Ralph Patrick – Page 12

“The God of Love and Light . . . Revealed in Creation”

“And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day.” Genesis 3 “A human being is part of the whole, called by us ‘Universe’; a part limited in time and space. One experiences oneself as someone separated from the rest—a kind of optical delusion of one’s…

“Times and Seasons: Part I”

“For everything, there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes “Nature is the direct expression of the divine imagination.” John O’Donahue As May bids her farewell, she warmly introduces the month of June, the time of the summer solstice, sunshine that births long days that allow us to languishing in pleasant…

“One Life to Live?”

“Mary (The Mother of Our Lord), Women, and The Church”

“Woman, behold your son . . . Son, behold your mother.” -The Gospel of St. John, chapter Nineteen Mother’s Day. For some women it is a wonderful time to be showered with gifts, cards, and attention . . . and maybe breakfast in bed or dinner out. And for some children, regardless of age, it’s…

“Mary, Women, and the Church: Part 4”

“If you’re content with being yourself, you will become more than yourself.” Luke 8:14 (The Message) “You served as a midwife, and you brought babies into the world. You nurtured children and you clothed those in need.” The Troparion of Matuschka Olga “Matuschka Olga? I thought we were talking about Mary Magdalene?” Well, we were and are. …

“Snow”

“God sends the snow that is white like wool.” Psalm 147 “Snow is falling outside, and all is peaceful and still. In such moments it is possible to believe that the world could still be good.” Richard Evans Winter has come to the Rockies. Spring had peeked through for a brief time with warming sunshine…

“Mary, Women, and the Church: Part 3”

“Now, standing beside Jesus’ cross were his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.” John 19:25 “Then Peter said to Mary, “Sister, we know that you are greatly loved by the Savior, more than any other woman. Tell us those words of his that you remember, the things which you…

“Mary, Women, and the Church, Part 2”[1]

“Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early.” John 20:1 “The quest for the Holy Grail is the quest to kneel before the bones of Mary Magdalene, a journey to pray at the feet of the outcast one.” Dan Brown in “The DaVinci Code” “Mary had seven demons…

“Mary, Women, and The Church”

Mary came and told the disciples, “I have seen the Lord.” John 20 “There is no need to remain stuck in sorrow, grief, and doubt! For his grace will be with you all; it will guide you, comfort you, shelter, and protect you.” The Gospel of Mary “Daddy, why can’t women be pastors?” Asked many…

“Clinging”

Jesus said to her “Do not cling to me.” John 20 These words of Mary to Jesus have captured my attention this Easter. I’m not sure why exactly unless it’s because of my own clinging. There’s a difference between holding and clinging. Holding is good. To touch and be touched is wonderful. But clinging is…