Like Lightning from Heaven
“In our world today there are some prophets like John the baptizer, who are spectacular. They prepare our hearts to see Jesus. …
The Road Ahead: Merton, U2, and the Language of Desire
My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot …
Living Courageously in Apocalyptic Times: Advent 1968/2018
Fifty years ago, on December 10, 1968, Catholic monk and spiritual writer Thomas Merton died in Asia, the victim of an accidental …
Hope Sings at Five Years: With Your Help, Widening the Circle
When Hope Sings, So Beautiful was published five years ago, it felt a little like I was singing — or perhaps spitting …
Christianity and Totalitarianism: A Marginal Monk Goes Mainstream
Last week an extraordinary thing happened. An excerpt from a 1960 essay by Thomas Merton, a marginal monk from an obscure Trappist …
A National Reckoning: The Interment of Matthew Shepard
“There are three things I’d say to Matt: ‘Gently rest in this place. You are safe now. And Matt, welcome home.’ Amen.” …
Artist, Prophet, Priest
“William Hart McNichols has often lived in two worlds — priest and artist, tender of flocks and solitary soul, openly gay man …
Poetry and Grace Down Under
My wife Lauri and I just returned from two weeks in Australia. I was invited by Marist Brother Mark O’Connor to give …
“You Can Get Killed Just for Living in Your American Skin”
Two years before the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and three years before recording his post-9/11 album The Rising, Bruce Springsteen …
Darkness, Fire and Light: The Wonders of Easter Remembrance
One of my earliest memories as a child involves standing outside the church entrance in the darkness of night during the Easter …
