By Tom Kelly The Insight Series features guest writers who have influenced the philosophical identity of WMF. These theologians, scholars, writers and practitioners have had a role in shaping the vision of WMF. In this issue, Tom Kelly reflects on the language of “New Friars/Mendicants” and “New Monasticism.” The recent movement of young, committed, mainly [...]
We often think community is the opposite of loneliness. When we want to avoid that loneliness, we hang out with people and fill our days with activities. But those times and events don’t necessarily qualify as community. Part of being in community is knowing yourself — being in community with yourself, being comfortable in solitude [...]
Our WMF community here in Buenos Aires desires to be intentional about building community. One way we live out this longing is by setting aside time for what we call compañeros/compañeras. We’ve made it a goal to create space in our lives to be deliberately present for one another. Basically, it’s a time when two [...]
It amazes me to see the fragile shell of defense that kids who live on the street create to protect themselves from the dangers of this world. Children as young as 8 and 9 put on a front of toughness and independence to shield themselves from the pain and rejection they experience. When most people [...]
Why, after all the costly grace that we continually receive and occasionally dole out to build a community, do its members (now our friends) have to leave with such frequency? Should community be thought of in the same way as the fraternity of the United States Marines? Once a “Fleshie” (insert your community here) always [...]
People often ask me variations of the same question. It goes something like this: “How can you all continue to see so much suffering and not be overcome by it?” I usually respond with a few comments about how various temperaments make it easier or harder for some of us. I then tuck in a [...]
In some ways, starting a new field feels very much like forming an identity: discovering who we are and what our voice is. Like an individual, a field has relationships that feed it positively, speak life into its identity and help it grow. It also has formative years, which solidify its personality and natural tendencies [...]
When I pray, I often imagine being held by Jesus. As He listens to me, I can hear the beating of His heart. I wait by His side, hoping to hear from Him before the distractions come. Sometimes, in lament, I beat His chest and wail, but He remains solid and still, not pulling away, [...]
Today in the WMF Omaha office the Community Care Center (Amanda, Hilary, Phileena and Silas) is having a meeting downstairs. Marcia is clacking away on her keyboard, sometimes talking to herself out loud. Jara is in the next room playing “Don’t Stop Believing” on repeat as she works on design. Michelle and Cesia are working [...]
