Articles on Contemplation in Action

  • All Are Welcome Here

    All Are Welcome Here

    Based onActs 8:26-40Jn 6:44-51 One of our children, Al, is non-binary. That is, they identify neither as male nor female and prefer the pronoun “they.” This has been a very long process for them (and us) and a very difficult struggle – within and without. They are now to the point where they will be…

    read more


  • What Does Therese of Lisieux Have to Do with Anti-Racism?

    What Does Therese of Lisieux Have to Do with Anti-Racism?

    A recent trip to Lisieux deepened my understanding of Therese of the Little Flower and her spirituality. I was surprised and delighted with what she had to teach me – about surrender and faith and about persistence in learning how to be an anti-racist in America. While I have been involved in work for social…

    read more


  • COURAGEOUS LOVE

    COURAGEOUS LOVE

    One day, when Jesus was in Jerusalem, the Pharisees came up to him and warned that he had better get out of the city because Herod was planning to kill him. Instead of taking their advice and making a hasty retreat, he said to them, “Tell that old fox I have more healing and caring…

    read more


  • Transforming the Heart

    Transforming the Heart

    In these last turbulent weeks I have been strengthened by this passage from Ezekiel: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”  To be human is to have a heart of stone.  We fight, do violence, lie, destroy…

    read more


  • Healing Prayer for the World

    Healing Prayer for the World

    The article below is one I wrote in 2007 for the Shalem News.  Now in March of 2022, with a war raging in the Ukraine, the threat of a nuclear war, climate change and other upheaval in our world, I ponder how to hold it all in prayer.  I was led back to these reflections which still feel authentic…

    read more


  • Burning Bushes Everywhere

    Burning Bushes Everywhere

    THE OPENING OF EYESby David WhyteThat day I saw beneath dark cloudsthe passing of light over the waterand I heard the voice of the world speak out.I knew then as I had beforelife is no passing memory of what has been,nor the remaining pages in a great book waitingto be read.It is the opening of…

    read more



Mission

Our mission is to nurture contemplative living and leadership.

Vision

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.

Cancel