In the face of a pandemic and the possibility of contagion and likely death, the logical thing to do is to seclude yourself and to take care of yourself. Yet, the Word of God questioned me so that, at that moment, I could not be afraid.
Sacred Spaces
An Invitation to Explore the Sacred Inside Ordinary Places
AUTHOR:
shalomretreats
Every Note is Divine
In the case of music, God is using human vessels, composers from Bach to Bon Jovi, to spread messages of love and unity. What could be more sacred, in a broad sense of the word?
Leadership: A Journey of Faith and Trust
Through collaboration, mutual support, and shared discernment, I came to appreciate the unique gifts and perspectives each person brought to our common mission. These relationships strengthened our sense of belonging and reminded me that leadership is never carried alone. God was present in our conversations, shared challenges, and moments of encouragement that deepened unity and common purpose.
A Time Away for a Spiritual Vacation: Seeing with New Eyes
It is in the stories of our lives that we pause to articulate God’s presence.. Unlike a typical vacation, spiritual retreats are intentional journeys in clarifying a direction in life, deepening relationship with God, and seeking peace within. It can be a truly transformative experience.
Where Two Paths Cross: A Gift of Sacred Spaces
This is something I’ve come to trust: people find me, and sometimes they come back — not immediately, but when the time is right. Maybe months, a year later or sometimes even longer. It always moves me when that happens, when someone reaches out and says, “I’ve been thinking about this. I think I’m ready.” It speaks to the kind of trust that I hold with great care. I’ll be honest — I’m not always patient with that unfolding. There are moments when I’d like to know sooner how things will take shape. But I continue to learn that the timing is rarely mine to determine.
Ministry of Motherhood
It is through so many small, ordinary, and everyday memories of my mother and our shared faith in God’s love that I am now able to embrace with gratitude the sacredness and blessing of her ministry of motherhood.
Nurturing a Culture of Encounter
Encounters with others—especially with those whom society often fears or avoids—can reveal the sacred within each person. An encounter can become an experience that opens our eyes and our hearts.
The Grace is in the Walking
This was one of my mantra’s as I walked the Camino in Spain and the Way of St. Francis in Italy: “The grace is in the walking.” I repeated that phrase as my pack got heavy, a blister grew on my heel, got caught in pouring rain, or had trouble finding the path. In other words, a pilgrim hike is not about the destination, though it is fantastic to arrive in Santiago or Assisi, it is about the journey.
A Psalm for Every Season of Our Lives
Somewhere along the way I realized that the Psalm refrains we sing at liturgy can serve as short prayers or mantras even in the midst of daily life.
The Transforming Power of Epiphanies
I believe each of us has had experiences that have been transforming, helping us to see the meaning of life differently. These are “God moments” where the sacred touches the ordinariness of life and they have the power to profoundly change our lives.
The Spirituality of Vulnerability and Survival: Entering Holy Days with Mindful Presence
As I get older, my reflections around holidays like Christmas and Easter have zeroed in on the original experiences of real people and creatures who were involved in and present at Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection. What these people shared were vulnerability and uncertainty in the midst of the harsh experiences of life. They did not rush to certain faith. Instead, they lived vulnerably through their uncertainty to faith in God.
Life Blooms in Difficult Places
Metaphorically speaking, our own cracks are not only places where the light gets in, but places where life can blossom forth of its own accord, if we will let it.
God’s Fool
In October, we remember St. Francis of Assisi, who saw and knew the sacred connection between all living things and God.
The Spirit’s Nudge to Dream Boldly
Welcome to our blog! Here we will share reflections from Shalom staff and others on every day experiences, with an invitation for you to enter into stories, discovering the sacred moments in your own life.