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Introducing Michael's Journal |
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Michael's Journal presents Michael's personal reflections on matters of faith in our world. He discusses daily experiences, current events, and recent readings in addition to his frustrations, hopes and dreams as he searches for God amidst all that our modern life throws at us. He hopes that such a forum allows all of us to become more connected, thoughtful, and discerning followers of Christ. |
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Books by Michael |
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 Windows into the Soul is a practical, hands-on resource for those who want to explore this means of prayer and contemplation for themselves, approaching the process not as an artist but as a spiritual seeker. Readers will find projects in various media, including clay, charcoal, and acrylic, including not only technical directions, but a gentle guide to the spiritual gold to be mined from the experience.
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 Building on the interest generated by Sullivan's previous art and spirituality title, Windows into the Soul, The Rev. Michael Sullivan's new book focuses on the journey from darkness to light inherent in Lent. By using an easily accessible liturgical format, the book provides a pathway for those who walk from Ash Wednesday to the empty tomb of Easter.
Organized around holy days and Sundays in Lent, chapters begin with a prayer or poetic excerpt, followed by scripture for the day or week.
Isn’t it the same with God? God can feel somewhat private to us, removed or even disconnected. But in reality, God is always the one who has given us more than we need in this wonderful world. God has blessed us with a daily feast if we can only open our eyes and take it in. But if we merely take it for granted, we miss the point – the true main course – the love. |
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 I've been a fan of Friedman since the publication of Generation to Generation, but this book is by far his best work. Although the manuscript was incomplete at his death, the editors have assembled a work that is sure to define the essential qualities of leadership for our age. Consistent with earlier work, he argues that self-differentiation is the key to effective visioning and that sabotage and rumor are our quick-fix society ways of coping with our insistence upon safety. He believes that a recovery of adventure along with maturity, stamina, and responsibility are the hallmarks of effective leadership. A must read. |
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 As a part of my preparation for the Clergy Leadership Project sponsored by Trinity Wall Street, I read The Wolf Shall Dwell with the Lamb: A Spirituality for Leadership in a Multicultural Society. Published in 1993 by Chalice Press, the author Eric Law opens a new understanding for the community of the church seeking racial reconciliation. By examining how our cultural norms and expectations can isolate us and bring misunderstanding, Law asks how Christ’s life helps us relate to one other as we seek the community of the faithful. Particularly insightful is his use of the cross and empty tomb as metaphors for how various groups must embrace their Sitz im Leben, or setting in life, so that the fullness of Creation can be manifest in us. I find the book particularly important for all involved in outreach, and highly recommend it for your reading. |
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“Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabboni.” John 20:15-16
The morning was amazingly still as I walked out to pick up the Times. I felt as if I were piercing its silence. But the quiet was good, holy, and sacred for it invited me to see God’s world anew. Awakened to God’s creation around me, I began to see with fresh eyes. It was then that I noticed how many different varieties of daffodils were watching me, how many songs the birds were singing, how many trees were reaching out, their budding branches moving to and fro in the gentle breeze. God’s invitation beckoned all the more as I discovered the tips of peonies breaking the soil, their tiny reddish promise barely appearing. And of course, the splendid light cascading down upon it all, caressing each and every member of God’s creation with the promise of a new day caught my eye. Despite all the differences before me, the multiplicity of God’s garden, all were basking in the same light. The morning sun united all.
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