The Creation Spirituality Lineage Calling All Social and Environmental Activists, Mystic Explorers, Justice Makers, Cosmic Thinkers, Earth Keepers Daily Meditations
with Matthew Fox |
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appearing every Monday! Don't miss Matthew's exciting upcoming webinars, courses, and a Cosmic Mass, listed at the bottom of this DM! |
St. Patrick’s Day 2025: Gifts From the Celtic Tradition 3/17/2025 |
As the results of the election ripple out, learn the deeper stakes involved. Get your copy of Trump & the MAGA Movement as Anti-Christ: A Handbook for the 2024 Election today! Choose your format in the book block below. |
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! In a time of darkness and elevation once again of might over right, a return to Celtic spirituality can be a welcome thing. Scottish theologian John Philip Newell has been doing an excellent job of rediscovering the essence of Celtic Christianity, as in his two most recent
books, Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul and The Great Search. Indeed, he and I engaged in a rich conversation on spirituality in today’s world, just two months ago. |
In the first book, he tells us that St. Patrick (c. 385-461), who was trained in Gaul by the imperial church, was “not as pure an expression of the Celtic tradition as Pelagius and Brigid” about whom Newell wrote in previous chapters of his book. Neverthe- less, the prayer attributed to him in later centuries called The |
“Hope is a Verb with its Sleeves Rolled Up.” John Philip Newell in conversation with Matthew Fox. Video by Earth & Soul. |
Breastplate Hymn of St. Patrick, “is typical of the Celtic vision of the interweaving of spirit and matter and the seeing of the divine within the naturalness of the physical world.” In other words, it is very much creation-centered spirituality, as is all of the Celtic tradition. This tradition does
not separate nature from grace. Nor does it begin with original sin or put down women or denigrate sexuality. It is all about the union and reunion of nature and grace and the sacredness of nature. If the West had followed this tradition, we would not currently be facing our own and millions of other species’ extinction, because we would not have tolerated the anthropocentrism of modern consciousness that puts humanity overpowering the rest of nature. The poem falls into a category of “protection prayers” in the Celtic world. It begins by calling on the Trinity for Protection: |
"Saint Patrick's Breastplate" as sung by Angelina. Video by Angelinasings.
| I bind unto myself today the strong name of the Trinity. I bind unto myself for ever Christ’s Incarnation. I bind unto myself this day the love of angels and of saints. I bind to myself today The energy of stars, The brilliance of sun, The whiteness of moon, The
splendor of fire, |
The flashing of
lightning, The wildness of wind, The depth of seas, The fecundity of earth, The solidity of rocks.* Notice how this poem and prayer invite us to integrate the powers and beauty of the universe into ourselves, as an empowerment and guard against evil forces. Its psychology is that of microcosm/macrocosm—how we are in union with the cosmos and all its powers and
splendor and magnificence. The primary cosmic elements of earth, air, fire and water are celebrated as integral to our existence, we who are microcosm of macrocosm. |
All the great Western mystics whom I celebrate carry this Celtic aware- ness of how cosmos precedes the human, and spirituality begins with the sacredness of being. Consider Hildegard of Bingen (who was raised in a Celtic monastery on the Rhine); Francis of Assisi; Thomas Aquinas; Mechtild of Magdeburg who was deeply influenced by Aquinas; Meister Eckhart who declared “nature is grace”; Julian of Norwich; Nicolas of Cusa; Teilhard de Chardin, Thomas Merton, Mary
Oliver. And many more. |
The interlocking patterns of Celtic art seem to convey the interconnectedness of all things. "Celestial Embrace" from Celtic Spirit Coloring Book by Cleopatra Motzel. |
May the Celtic tradition and creation spirituality help us “reinvent the human” (Thomas Berry’s phrase) this St. Patrick’s day, to be a breastplate in these perilous times. |
SIGN THE PLEDGE: Boycott pro-Trump corporations for Lent this year. Faithful America. *Newell’s literal translation of the ancient Irish text attributed to St. Patrick. See John Philip Newell, Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul: Celtic Wisdom For Reawakening to What Our Souls Know and Healing the World, pp. 72-78. See Matthew Fox, Essential Writings on Creation Spirituality. And Fox, Hildegard of Bingen, A Saint For Our Times. And Fox, The Tao of Thomas Aquinas: Fierce Wisdom for Hard Times. And Fox, Meister Eckhart: A Mystic-Warrior For Our
Times. And Fox, Julian of Norwich: Wisdom in a Time of Pandemic—and Beyond. And Fox, A Way To God: Thomas Merton’s
Creation Spirituality Journey. And Fox, Original Blessing: A Primer in Creation Spirituality. Banner Image: An elaborately carved
Celtic Cross by a forest trail. Photo by Boys in Bristol Photography on Pexels. |
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| To view today's video, please click the image. You will be taken to today's post on the Daily Meditations with Matthew Fox website, where you can see the meditation in a larger version and also view and post your Comments. In the sharing that follows, a kind of community is developing around the DM. If you can't reach today's post on the website directly, click HERE. If you can't reach Matthew's video on the website, try his Vimeo channel HERE. |
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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. |
Queries for Contemplation |
How do you see the Celtic and creation centered spirituality as medicine for our struggles today, and a “breastplate” for strength and defense against rising forces of fascism and species narcissism? Be sure to contribute in ways you can to joining the resistance whether by way
of prayers, attending town halls, or calling legislators’ offices. |
Matthew Fox: Essential Writings on Creation Spirituality
Selected with an Introduction by Charles Burack
To encapsulate the life and work of Matthew Fox would be a daunting task for any save his colleague Dr. Charles Burack, who had the full cooperation of his subject. Fox has devoted 50 years to developing and teaching the tradition of Creation Spiritualityand in doing so has reinvented forms of education and worship. His more than 40 books, translated into 78 languages, are inclusive of today’s science and world spiritual traditions and have awakened millions to the much neglected earth-based mystical tradition of the West. Essential Writings begins by exploring the influences on Fox’s
life and spirituality, then presents selections from all Fox’s major works in 10 sections.
