really unmatched. The movie itself was so pro-family and it really emphasized how important relationships can be. It was a good movie that illustrated how important it is for children to have a good mother and father. So often, comedies turn the father into a irredeemable buffoon. That was not so of Mrs. Doubtfire. His passing also reminds us that we are very often our worse critics. We beat ourselves senseless over unimportant things. Jesus tells us to work on our interior and leave the rest to him. Romans 5:4-5 says, "Patience produces character, and character produces hope. And this hope will never disappoint us". So often God is much more patient with us than we are with ourselves. So in honor of Robin Williams, lighten up and give yourself a break today. RIP Robin Williams.
I am just beginning to dive into the beautiful, ancient devotion to the Five Wounds of Jesus, and I wanted to share a bit of the journey with you. It can feel a little overwhelming at first to look at the Crucifix this closely, but I’ve found such a gentle guide in St. Bernard of Clairvaux . In his Jubilee Rhythm on the Passion, Bernard doesn't treat the wounds of Jesus as distant historical facts or sights to be avoided. Instead, he approaches them with the tenderness of a friend, speaking directly to the feet, hands, side, and face of our Lord. For someone like me who is just starting out, his rhythm teaches that prayer isn't just about reciting words; it’s a holy hide-and-seek. Bernard invites us to literally hide ourselves within these wounds, seeing them as clefts in the rock where we can find shelter when our own lives feel turbulent or heavy. As I start this process, I’ve been practicing what I call gazing and greeting. Following Bernard’s lead, I look at the Crucifix an...