Posts by Matthew Kelly
Reverberation of Relational Rejection
One interpretation on the Garden of Eden story regarding Adam’s first sin was that he decided that though he knew he shouldn’t partake of the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, he did so anyway for fear that by his denial of the fruit, he would experience some form of…
Read MoreReversing the Flow
The Sea of Galilee, which is fed by snowmelt and mountain springs with fresh water, feeds the Jordan River, which flows past the town of Adam down into the Dead Sea (Salt Sea of the Arabah). The word “Galilee” in Hebrew is translated as “roll” or “circle.” It symbolizes new generation and sustained life. It…
Read MoreIt Can Be Dangerous Out There
There is a fearful desire to be separated from beauty because we see ourselves more clearly in its light. If we have not the fortitude to stand firm in its purifying fire, based in the truth of God’s mercy, we will turn away, or worse, we will attack the conduits and source of the beauty,…
Read MoreHearts Designed For Truth
Yesterday was the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. We are reminded that Jesus’ heart burns as a furnace, inviting all other hearts to cast themselves freely into these flames to be purified in His all-abundant and seeking love. Jesus gives each person His heart with such tenderness and longing, to teach us…
Read MoreHuman Capacity for Transformation
“We should like to hear you on this some other time.” (Acts 17:32) These words from those Greeks hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ from Paul sadly resonate in my heart. There is a tendency in our hearts, especially after being called out by the truth to act righteously, to say “it’s complicated”, and to…
Read MoreDesigned for Life
2023 has been a year in which I have encountered, more closely than ever in my life, death. In January, my grandfather died, and this very week, my grandmother died. Death is a thing strange to humans. And despite the fact that everyone on Earth is doomed to die, it is still something which does…
Read MoreLove of God Nurtures Our Whole Person
Today’s readings point to the very core of the truth about our humanity, and God’s amazing plan for it. If you were to choose a point within scripture to revisit and ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand, these would probably be good candidates: “Return, O Israel, to the LORD, your God; you have…
Read MoreOur Own Tower of Babel
Everyone has their own Tower of Babel; a telling question to ask is when you expect it to fall. Because of original sin, which falsely uses God’s beautiful gift of free will, it is even in the midst of all the great gifts of life and existence and everything else, that the discord of sin…
Read MoreFull of Patience
“And so, after patiently waiting, Abraham obtained the promise.” (Hebrews 6:14-15) In today’s reading to the Hebrews, Abraham’s response to God’s promise “to bless and multiply him” strikes me and brings a sense of longing into my heart. To see an example of such simplicity, reflected in Abraham’s patient waiting, throws into contrast the fearful…
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