Saturday Haiku: City Streets

busy street corners

always find higher meaning

when dogs walk humans

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Image: "street corner (paris)"
Artist: e.e. commings
Medium: Oil on cardboard



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Remembering Thomas Keating

(Photo from the Tribute page of Contemplative Outreach San Diego)

I was sad to learn of Father Keating's passing two weeks ago, but only joy springs to mind when I think of him. He taught many modern pilgrims the concept of apophatic prayer and meditation with his centering prayer retreats and writings. He ushered many into the profound beauty of resting in silence and emptiness before God.

At the website for the Center for Action and Contemplation are three short remembrances of Fr. Thomas Keating from Cynthia Bourgeault, James Finley, and Richard Rohr. There is also a link at that site where you can view the memorial service on Nov. 16.

For Further Reading:

• “Thomas Keating, pioneer in centering prayer, interfaith dialogue, dies at 95,” an extensive article in the National Catholic Reporter about Father Keating which also includes a couple of brief words of his from video recordings.
• “Father Thomas Keating Is a Rebel with a Cause,” a cover story in 5280 Denver’s Mile High Magazine, March 2018.

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Morten Lauridsen: Connecting Poetry and Music

Morten Lauridsen has written some of the most beautiful choral works in the western musical canon. Two of my favorites are "Sure on this Shining Night," and "O Magnum Mysterium." He often uses poetry as the text for his musical works. "Sure on the Shining Night," for example, uses James Agee's poem for it's setting. As a poet, I was fascinated to hear this brief discussion from Lauridsen about how he sees the connection between poetry and music.

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