“The critical insights, the creative connections, the centrality of Matthew Fox’s writings and teaching are second to none for the radical renewal of Christianity.” ~~ Richard Rohr, OFM. |
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Hildegard of Bingen, A Saint for Our Times: Unleashing Her Power in the 21st Century
Matthew Fox writes in Hildegard of Bingen about
this amazing woman and what we can learn from her.
In an era when women were marginalized, Hildegard was an outspoken, controversial figure. Yet so visionary was her insight that she was sought out by kings, popes, abbots, and bishops for advice.
“This book gives strong, sterling, and unvarnished evidence that everything –
everything – we ourselves become will affect what women after us may also become….This is a truly marvelous, useful, profound, and creative book.” ~~ Andrew Harvey, author of The Hope: A Guide to Sacred Activism. |
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The Tao of Thomas Aquinas: Fierce Wisdom for Hard Times
A stunning spiritual handbook drawn from the substantive teachings of Aquinas’ mystical/prophetic genius, offering a
sublime roadmap for spirituality and action.
Foreword by Ilia Delio.
“What a wonderful book! Only Matt Fox could bring to life the wisdom and brilliance of Aquinas with so much creativity. The Tao of Thomas Aquinas is a masterpiece.”
–Caroline Myss, author of Anatomy of the Spirit |
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Meister Eckhart: A Mystic-Warrior For Our Time
While Matthew Fox recognizes that Meister Eckhart has influenced thinkers throughout history, he also wants to introduce Eckhart to
today’s activists addressing contemporary crises. Toward that end, Fox creates dialogues between Eckhart and Carl Jung, Thich Nhat Hanh, Rabbi Heschel, Black Elk, Karl Marx, Rumi, Adrienne Rich, Dorothee Soelle, David Korten, Anita Roddick, Lily Yeh, M.C. Richards, and many others.
“Matthew Fox is perhaps the greatest writer on Meister Eckhart that has ever existed. (He) has successfully bridged a gap between
Eckhart as a shamanistic personality and Eckhart as a post-modern mentor to the Inter-faith movement, to reveal just how cosmic Eckhart really is, and how remarkably relevant to today’s religious crisis! ” — Steven
Herrmann, Author of Spiritual Democracy: The Wisdom of Early American Visionaries for the Journey Forward |
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Julian of Norwich: Wisdom in a Time of Pandemic–and Beyond
Julian of Norwich lived through the dreadful bubonic plague that killed close to 50% of Europeans. Being an anchoress, she ‘sheltered
in place’ and developed a deep wisdom that she shared in her book, Showings, which was the first book in English by a woman. A theologian way ahead of her time, Julian develops a feminist understanding of God as mother at the heart of nature’s goodness. Fox shares her teachings in this powerful and timely and inspiring book.
“What an utterly magnificent book. The work
of Julian of Norwich, lovingly supported by the genius of Matthew Fox, is a roadmap into the heart of the eco-spiritual truth that all life breathes together.” –Caroline Myss
Now also available as an audiobook HERE. |
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A Way to God: Thomas Merton’s Creation Spirituality Journey
In A Way to God, Fox explores Merton’s pioneering work in interfaith, his
essential teachings on mixing contemplation and action, and how the vision of Meister Eckhart profoundly influenced Merton in what Fox calls his Creation Spirituality journey.
“This wise and marvelous book will profoundly inspire all those who love Merton and want to know him more deeply.” — Andrew Harvey, author of The Hope: A Guide to Sacred Activism |
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Original Blessing: A Primer in Creation Spirituality
Matthew Fox lays out a whole new direction for Christianity—a direction that is in fact very ancient and very grounded in
Jewish thinking (the fact that Jesus was a Jew is often neglected by Christian theology): the Four Paths of Creation Spirituality, the Vias Positiva, Negativa, Creativa and Transformativa in an extended and deeply developed way.
