spiritual insights on religion, social justice and comparative theology
My foray into service learning has reaped tremendous rewards. I’ve been exposed to the power of intention behind words. St. Francis said, “Teach the gospels and if necessary use words”. Francis knew the power of action to speak louder than words. My sense is that the intention behind the action makes all the difference. I’ve … Continue reading The Gift Of A Kind Intention by William Klein
I was attending a volleyball game at my school to support my students. The volleyball coach runs up to me and says, “We may need you to be a line judge”. She quickly taught me the hand signals for “out” and “in”. Two arms down, pointing stiffly at the ground – in. Two hands, palms … Continue reading Claiming The Moment by William Klein
Thorton Wilder, the author of “Our Town” writes: “I want you to try and remember what it was like to have been very young. And particularly the days when you were first in love; when you were like a person sleepwalking, and you didn’t quite see the street you were in, and didn’t quite hear … Continue reading Reflection: A Walk In The Old Neighborhood by William Klein
I went on a staff and faculty retreat with my new school. We had the choice between participating in events like learning chef skills to axe throwing, meditating or kayaking. I chose kayaking as I haven’t been on the water all year but have been meaning to go. It was a pleasant trip down a … Continue reading Lessons From A Kayak Ride by William Klein
Religion serves a purpose. It is the outward expression of our inward realities. Religion is a means to an end. It functions as an agent to open us to realities we have not considered. Religion serves as an introduction to a reality that is more important. This reality is what brings transcendence to a human … Continue reading Religion As A Healing Agent by William Klein
I attended a Mass where the pastor Jerry Kopek at St. Peter and Paul Church in Williamsville, New York blessed the school bags of children to start the school year. He noted that we carry our wisdom, our successes and failures in those bags throughout the year. I would add that we carry those personally … Continue reading Baggage by William Klein
I always tell my students, “It’s not what happens to you in life, it’s how you respond to it”. It may be the most important lesson I need to impart. Sometimes it’s easier said than done. We all have that time in our lives where a moment tests our mettle. It seems like every now … Continue reading The Resolutionary Moment by William Klein
