It may not be the best kept secret to enthusiasts of our national parks & seashores, the Carnegie family or history, but Cumberland Island has become an uncovered gem that beckons me back. Cumberland Island is Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island. Accessible by ferry from St. Mary's it is one of America's National Parks … Continue reading Journey Back in Time.
Pilgrimage
Seasons Change. So Do We.
The Autumn equinox was September. We transitioned from Summer to Fall. The long warm summer nights give way to chillier winds and fleece pullovers. The growing season for crops peak and the harvest takes precedence. It must take a precedence before the winter sets in. As a child I remember driving through the countryside with … Continue reading Seasons Change. So Do We.
Two Roads. One Path.
When hiking it is inevitable that there will come a fork in the road. It is inevitable then that I will faintly smile and recall a familiar poem by Robert Frost, "Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down … Continue reading Two Roads. One Path.
Psalm 28
"Save your people, bless your inheritance; feed and sustain them forever" (Psalm 28:9). A petition. A request. Too often the winds of change tempt us from keeping to the narrow road. More often than not buffets and lashes are waged upon us by those that wish to tear down our religion and faith like some … Continue reading Psalm 28
You. Follow Me.
"Peter turned and saw John. When he saw him Peter asked Jesus, 'Lord, what about him?' Jesus said to Peter, 'What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern of it is yours? You Follow Me' (St. John 21:20-23). Perhaps Peter was concerned for John's well-being and wanted to know what would … Continue reading You. Follow Me.
RSVP to Grace
Under normal circumstances, receiving an invitation on a Sunday is unusual. The post office is closed and no mail is delivered. Then there is Sunday Mass. I was pleasantly surprised to hear the first reading from the prophet Isaiah. In my more formative years it was a passage that consoled me during a very challenging … Continue reading RSVP to Grace
Restless Souls Can Find Rest.
How many souls are at rest? There is a lot of agitation today in many souls. Many are heavy laden with stress and anxiety. Vices, ill will and misguided righteousness can weigh on the shoulders like a heavy wooden bar laid across the back and neck. Our ability to direct and decide is subverted by … Continue reading Restless Souls Can Find Rest.
A Lonely Place Apart
When was the last time you withdrew to a lonely place apart? Jesus does numerous times throughout the four Gospels. One of my favorite passages in Scripture is where we are invited to this experience in the Gospel of St. Matthew, Chapter 14. The first thing revealed to us is a glimpse of Jesus' human … Continue reading A Lonely Place Apart
Wanderlust
Wanderlust. A strong desire to travel. Think of your last trip. The excitement of seeing a new place. The very act of traveling itself whether by plane, train, automobile. Watching the miles pass by. In motion. On a mission. Dare I say, on a pilgrimage? Traveling beyond our boundaries taps into a primitive yearning I … Continue reading Wanderlust
Listen to Him
Last week, as we entered Lent, Jesus was led to the desert; dry, hot, and barren. This week we are led up the mountain to pray (Luke 9:28-36). Up here we are provided a glimpse of Jesus' divinity. It is dazzling. So much so the disciples did not want to leave. They delayed the descent … Continue reading Listen to Him
Pilgrim's Journal 