“Original Blessing makes available to the Christian world and to the human community a radical cure for all dark and derogatory views of the natural world wherever these may
have originated.” –Thomas Berry, author, The Dream of the Earth; The Great Work; co-author, The Universe Story |
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Trump & The MAGA Movement as Anti-Christ: A Handbook for the 2024 Election Matthew Fox tells us
that he had always shied away from using the term “Anti-Christ” because it was so often used to spread control and fear. However, given today’s rise of authoritarianism and forces of democracide, ecocide, and christofascism, he turns the tables in this book employing the archetype for the cause of justice, democracy, and a renewed Earth and humanity. For immediate access to Trump & The MAGA Movement as Anti-Christ: A Handbook for the 2024 Election, order the e-book with 10 full-color prints from Amazon HERE. To get a print-on-demand paperback copy with black & white images, order from Amazon HERE or IUniverse HERE. To receive a limited-edition, full-color paperback copy, order from MatthewFox.org HERE. Order the audiobook HERE for immediate download. |
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The Return of Father Sky: A Cosmic Mystery for Kids of All Ages
The second book in the Father Fox’s Fantastical Fables series, The Return of Father Sky helps boys and girls to celebrate a new
relationship with the masculine by way of Father Sky, whose return excites joy and wonder and possibility that enlarge the soul to welcome others and all creation. Written in a rhyming Dr. Seuss-like style, this full-color, beautifully illustrated book, written by world- renowned theologian Matthew Fox weaves together modern science and classic spirituality in a whimsical, entertaining format to illustrate important truths to readers aged 4 and up. 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. |
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UPCOMING EVENTS See Matthew Fox's full calendar HERE |
The Mysticism of Christ: Experiencing the Sacred Teachings of Jesus for Spiritual Awakening, a free video event with Matthew Fox, Tuesday March 18 at 12 noon PT. Register for free HERE. (Replay of Saturday's video.) |
As we enter this Lenten season—a time of reflection, reckoning, and renewal—we find ourselves at a crossroads unlike any other in recent history. Join Matthew Fox and fellow thought-leaders and activists Andrew Harvey, Mirabai Starr, Yvette Flunder, Adam Bucko, and Cameron Trimble in
From Darkness to Dawn: Spiritual Courage and Political Action in the Age of MAGA, a 4-part series of transformational conversations, exploring the deep spiritual roots of this political moment and uncovering pathways toward collective action, resilience, and renewal. Tuesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25, 4-5:30 pm PT. Enroll HERE. |
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Matthew Fox and a panel of seven of the world’s foremost non-dual thinkers address the question – How do we respond to the time we are living through? This provocative online event is hosted by The Aspen Initiative, Monday, March 17, 10 AM PT. Register HERE. |
Join Matthew Fox as he offers a guest lecture in the Creation Spirituality Communities course “Sins of the Spirit, Blessings of the Flesh: An Exploration of Evil” led by instructor Carolyn Million. Wednesdays, March 12– April 16, 4-6 pm PT. Register HERE. |
Join Matthew Fox as he discusses his book, Creation Spirituality: Liberating Gifts for the People of the Earth, in an online Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat. Thursday, March 20, 4:00pm-5:30pm PT. Register HERE. |
Join Matthew Fox for a lecture and Q&A on Earth and Community Healing in a Time of Crisis: The Need for Ritual,” hosted by the Florida Interfaith Climate Actions Network, at Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Petersburg, FL. Friday, March 21, 7 pm ET. Register HERE. |
Join Matthew Fox, Skylar Wilson, and the Climate Action Assembly in celebrating a Cosmic Mass on "Our Sacred Earth," hosted by the Florida Interfaith Climate Actions Network in St. Petersburg, FL. Saturday and Sunday, March 22 and 23. Fri. 7:00pm ET. Fox talks on the Need and Power of
Ritual
Sat. 9:00am ET. Climate Action Assembly - Trinity Lutheran Church – Preparing for the Cosmic Mass Sun. 2:00pm ET. St. Petersburg Coliseum - The Cosmic Mass: Our Sacred Earth Register HERE. |
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| Join Matthew Fox for three lecture and
Q&A sessions on “Angels & Science, Today & Yesterday,“ with special guest appearances by Rupert Sheldrake. Hosted by WisdomFeed. |
MONTHLY: Join Matthew Fox and Skylar Wilson of the Order of the Sacred Earth in a free virtual meeting for connection and networking with other mystic warriors. Last Tuesday of every month, 4:00-5:00pm PT.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88665302478
Meeting ID: 886 6530 2478 Learn more at www.orderofthesacredearth.org |
Creation Spirituality Conversations |
Matthew was recently interviewed by Sandie Sedgbeer on her program “What is Going OM,” about his book, “Trump and the MAGA Movement as AntiChrist.” Watch or listen HERE. |
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Inspired by this post? Share your insights on BlueSky, Instagram, Universeodon, or Facebook using the hashtag #RevDrMatthewFox and tag Matt with @RevDrMatthewFox FOLLOW MATTHEW FOX: |
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