In a world full of suffering and violence, we are given this truth at Easter: Al-Masihu qama min bain al-amwat, Wa wati al-mouta bil-mout, Wa wahab al-hayata lil-lethina fil qubour. Christ has risen from the dead. In dying, he trampled death, And gifted life to those who were in the tomb. We still do feel …
“Even if I don’t see it again”: Marie Howe on mysticism
Today's Gospel reading in the Catholic Church--about Jesus' transfiguration--reminded me that for some time I've been wanting to share the following poem by Marie Howe. Like the Gospel reading, which describes the apostles' brief glimpse into the transcendent, Marie's poem, "Annunciation," describes the joy and solace of moments of seeming communion with God. In different …
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The Way of Perfection
October 15, 2014 Today is the feast day of St. Teresa of Avila, the saint whose name I took at my confirmation. Teresa is a looming figure in Catholic history. A reformer, writer, and mystic, she was one of the first women to be named a Doctor of the Church, an honor which acknowledges the …
Poem: “Bethel”
In short, the message of this poem is an elaboration of Jacob's exclamation in Genesis 28:16: “Truly, the Lord is in this spot, although I did not know it.” Though I don’t often realize it, God is always with me.
Christus Paradox: Reflections on “Of Gods and Men”
You shouldn’t read this blog post. At least not until you see the film, “Of Gods and Men.” Really, stop now if you intend to watch it and don’t want me to spoil it for you. The movie tells the true story of French monks living in the hills of Algeria during the civil war …
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JORDAN DENARI DUFFNER 