We have all been shocked by the tragedy unfolding on the Nepal–Tibet border: the brute force of nature, the destruction of communities and infrastructure, and the terrible loss of life. According to news reports I read this morning, there are at least 633 confirmed dead, about 3,000 missing, including 41 Australians, and more than 93,000 directly …
Why All Told?
Launched today, my website has a new title and tagline. The philosophy of life driving my writing remains constant, and all the archived content remains accessible. We will add to the historical record over time, as well as releasing new material every week. The new title All Told is an invitation to pause, take stock, listen for …
In a cupboard
In a cupboard in heavenstands a big old bucketinto which God poursour suffering and painand sadnessand all the coloursof our helplessness and out of which he takesdeep draughts every daydraining, drawing its terriblerainbow profusioninto his heart and drinking, hearswords uttered long agoby his own crackedlips: “I thirst!”and the crucial echo in thatGod-forsaken wastethe declaration:“Finished!” and from …
Does redemptive suffering change us?
Pope St John Paul II led the Catholic Church for more than a quarter of a century. He died in 2005. Redemptive suffering names a difficult but enduring claim at the heart of Christian reflection: that suffering, while never good in itself, may, under certain conditions, become the occasion of transformation. It is not pain …
A prayer for Palm Sunday
Almighty and everlasting God,as we recall the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem,and our world groans with conflict and pain,we rejoice in the veiled genius of your kingdom:not established by violence or threatbut through humility, mercy, and love.You scatter the proudand lift up the lowly.Now plant within us the song of Mary,that we may celebrate your …
All Told 