Spiritually Speaking

This past Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, began the season of Lent for many Christians. Forty days plus Sundays, Lent is preparation for the Holy days of Good Friday and Easter, remembering the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus.

Fashion. Italy. Milan. Dolce & Gabbana. A couple of words that fit together so seamlessly in our minds. But what happens if we add another word? Fashion. Italy. Milan. Dolce & Gabbana. Muslim. And that is exactly what D&G did.

Husnu dhan . It is a term meaning to ‘have a good opinion of people.’ And as simple as it sounds, we all know how hard this can be when dealing with day to day complications and events.

You're invited to celebrate World Interfaith Harmony Week this coming Sunday afternoon in Victoria, with a fun and educational program for all ages, combined with a fundraising effort for the Syrian refugee program here in Victoria.

“The future belongs to those who give the next generation reason for hope.” ― Pierre Teilhard de Chardin Fear is a familiar companion for most of us.

One of my favorite spiritual quotations is attributed to St. Francis (though there is debate as to whether he is actually the source), “Share the gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.

In a recent meeting, I heard yet another person describe how much they live with fear and anxiety as constant and unwelcome companions.

Whether we call ourselves secular, spiritual or religious, we all have an operating system of ‘background beliefs’ that inform our attitudes and reactions. We’re often unaware of them, and that, it turns out, is a very dangerous thing.

On November 29 th , about 2 weeks after the Paris bombings, I went to an open house at the mosque on Quadra St. All three levels were packed and the program well-prepared.

You are cordially invited to a World Religions Conference at the University of Victoria, on Sunday January 17, 2016.