My Pastoral Ponderings

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Tag: Thomas Merton

Posted on September 1, 2022September 1, 2022 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 10 Comments

Every Burning Morning

I was honored to be invited to contribute this article to the Eastertide 2022 edition of The Merton Journal, published bi-annually by The Thomas Merton Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Posted on January 21, 2022January 20, 2022 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 16 Comments

My Favorite Books for Spiritual Reading (Apart from the Bible)

What is spiritual reading, and what are some good books to be read in this way? Here is my reflection on that, and some suggested books.

Posted on September 4, 2021September 5, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 4 Comments

Ephphatha, Be Opened: My Sermon on Mark 7:24-37

Jesus came to open our eyes and open our ears, but also to open our hearts. Here is my sermon on Mark 7:24-37.

Posted on July 27, 2021February 9, 2022 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 2 Comments

Silence and Prayer

A few of my favorite quotes on silence, particularly as it relates to prayer.

Posted on July 15, 2021July 14, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 9 Comments

There Is No Going Back (Take Two)

There is no going back, Wendell Berry reminds us. I reflected on this truth after going back to my former congregation, and share my ponderings here.

Posted on July 1, 2021June 30, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 6 Comments

What Is Our Highest Freedom?

Thomas Merton once said that "the highest freedom is found in obedience to God." What did he mean? I reflect on that here as we get ready to celebrate Independence Day.

Posted on June 14, 2021August 2, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 9 Comments

Stranger by Thomas Merton

Reflections on "Stranger," a poem by Thomas Merton.

Posted on January 25, 2021March 3, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 2 Comments

My Favorite Quotes – Thomas Merton

"The only unhappiness is not to love God." - Thomas Merton

Posted on December 10, 2020December 10, 2020 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 11 Comments

Giving Thanks for Thomas Merton

Today, I am thinking with gratitude of one of my spiritual mentors and heroes in the faith, Thomas Merton, who died this day, December 10th. My life of faith has been deeply influenced by this remarkable man, so here are a few thoughts that I feel led to share.

Posted on October 5, 2020May 4, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 8 Comments

Sonnet for Psalm 8

How can we tell people they are walking around shining like the sun? Here is a sonnet I wrote inspired by Psalm 8, Thomas Merton, and by a recent experience at our local soup kitchen.

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