Religion

As I taught in my Religion article in April, “True and lasting happiness is not distant. It is within us; we must just allow oneself to sit still, to let go of all thoughts and be quiet in the present moment.” Meditation is the path...

With so much contention, conflict and evil as well as social, economic and personal problems, these days peacemakers are needed more than anything. Nothing will bring us more peace and tranquility in our lives than being a peacemaker. Being a peacemaker doesn't mean doing nothing...

Longtime St. Catherine Parish member Anna Quinones and Maria Dominguez, the church’s office manager, led the preparation, organization and distribution of Thanksgiving meal baskets for families in need on Nov. 18. Photo: Michael Moore While Thanksgiving is often celebrated as an opportunity to enjoy abundance...

The Jewish High Holidays begin at sundown Wednesday, Oct. 2, with the onset of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. It continues until sundown Oct. 12, with the conclusion of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.  While we value all of our senses, we have...

On the 24th of July, my family and others celebrated the 175th anniversary of “Pioneer Day,” the day that pioneers seeking religious freedom arrived in Salt Lake City after walking across the Plains from Illinois.  My great-great-grandfather, Samuel Openshaw, came from England in 1856 at...

My friend Allie is wise, creative and caring. She is a truly loving soul, open to all she meets. She spends her days sharing her light with others. As a result, she has many friends. Among them is one I’ll call “Maggie.” The two...

In the innovation-driven culture of Silicon Valley—where breakthroughs are currency and knowledge is power—Psalm 19 offers a surprisingly relevant and timeless reflection on the nature of wisdom and understanding.  C.S. Lewis once described it as “the greatest poem in the Psalter and one of the...

The end of the year usually brings with it a sense of reflection and evaluation. This year has been more challenging, as we experienced the difficulties of a global uncertainty. Many have struggled with anxiety, fear, loneliness and loss in many ways. Consider the start...

I enjoy early morning walks and bike rides. Aside from the exercise, I enjoy the time spent in nature and the renewal and clarity it provides. At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, I began to notice kindness rocks (painted rocks with inspirational messages)...

This weekend we observe two cultural/religious days: Halloween and All Souls’ Day (Día de Los Muertos in Spanish). The celebrations are related but not identical.  Día de Los Muertos, observed on Nov. 2, is a day to remember loved ones who have died. In Mexico...