Cursory readers of Basil & Butterflies may have some trouble categorizing its genre. Is this a writer’s blog? A religious blog? A “mommy blog”? A blog on natural living? Does it provide information or simply commentary? The seeming randomness here reflects my equally unexpected thought processes. But most regular readers may have put together the [...]
Category > theology
Beginning Advent
Sunday (Nov. 29) is the first day of Advent. The first Sunday of Advent always takes me by surprise because I have barely moved past Thanksgiving. (I tend to get really absorbed by celebrations). Still, Advent is one of my favorite seasons of the year. For four weeks, slowly, mindfully, joyfully, and with great hope, [...]
Mary’s Magnificat: A Guide for Kennedy, A Guide for Life
At Senator Ted Kennedy’s funeral this morning, his parish priest (Rev. Hession) mentioned that in his final days, Kennedy prayed and reflected on his life in light of Mary’s Magnificat. One of the most moving pieces of scripture, the Magnificat is Mary’s song in response to her cousin’s (Elizabeth’s) recognition that Mary will bear the [...]
Motherhood in Christian & Islamic Scriptures
Tonight begins the first day of Ramadan, a holy month in the Islamic year. During this month, Muslims around the world fast between sunrise and sundown, and increase their prayers as disciplines to honor Allah and grow in their spiritual journeys. There is much loveliness and hope in a month devoted to spiritual renewal and, [...]
A Faith that Thrives on Questions
Recently, Dr. Richard Beck wrote a provocative piece challenging Christians to stop focusing on their “relationship with God” and start focusing on being a better person. His post sparked a flurry of responses, most of which were respectful and thoughtful, whether in agreement or not. But one comment in particular stood out to me. In [...]
