Prayer requires that we stand in God's presence with open hands, naked and vulnerable, proclaiming to ourselves and to others that without God we can do nothing. As disciples, we find not some but all of our strength, hope, courage, and confidence in God. Therefore, prayer must be our first concern.

If you want to know anything about community, you have to realize that the contemplative side is essential. Community without retreating and quiet time never survives.

In 1984, Jean Vanier invited me me to visit L'Arche community in Trosly, France. He didn't say "We need a priest" or "We could use you." He said, "Maybe our community can offer you a home." I visited several times, then resigned from Harvard and went to live with the community for a year. I loved it! I didn't have much to do. I wasn't pastor or anything. I was just a friend of the Community.

When you have loved deeply, that love can grow even stronger after the death of the person you love. That is the core message of Jesus.

Christian community is the place where we keep the flame of hope alive among us and take it seriously so that it can grow and become stronger in us.

From the moment we claim the truth of being the beloved, we are faced with the call to become who we are.

Although I am a committed Catholic priest, and nowhere hide that fact, my focus is very much a spiritual journey.