Meditations
Contemplative Life Video: Practicing Gratitude
November 22, 2021
We’re beginning a new feature in our series The Contemplative Life. Starting today, we will begin to offer videos in which we will walk the viewer through various types of contemplative prayer.
Equanimity in the Buddhist and Christian Traditions
March 29, 2021
By Kathy Keary
Part 13. What Christians call “resting in God’s grace,” Buddhists describe as upekkha or equanimity, meaning “a mind in balance, free of discrimination and rooted in insight.” Both traditions have practices to balance our lives.
Joy in the Buddhist and Christian Traditions
March 22, 2021
By Kathy Keary
Part 12. Buddhist teachers describe “joy,” or “mudita,” as a “genuine ability to rejoice and delight in the happiness of others. Joy helps us be inspired by the positive qualities of others.” The Christian perspective tells us that joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
‘Loving-Kindness’ in the Buddhist and Christian Traditions
March 8, 2021
By Kathy Keary
Part 10. While love is a quality that arises naturally from our humanness, it also can be developed, nurtured and grown. Jesus and Buddha teach us how.
The Four Divine Abodes: Love, Compassion, Joy, Equanimity
March 1, 2021
By Kathy Keary
Part 9. These four states have the potential to purify the heart and create positive energy. Emptying one’s self of ego is a common theme among Christian spiritual masters, as Jesus said: “Whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”
Yearning for Peace: Teachings of Jesus and the Buddha
January 4, 2021
By Kathy Keary
Part 1. Our divided world thirsts for peace. Studying how two contemplatives — Jesus Christ and Buddha — proclaimed similar messages of peace will set us on a path to acceptance and harmony.
St. Joseph’s Challenge — Finding Hope in Uncertainty Part 3
December 7, 2020
By Kathy Keary
St. Joseph was challenged with uncertainty. As we conclude our Advent series, you are invited to use your imagination to walk in the shoes of Joseph. Allow Joseph’s story to speak to you.
Our Challenge — Finding Hope in Uncertainty Part 1
November 23, 2020
By Kathy Keary
Activities that keep my mind focused on the present moment are lifesavers that not only relieve my mind of worries but seem to have a long-lasting calming effect and have increased my propensity to remain in the present moment.
Maintaining the Contemplative Life in a Divided World
November 16, 2020
By Kathy Keary
John’s Gospel tells us that they will know we are Jesus’ disciples “if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). It doesn’t say “if you love those with whom you agree.” This is a powerful statement in our divided country.
Pray without Ceasing – Really? Part 3
November 9, 2020
By Kathy Keary
The God who is “nearer to me than I am to myself,” who knows my heart through and through, comforts my weary soul as if to say, “Be not afraid. I am with you always.”