Tag Archives: David Backes

Good Friday Reflections on Mother Teresa, Suffering, Blood Sacrifice and Kenosis

Posted on April 18, 2014 by William Ockham

As we continue the reflection and celebration on the Easter Triduum, I would like to include several reflections from my favorite resources. First, is from David Backes, Professor, Deacon, author and owner of the outstanding blog New Wood.  Set forth … Continue reading →

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Sunday Reflection, Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (February 2, 2014): Helping to Heal a Broken World

Posted on February 1, 2014 by William Ockham

This weekend is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.  The readings can be found here.  This Feast occurs at the end of the Infancy Narratives in the Gospel of Luke and is rich with symbolism of both the … Continue reading →

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Pope Francis: The Radical Traditionalist of Mercy, Simplicity and Joy

Posted on December 20, 2013 by William Ockham

    I am sharing a speech by Deacon David Backes that he gave to his parish on the early pontificate of Pope Francis.  It is a fantastic summary and I encourage you to read it here. Set forth below … Continue reading →

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The God of Joy and Laughter

Posted on November 20, 2013 by William Ockham

“Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God” — Teilhard de Chardin I am currently in the second week of my online Ignatian Retreat. Each morning before I begin my prayer, I ask God for a grace. … Continue reading →

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Feast of Mother Teresa of Calcutta (September 5)

Posted on September 5, 2013 by William Ockham

“I believe that we are not real social workers. We may be doing social work in the eyes of the people, but we are really contemplatives in the heart of the world. For we are touching the Body of Christ … Continue reading →

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Everyday Mysticism: New Wood Blog

Posted on August 20, 2013 by William Ockham

One of the “virtual” mentors on my spiritual journey has been David Backes who runs the outstanding blog New Wood.  Dr. Backes is a university professor and Roman Catholic deacon.  New Wood is a blog that focuses on everyday spirituality, … Continue reading →

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Teilhard de Chardin Quote of the Week (May 27): Joy and the Presence of God

Posted on May 27, 2013 by William Ockham

“Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God.” — Pierre Teilhard de Chardin One of the many things I admire about Teilhard de Chardin is that, despite all his numerous struggles (e.g. horrific carnage of WWI, early death … Continue reading →

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Embracing Doubt (Part IV): A God Who Lets Us Wander

Posted on May 7, 2013 by William Ockham

This is Part IV of the relationship between faith and doubt (primarily in a Christian context but the same principles apply for other religious traditions).  In Part I, I described some of my own faith journey and the excerpt from Fr. … Continue reading →

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