Eileen Benthal

There is something to taking the time to pray just before dawn. As the darkness yields to the light, the Spirit illuminates my mind, heart, and soul — giving me strength for the day.

A reflection on Christmas during the pandemic, from the vantage point of a NYC hospital room.

Reflections on waiting: the season of Advent in the time of the pandemic.

The mystery and the magic of the Thanksgiving holiday is the gift of gratitude.

Whether or not we are a divided nation does not depend on who is the president; it depends on us. Let’s do this and come together. No matter who leads the nation, we lead at home and by example as we practice kindness and respect for others.

Let's love one another enough to respect personal freedom and make personal decisions that protect the vulnerable.

As Election Day approaches and the din of hyper-partisan arguments ratchets up, we can choose a different approach.

Here we are again, some 19 years later, and our lives were paused once again as an unseen enemy brought death to our communities, our neighbors and even to our family members’ doors. But our nation’s response has changed. Instead of a nation united in searching for a cure against an enemy virus; we are divided in political camps and words and actions filled with hate.

If you’ve lost touch with your faith, maybe now is the best time to come home. Though our dealings in the larger community may still be at a distance, God is never far away and always ready to say, “Welcome home.” 

“So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”