Thomas Merton

Today in my morning readings I started Thomas Merton's book, "Contemplative Prayer." Right off the bat he blows me away!

In writing about a Monk's call to to explore the two dimensions of community and solitude, Merton describes the call most Christians have to "works of mercy, or of creativity in the world."

This made me realize so clearly that all work is God's work! Secular work or work in the world should be seen as "Creative Christianity" or "Creative Evangelism." Our daily work is a door that opens allowing Christians access and influence in the secular world. My faith must inform my work. My Faith is meant to inform my business decisions. Business decisions should never define or inform my Faith.

Now What?

So, just what am I going to do with this Blog? I haven't done much with it so far that is for sure. The question I have to answer is " Do I have the courage to do this? Do I have what it takes to be totally honest with myself in a public space? Hell no! But isn't that the point, to recognize my fear and push through it and grow? I think so.

Up to this point I've tried to be smart and provocative. Well it hasn't worked. It bored me so much, I couldn't keep it up. From this point forward I'm going to post my response to life. I'm actually going to Blog. Sorry if I hurt your feelings or piss you off. Chances are if I do, you have hurt my feelings or pissed me off some time in the recent past. I promise to be honest and flexible. Willing to learn and grow and change.

Eastertide

The greeting card industry would have us believe that after the easter bunny comes the next celebration should be mother's day. Don't get me wrong, I love my mother and plan to let her know that May 10th. But as Christians, we have a lot more to celebrate this time of year.

Easter is more than a day, it is a season lasting 50 days. Three mystical and important events make up this season. Easter begins with a celebration of Christ's Resurrection. Forty days later we celebrate His Ascension to heaven. Ten days after that we celebrate Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit

It is important that we as Christians celebrate the entire Easter experience. The liturgy of this time reminds us that we are loved in order to love others. That we must forgive, as we have been forgiven. That we are called to Christ in order to be sent out into the world.

Explore and celebrate with your family and community the mystery and joy of the entire Easter Season.

Peace,
Larry