Throughout May and June we will be having a series of reflections shared by Michael Petrow. Michael is a scholar of Origen, who was a brilliant early Christian theologian from the second century. Even though Origen's name has been tarnished with the label of heresy, his writing has had as much impact on Christianity as … Continue reading We Always Enter the Story in the Middle →

This a continuation of last week's article Study, Reflection, and Prayer. The Cloud of Unknowing says that these three practices are absolutely necessary for beginners, and even those somewhat advanced, in contemplation. The word reflection is actually used synonymously with the word meditation. Meditation means to think over something and reflect upon it. Before we … Continue reading Contemplative Meditation: Seeing Spiritual Truths →

Today I would like to share with you a guest post from my friend Kenneth McIntosh. He is a wise teacher of Celtic Christianity, a minister in the United Church of Christ, and regularly leads forest church gatherings where he lives in New York. Kenneth is the author of Water from an Ancient Well: Celtic … Continue reading Do the Little Things Even in a Time of Pandemic →

Throughout May and June we will be having a series of reflections shared by Michael Petrow. Michael is a scholar of Origen, who was a brilliant early Christian theologian from the second century. Even though Origen's name has been tarnished with the label of heresy, his writing has had as much impact on Christianity as … Continue reading Befriending Death: Harry Potter and Origen of Alexandria →

Over the next 3 weeks I would like to talk to you about how The Cloud of Unknowing suggests we develop our contemplative practice. What many people know today as Centering Prayer is one of many practices laid out in The Cloud. These other practices range from a handful of tips to let go of … Continue reading Study, Reflection, and Prayer in The Cloud of Unknowing →

In this time of global pandemic, when everyone is social distancing, one of my favourite mystics has a great deal to say. Julian of Norwich was a champion social distancer. She was an anchoress, which was a very particular kind of nun who lived an especially ascetic life. An anchoress was 'anchored' to the side … Continue reading Social Distancing and Julian of Norwich →

Over the next couple months we will be having a series of reflections shared by Michael Petrow. Michael is a scholar of Origen, who was a brilliant early Christian theologian from the second century. Even though Origen's name has been tarnished with the label of heresy, his writing has had as much impact on Christianity … Continue reading Somethings We Can Never Know →

Seeing as today is Mothers' Day, I want to talk to you about the motherhood of God. This is a topic which often makes people very upset. I've been told that I am "diluting the Christian revelation of God as Father" and many other such claims when I talk about this. For that reason, I … Continue reading Christ as Mother →

Over the next couple months we will be having a series of reflections shared by Michael Petrow. Michael is a scholar of Origen, who was a brilliant early Christian theologian from the second century. Even though Origen's name has been tarnished with the label of heresy, his writing has had as much impact on Christianity … Continue reading Memento Mori: Remembering Death and the End of the World →

Today is the first Sunday of the month when we share guest posts from people living and teaching the Contemplative and/or Celtic Christian way around the world. One of the beautiful things about the internet is that people doing amazing things in isolated parts of the world can learn from one another and grow together. … Continue reading Light Up: A Message From the Society of St Columba →