At home, growing up, we would jokingly sing the refrain to the church hymn “Let there be peace on earth” as follows: “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with *you*…” While silly, this is too often how we approach all kinds of conflict. Understanding my role in the system of theContinue reading “And Let It Begin With…”
Author Archives: Paul Mitchell
Conversation during the extra mile
Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. (Matthew 5:41) Walking the extra mile (after that initial distance is completed), what is the conversation like? Does the conversation change? And how? Perhaps one’s inner chatter (about what that person must be like) quiets down, defenses fall, better questions areContinue reading “Conversation during the extra mile”
The Foundational Home
Aristotle explored ethics “[not] in order to know what virtue is, but [that we might] become good.” With what does it begin? The household – our management of it and the formation we internalize while in it. When I am able to see the home not as a not a chore to begrudge, rush through,Continue reading “The Foundational Home”
In Gratitude
Understatement alert! Many words have been written and spoken about sin. What if any communication on the topic started with St. Ignatius’ contention that a lack of gratitude was the sin to watch out for. How would that change the conversation? “It seems to me in the light of the Divine Goodness… that ingratitude isContinue reading “In Gratitude “
The Professional Reader
We rightly appreciate great writing. The value of authors that can teach a distilled concept or weave a magical world is congratulated and remunerated. But what about the value of readers? How might we equally honor the student (or adult) who seeks out varied and worthy writing, courageously struggles to understand its import and beauty,Continue reading “The Professional Reader”
Presupposing Goodness
St. Ignatius describes a “presupposition” that should guide the relationship between spiritual director and directee as follows: That both the giver and the maker of the Spiritual Exercises may be of greater help and benefit to each other, it should be presupposed that every good Christian ought to be more eager to put a goodContinue reading “Presupposing Goodness”
A Smart Phone Benediction
Last year, I saw a US Catholic Bishop interacting with his smart phone in a remarkable way. Before he would unlock it, he would discretely cross himself and momentarily pray. I did not ask him about this practice (I wish that I had!) but I wonder what his intention or petition was as he prayed.Continue reading “A Smart Phone Benediction”
The Three Gates
Our sons’ teacher gives her class the following conceptual hook to think about how they speak to their classmates. She asks them, before they address another, to pass the words they are considering through the following “three gates.” Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? (And kind is not always “nice”… these youngContinue reading “The Three Gates”
“If it is not my truth…”
“… then it is a lie.” Living out of this mentality makes us fragile and reactionary. The ability to consider the truth of another’s experience, even momentarily and provisionally, is fundamental to an empathic life in community. This is not a permissive acceptance of everything thought or felt. (So not: “Everything is true everywhere!”) ItContinue reading ““If it is not my truth…””
But an Instant
Today, a wonderful line from one of Mark Twain’s personal letters: “There isn’t time — so brief is life — for bickerings, apologies, heartburnings, callings to account. There is only time for loving — and but an instant, so to speak, for that.”
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