Spirituality
In Christ, we behold the face of God
Guest ColumnistMichelle Francl-Donnay My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God? – Ps. 42:3 I will freely admit it was not the depth of my piety, but the depth of my aversion for the 5:30 a.m. train that drew me to the contemplation of […]
Does God have a sense of humor?
Guest ColumnistMichelle Francl-Donnay Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know […]
Slowing down to make room for God
Be still and know that I am God. Ps. 46:10a Guest ColumnistMichelle Francl-Donnay The yellow signs are planted on lawns all over Haverford Township: “Slow Down!” I’m seeing them as I drive to pick up the kids after theater rehearsal, on my walk to the grocery store, as I ride my bike back from Morning […]
Perpetually rejoicing in the resurrection
Guest ColumnistMichelle Francl-Donnay Having risen in the morning on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary of Magdala. She then went to those who had been his companions, and who were mourning and in tears, and told them. But they did not believe her when they heard her say that he […]
Entering totally into the crucifixion
Guest ColumnistMichelle Francl-Donnay I have entered the watery depths, and the current has swept me away.I am exhausted with my calling out.My throat is hoarse.My eyes fail from hoping for my God. – Ps. 69:3b-4 As the Church moves from Lent to Passiontide to Easter, this is the third of four columns on a parallel […]
Discovering Christ one moment at a time
Guest ColumnistMichelle Francl-Donnay For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus in good works, which God hath prepared that we should walk in them. – Eph. 2:10 As the Church moves from Lent to Passiontide to Easter, this is the second of four columns on a parallel journey, taking up the principal graces of […]
It’s time to do our Lenten laundry
Guest ColumnistMichelle Francl-Donnay For this reason I kneel before the Father, that He may grant you in accord with the riches of His glory to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner self, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have […]
What else do I need? God alone is enough
Guest ColumnistMichelle Francl-Donnay Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than a great fortune with anxiety. – Proverbs 15:16 There is a math joke that says that mathematicians are God’s way of turning coffee into theorems. Or in my case, tea into words. On sabbatical leave this spring, I’m spending many hours […]
Lent invites new ways to see grace every day
To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one – to each according to his ability. Then he went away. Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five. Likewise, the one who received two made another two. But the man who received one […]
We are truly and properly a people of the cross
Guest ColumnistMichelle Francl-Donnay Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” – Mt. 16:24 “Why were you carrying that?” Chris wonders aloud as he watches me transfer my rosary from my bag to the pocket of my jeans. “There’s […]