This empty shell sits alone in silence wondering, “Who Am I,” but discovers only silence enveloping a once symphonic presence. “Who Am I” again surfaces from time to time, balancing the moments of deep inner thought with moments of complete emptiness. Does the blade of grass wonder to itself, “Who Am I” as it grows?…
Words
I’ve been feeling a bit unsettled lately and can always count on receiving some sort of inspiration from the least expected places, so today I was paying more attention than usual – the key, it seems, is to remain open enough to hear the message when it comes through. Lately I’ve been feeling down due…
Franciscans of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
I am Bishop Michael Anthony Gifford, FESC and I am the acting Minister General for the Franciscans of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (FESC). Archbishop Edmund Cass, the founder of our order, has asked me to jot down a few words regarding our order. First of all we are a unique Franciscan community within…
Final Things
God has blessed me with a ministry that tends to minister to those who are terminally ill. It is not a ministry I chose, nor would I have if I had been given the choice. However, it is a calling that I embrace. I have had the honor of standing by a holy man of…
Heavenly Tid-bits:
I’m asked from time to time, “Father, why do we pray to the Saints, why can’t we pray to Jesus?” They follow up with “I just go to Jesus”, sounding almost arrogant as if, those who seek the assistance of a saint or the very Mother of Christ, Mary, were somehow less spiritually evolved or…
Fine Silvery Threads
Creator and Created, Fine silvery threads dance confidently on Open waters, drawing up the life which Floats along vast currents. Behind the mirror existence shines back From ages past and teams of creation, Yet unseen they wait for their moment. Through dry mists glowing embers explode Casting their presence across unwatched Empty highways – waiting.…
Sacred Space
Sacred Space ministry is a community of un-housed and housed people called by God into Christian community and ministry for the purpose of transforming all our lives. During our weekly outdoor worship service in Oakland and Hayward, California, we offer opportunities for private conversation, prayer, blessing or encouragement, and lunch. We draw from the resources…
Truth
Truth (trooth) n. 1. the thing that is a fact or reality; 2. something factual or so clearly stated that is without need of an explanation; 3. a position, concept or statement generally believed to be accepted or obvious, or a scientific accuracy or undisputed conclusion; 4. to be faithful to a cause or person…
Online Ordination – Is It Real?
Based on Second Timothy 1:6-8,13-14 In today’s world it seems easy for people who do not have a true calling to get ordained via the internet, or by email. Merely filling in a form or sending an email is not the way this should be done. When God calls us into service, He is calling…
Words
They went to Capernaum; and when the Sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “What have you to…