Category Archives: Lessons

by Michael Maciel Why should we concern ourselves with “spiritual development”? Isn’t it better to let our spirituality unfold naturally? I think the word “unfold” implies a natural process, whereas the word “develop” implies taking something natural and changing it … Continue reading →

by Michael Maciel The word “faith” describes the universal presupposition that there is a truth, overarching and eternal, a single principle that governs the universe with absolute inclusivity and at every level, even though we do not know what it … Continue reading →

by Michael Maciel We are awash with the world, saturated by it. From the moment we wake up in the morning until we go to bed at night, our cares and concerns fill our consciousness and shape our thoughts. No … Continue reading →

by Michael Maciel Much of what we call “holy” is based on a belief that the world is not. This is a great tragedy. It isn’t that we should behave as though everything is good and therefore we should get … Continue reading →

by Michael Maciel It is customary to bring a bottle of wine, or some other gift, when you go to someone’s house for dinner. It’s not a law but it’s a nice gesture. It says a couple of things: 1) … Continue reading →

by Michael Maciel If you give up something for Lent, it should be something meaningful. Like candy to a kid. Sweet pleasures, lackadaisical attitudes, indulgent binges – these are good places to start. You know the saying: No Pain, No … Continue reading →

by Michael Maciel Okay, so here’s an extreme example. Say you’re on a boat and it starts to sink. Your companion (whom you love) has his arm trapped in the wreckage and he will most certainly drown unless you chop … Continue reading →

by Michael Maciel There’s a downside to being connected. Being one with others can be powerful when everyone works together, but when panic strikes, or when there is widespread confusion, being connected can be your worst enemy. That’s when you … Continue reading →

by Michael Maciel Adam’s first task, according to the account in Genesis, was to name things. And by naming them, he (we) give them their identity. It’s what we do. But when we name something (or someone), we not only … Continue reading →

by Michael Maciel The following words, through no fault of their own, have been FRAMED! 1) POWER It’s hard not to think of this word without evoking the frame of “power over,” as in power over other people. The word … Continue reading →