Nature teaches fundamental wisdom lessons. “Growth occurs by shedding or dismantling the old, allowing the new to emerge.” Snakes shed old skin. Trees shed dried leaves. Furry animals shed old fur. Humans shed old nails, skin, and hair. Newness erupts when the old surrenders. “To insist on the spiritual practice that served you in theContinue reading “Conversion and Synodality”
Category Archives: Synod
Synodality and the EGO
Decision-making occurs in the factory of the mind And is informed by the spirituality of the heart. According to Edmund Freud There are three interactive pieces: the Id, the Ego, and the Superego. The ego is like a bridge We see evidence of the ego in our actions and interactions The bridge is anchored NeverContinue reading “Synodality and the EGO”
From the Paschal to the Synodal
Palm Sunday marks the end of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem together with His disciples, and the beginning of His Paschal journey – suffering, death, and Resurrection. Entering Jerusalem, Jesus’ disciples participate in the events of His life, and these events will not only have a lasting impact, but they will inspire the disciples’ personal conversion.Continue reading “From the Paschal to the Synodal”
Perspective
Gaze intently on this pic! What strikes you about the pic? For me, I am struck by the stark contrast of the light green grass, the blue sky with the fluffy white clouds, the rugged mountains, the light pink poui tree, and the dark green trees – the beauty of contrasts. Showing this pic toContinue reading “Perspective”
Anniversary Gift
Prior to her birth Bonnie kicked up a storm In the womb of the Caribbean Sea Creating mayhem on the day of my priestly anniversary. Before the sun rose and changed her pajamas, my eyes opened. I lay in silent darkness, With slight disturbances from streetlights Fighting to penetrate the room’s natural darkness. My mindContinue reading “Anniversary Gift”
Synod Journey to Matelot
The synod journey is like a drive on a winding, pothole-riddled, narrow, rural road. Fr. Raymond, Fr. Peter, and I embarked on an easy-going car ride along the coastal road from the village of Mission to Matelot in Trinidad. With car windows down, we were caressed by the natural air condition of coastal breeze, theContinue reading “Synod Journey to Matelot”
Synod Response
I preached a Lenten Retreat in the Catholic Church of the Toco Missions (Rampanalgas, Cumana, Mission, Grand Riviere, and Matelot) during the third week of Lent, 2022. I reflected on the theme, Synod: Communion, Participation, and Mission. Below is a prayer coined and prayed by Rebecca Francis and two reflections/poem by Nicole Richards-Bishop in responseContinue reading “Synod Response”
Merciful Father
As I ponder on the parable of the Merciful Father in the Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of the Lenten season, four insights emerge in my mind and heart which relate to the synodal journey. First, the synodal journey involves the People of God, as a family, walking together. On this journey, there are oftenContinue reading “Merciful Father”
Fifth Sunday in Lent: Actor and Protagonist
Pondering today’s gospel reading of the woman caught committing adultery (Jn 8: 1–11), I sense three protagonists and one antagonist on the stage of Jesus’ mission as mentioned in the Synod Preparatory Document (17–21). The primary actor is Jesus. He “pays attention to those who are separated from God (sinners and the poor) and thoseContinue reading “Fifth Sunday in Lent: Actor and Protagonist”
Fourth Sunday in Lent: Lesson in a visit to the zoo
“. . . with a little boy to lead them” (Isaiah 11: 6) Recently, I had a light bulb moment. I finally realised the significance of a child in leading the People of God on the Synod logo. What was the context of the revelation? As part of my babysitting, I took a two-and-a-half-year-old boyContinue reading “Fourth Sunday in Lent: Lesson in a visit to the zoo”
Beloved Reflections 