I urge you to continue to pray for the families of the victims who lost their lives in the terrorist attack in Paris. Once again we see what humankind can do with something that God ordained. Religion is not about murder. The focus should be on God. The teachings of Jesus Christ when he lived among us are still true today. Love God with all of your heart. Love your neighbor as you love yourself. Instead of trying to look for differences, lets find the commonalities. Collectively we can solve many of the world's problems by taking the time to get to know others that may be a little different from us. All of the victims killed by the suicide bombers were created by God. Why would God be happy with you if you are killing his creation? Before you condemn someone, kneel and pray with them. Your entire perspective will change.
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...