Here’s how this week’s arts and culture column begins:
Back in 2000, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I went right away to a trusted LA priest.“Illness causes a fundamental change in identity,” Father Terry pointed out, “just as stopping drinking does, so of course that feels scary.” He wasn’t about to come out next and say, “Join the club, you’re not the only sick person in the world,” or, “You can be of service even when you’re dying,” or, “You wouldn’t believe the joy and faith with which I’ve seen people walk through illnesses 10 times worse than what it looks like you’ve got.” He wasn’t about to say, “Offer it up.”
READ THE WHOLE PIECE HERE.
THANK YOU! DEAR HEATHER!
Blessed Feast Day of St. Maximilian Kolbe tomorrow, Glenda!
Absolutely beautiful description of that book. I love the line about keeping the flame burning on the altar of our hearts. Your reading is such an amazement to me. Thank you, and I hope Ireland continues to be surrounding you in peace and inspiration.
Oh he’s very good, Sonja. I’ve started Entering the Twofold Mystery–lots of meat there.
Yes, Ireland is proving to be an “experience,” very deep. I won’t be able to take it all in till I return home and I have lots more to go, with a trip to Bruges in between. Have not been taking a lot of photos or been much moved to post about it…but am mining every minute…thanks for keeping the flame burning in your own heart!