FALLING IN LOVE CHANGES EVERYTHING
I will always remember Peter. He was a member of my parish when I was a parish priest. He was about thirty years old, and a really nice person. But he was restless. He never stayed in one job for very long and had a succession of short-term girlfriends. I would often joke with him about this, but I'd also challenge him sometimes and ask why he wouldn't commit himself to something or someone in life. And he would always use a phrase which I can still hear. He would say, 'Oh, I'm keeping my options open.'
CONFLICT: JESUS IN OUR MIDST
Life in a community can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Living at SSJE with my brothers has been one of the most profound experiences of my life. In particular, life in community has taught me the value of conflict and how it is an unavoidable yet potentially meaningful and transformative aspect of life.