The church is not an institution forcing us to follow rules but a community inviting us to still our hunger and thirst at its table.

As long as we have our stories there is hope.

Community life is not easy for somebody like me, who is used to living by himself and doing what he wants. It's a demanding life, and you quickly get in touch with your own handicaps and weaknesses.

Spiritual identity means we are not what we do or what people say about us. And we are not what we have. We are the beloved daughters and sons of God.

For as long as you can remember, you have been a pleaser, depending on others to give you an identity. You need not look at that only in a negative way. You wanted to give your heart to others, and you did so quickly and easily. But now you are being asked to let go of all these self-made props and trust that God is enough for you. You must stop being a pleaser and reclaim your identity as a free self.

Prayer is first of all listening to God. It's openness. God is always speaking; he's always doing something.

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