by The Face of Grace Project | Jul 19, 2020 | Presence
There’s that tone of voice that seems void of all affection. And the words seem particularly chosen to imply she thinks she knows what I think or know. As the conversation progresses, it becomes clear she’s been talking to the others (although not acknowledging so). I can remember a time when we were younger, that we could be open with one another. No misperceptions or fears about how the other might interpret what is said. Now the opposite: I can’t say anything without it being misconstrued in a crazy way. Or turned into gossip by her. I want to love her, but I can’t even talk to her without feeling manipulated, mistreated and upset. Plus knowing the deep pain in her heart makes me want to help her all the more.
And we remain in a stalemate.
by The Face of Grace Project | Jul 15, 2020 | Presence
Turbulent times are unsettling, and we bring this unsettled state into our prayer as well. This is when St. Ignatius of Loyola’s approach to prayer can be very helpful. In the Spiritual Exercises, he recommends placing ourselves into the Gospel scene with the help of our five senses…
by The Face of Grace Project | Jul 12, 2020 | Presence
We all have bittersweet memories, those memories which were of good times but now due to life circumstances have a taint of bitter to them. This typically comes with the death of someone dear to us or a break in a relationship with another person, but it can also be a challenge to one’s own identity—a looking back at youthful dreams which now in later years of life will likely never be fulfilled.
by The Face of Grace Project | Jul 8, 2020 | Life, Work and the World
Often coming to mind is a photo I saw several years back when ISIS was first mounting their heightened persecution of Christians in Syria. It was a group of children with bold smiles on their faces. Arms outstretched, palms down, they proudly showed the backs of their hands. Every child had the Cross tattooed on their hand. As villages in the region were being brutally ravaged, for them this was the mark of death. They were going to let their future killers know they belonged to Christ.
They kept their sights on the end-game. Do we?
by The Face of Grace Project | Jul 4, 2020 | Presence
As a society, we have lost our capacity for kindness. The gift of our faith is that it—we–are the storehouse of kindness to bring to the world. We need to be in continuous contemplation of God within us and about us to do so. This comes through living a discerning life, for prayer is meant to transform, not just inform. From simple habits come profound wisdom and authentic holiness.
