Oblate Day 2008 was filled with provocative and nourishing presentations by the Oblates, and many have agreed to post them here on the blog. Rock Island Oblate Ric Smith, a regular blogger here, posted his talk below, and Macomb Oblate Bill Maakestad’s presentation is previous to this post by Macomb Oblate Linda Jani.

Two quotes help me set the theme for these remarks:
1Cor 1:18 – “The message of the cross is folly for those who are on their way to ruin, but for those of us who are on the road to salvation it is the power of God.” (NJB)

Rule of Benedict, Prologue (Reading for Sept.3) – “See how God’s love shows us the way of life. Clothed then with faith and the performance of good works, let us set out on this way with the Gospel for our guide that we may deserve to see the Holy One.”

Both of these quotes seem to frame the life of faith as a pilgrimage- a walking journey.

I think of walking as a good analogy for balance: in order to move forward we have to throw our bodies out of static balance. Continue Reading

Oblate Day 2008 was filled with provocative and nourishing presentations by the Oblates, and many have agreed to post them here on the blog. Rock Island Oblate Ric Smith, a regular blogger here, posted his talk previous to this post. Macomb Oblate Bill Maakestad’s presentation is below.

I.    Introduction: On Balance

A.    “A man should always wear a garment with two pockets.  In one there should be a note which reads, “I am but dust and ashes.” In the other, there should be a paper which says, “For me the world was created.” (Rabbi Fields) Continue Reading