Articles on Contemplation in Action

  • “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:5

    Shalem Institute invites you into a new special limited series: “Contemplation in Troubled Times” Minnesota’s example of courage and nonviolent action in the face of oppression is something we continue to witness and be in solidarity with as best we are able. It also extends beyond Minnesota to our brothers and sisters across the U.S. and around…

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  • Contemplation Through Our Shared Humanity

    In these months of federal occupation in Minneapolis, as a person of faith and as a pastor, I have relearned that contemplation is connection – rather than, as I have sometimes been tempted in the past to believe, contemplation being withdrawal. Partly because of the unpredictability of each day during this stretch, contemplation for me…

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  • Who Will We Be? What Will We Become?

    Hinge points. I love a good hinge point – where things are unfixed, a pivot is around the corner and possibilities are screaming at us to take a second look. We as the collective in what is called these United States of America are in the midst of a massive hinge point; things that once…

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  • Shalem in Transition: A Time for Discernment

    Beloved, Grace and peace to you as we stand together at an important threshold in the life of our community. In Celtic tradition, thresholds are holy places. They are neither the place we have been nor yet the place we are going. They are liminal spaces—thin places—where the Spirit often feels closer, more active, and…

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  • Ongoing Hope for Better Days – Part II

    Last year at this time, I shared how Shalem’s Vision – Our Ongoing Hope – helps me live with abiding hope for better days to come.  I won’t repeat myself.  Suffice it to say, at the time I wrote that piece I had no idea what we would face – what I would face –…

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  • Where Does Gratitude Fit in the Spiritual Life?

    With Thanksgiving approaching we might ask: Where does gratitude fit in the spiritual life?  The following is a meditation on the place of gratitude in Ignatian spirituality. The traditional first step of the examen, the end-of-the-day prayer that St. Ignatius Loyola told Jesuits never to omit from their day, is gratitude. You recall the good things that happened to…

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Our mission is to nurture contemplative living and leadership.

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In 2025, Shalem will be a dynamic and inclusive community, empowered by the Spirit, where seekers engage in transformation of themselves, their communities, and the world through spiritual growth, deep connection, and courageous action.

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