Spirituality
Living with less proves more difficult
Guest ColumnistMichelle Francl-Donnay Opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. – Mt. 2: 11b “I never travel without my box,” sings King Kaspar in my favorite aria from Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors.” With “one lapis lazuli against quartern fever, one small jasper to help you find water, […]
One mystery to another: From Nativity to cross
Guest ColumnistMichelle Francl-Donnay An angel of the Lord stood over them and the glory of the Lord shone round them. They were terrified, but the angel said, “Do not be afraid. Look, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a […]
Giving ourselves away – the gift of poverty of spirit
Guest ColumnistMichelle Francl-Donnay Have this mind among yourselves, which was in Christ Jesus: who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of humans.- Phil. 2:6-8 I came early to […]
While waiting, we’re bound more closely to God
Guest ColumnistMichelle Francl-Donnay Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles,They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. — Is. 40:31 I was standing at the sink one afternoon when Chris was about 5. I can’t recall what […]
The extravagance of being unbusy
Guest ColumnistMichelle Francl-Donnay Martha, who was distracted with all the serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister is leaving me to the serving all by myself? Please tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered, “Martha, Martha,” he said, “you worry and fret about so many things […]
Jesus helps us find God among ‘the little ones’
Guest ColumnistMichelle Francl-Donnay Wisdom calls aloud in the streets, She raises her voice in the public squares; She calls out at the street corners, She delivers her message at the city gates. — Prv. 1:20-21 “Glory be to God for dappled things” priest and poet Gerard Manley Hopkins, S.J., exclaims at the start of “Pied […]
Liturgy of the Hours: Start to a well-seasoned day
Guest ColumnistMichelle Francl-Donnay Sing the words and tunes of the psalms and hymns when you are together and go on singing and chanting to the Lord in your hearts, so that always and everywhere you are giving thanks to God who is our Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Eph 5:19-20 Greek […]
Explore all paths to Jesus, old or new
Guest ColumnistMichelle Francl-Donnay Put yourselves on the ways of long ago. Inquire about the ancient path:Which was the good way? Take it then, And you shall find rest. Jer. 6:16a My purse weighs five pounds – and that’s if I’m not carrying anything other than my basic gear. Moms don’t travel lightly in general, and […]
Learning to delight in the gift of obedience
Guest ColumnistMichelle Francl-Donnay Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is getting on in years.” “I am Gabriel and I have been sent to you and bring you this good news. Listen! Since you have not believed my words, which will come […]
Like water in the desert, God promises the unimaginable
Guest ColumnistMichelle Francl-Donnay O God, You are my God, for You I long;For You my soul is thirsting.My body pines for You Like a dry, weary land without water. Ps. 63:1 Just how far I was from home last week became evident when the road signs warned of camels crossing – not deer. Red-gold sand […]