The Creation Spirituality Lineage Calling All Social and Environmental Activists, Mystic Explorers, Justice Makers, Cosmic Thinkers, Earth Keepers Daily Meditations with Matthew Fox |
Today's the day: Matthew Fox's
video reflection is below the essay! |
On
Death and Dying and Grief 01/22/2024 |
Yesterday was a unique day in my household. From 1 to 2 PM I gave a Zoom talk at an annual two-day conference called The Conference on Death, Grief and Belief. At 3:30, an 83-year old member of my household died in the arms of his son, also a member of our modest community.
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His death was not unexpected, as he had dementia and was not eating, had lost weight and could barely talk. Nevertheless, it was the end of a man’s life, father of seven children who grew up under the Japanese occupation in the Philippines, and who knew plenty of grief — his wife and mother of his children died at only 31 years old. |
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When a person dies, I
often say: “His work was finished.” We are all here to do work on Earth (our work may be larger than our job). His, in retrospect, was about his family, many of whom he brought to America 30 years ago, where they have struggled and thrived in their way. And whose children are thriving as well. |
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| His last words were a “thumbs up” because he could not
talk, and we made the decision not to send him to the hospital to die because he did not want to go there. It was a difficult decision to make because we felt he might get better care in the hospital than we could provide at home. But it was such a right decision.
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Death is always a reminder to rethink the way we do life—whether personally or collectively. |
I think today of the 24,000 newly dead in Gaza, 70% of them children and whom they leave behind. And the 1,250 dead in Israel. And the thousands in Sudan. And all those who will die today. And the deaths that await so many if we do not respond to the profound climate change emergency that looms. |
Mary Oliver recites her poem, “When Death Comes.” Video by sincerejd. |
In my talk, I shared stories about people facing their own death, such as M. C. Richards who wrote a poem the day after she learned she was dying, called “I am dying.” To be continued. |
Adapted from Matthew Fox, Confessions: The Making of a Postdenominational Priest, pp. 361f. And Fox, The Reinvention of Work: A New Vision of Livelihood for Our Time. Banner image: Flowers at a gravesite. Photo by Sandy Millar on Unsplash. |
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| To view today's video, please click the
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Queries for Contemplation What does death teach you? What is the work you are called to do in the time you are on this earth?
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Responses are welcomed. To add
your comment, or read other comments and enter into dialog, please click HERE to go to our website and scroll down to the Comments field. |
Confessions: The Making of a Post-Denominational Priest (Revised/Updated Edition)
Matthew Fox’s stirring
autobiography, Confessions, reveals his personal, intellectual, and spiritual journey from altar boy, to Dominican priest, to his eventual break with the Vatican. Five new chapters in this revised and updated edition bring added perspective in light of the author’s continued journey, and his reflections on the current changes taking place in church, society and the environment.
“The unfolding story of
this irrepressible spiritual revolutionary enlivens the mind and emboldens the heart — must reading for anyone interested in courage, creativity, and the future of religion.”
—Joanna Macy, author of World as Lover, World as Self |
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The Reinvention of Work: A New Vision of Livelihood For Our Time
Thomas Aquinas said, “To live well is to work well,” and in this bold call for the revitalization of daily work, Fox shares his vision of a world
where our personal and professional lives are celebrated in harmony–a world where the self is not sacrificed for a job but is sanctified by authentic “soul work.”
“Fox approaches the level of poetry in describing the reciprocity that must be present between one’s inner and outer work…[A]n important road map to social change.” ~~ National Catholic Reporter |
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In the Beginning There Was Joy: A Cosmic Celebration for Kids of All Ages
The first book in the Father Fox’s Fantastical Fables series tells the story of the big bang and how humans fit into the awesome, fantastical, cosmic picture! With artwork curated from illustrators around the world, this book expresses the joy and wonder of all peoples and cultures, planting seeds of respect, cooperation and hope to work together for the healing of our planet. "Matthew Fox does it again, here for our young ones, who so need a positive, cosmic vision to thrive, or even survive, in a sad time." - Father Richard Rohr, Author of The Universal Christ "Matthew Fox offers a resounding affirmation of
what our souls have always suspected: we are made for joy." - Mirabai Starr, Author of God of Love and Wild Mercy Receive a 20% discount when you buy this and one other book from Matthew Fox’s store! Use Promo Code 20% at checkout. |
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UPCOMING EVENTS See Matthew Fox's full calendar
HERE |
SPECIAL EVENT: 5-DAY WORKSHOP IN AQUINAS’ HOMETOWN OF ORVIETO, ITALY
WITH MATTHEW FOX, MESHI CHAVEZ, AND CLAUDIA PICARDI
JUNE 9-14, 2024
LEARN MORE HERE. |
Join Matthew Fox as he discusses his book “The Lotus & The Rose” in an Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat. Thursday, February 15, 4:00-6:00 pm PT. Register HERE. |
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Creation Spirituality Conversations |
Matthew Fox’s episode on the Take Back Your Mind with Michael B. Beckwith Podcast, Mysticism & The Modern Age, is available on the Take Back Your Mind YouTube channel. To listen, play at right. |
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Inspired by this post? Share your insights on Universeodon, Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #RevDrMatthewFox and tag Matt with @RevDrMatthewFox FOLLOW MATTHEW FOX: |
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