Reflect: ‘The Names’ by Billy Collins
Through our Reflect Series, CIR is sharing works of wisdom, insight and inspiration with the hope of spurring meaningful reflection. This work by poet Billy Collins was chosen to commemorate Sept. 11, 2001.
Reflect: ‘Wintered Over’
I don't know why I made it. Don't we all have a fierce desire to see a hummingbird drink from the trumpet vine?
Reflect: ‘Hymn for the Hurting’ by Amanda Gorman
"May we not just grieve, but give: May we not just ache, but act"
Reflect: “Hagia Sophia” by Thomas Merton
"All the perfections of created things are also in God; and therefore He is at once Father and Mother."
Reflect: Pope Francis on Overcoming Violence Via the Golden Rule
Pope Francis: Our response to violence and hatred 'must instead be one of hope and healing, of peace and justice'
Reflect: Thich Nhat Hanh on ‘real prayer’
"In a real prayer, you ask only for the things you really need, things that are necessary for your well-being, such as peace, solidity, and freedom—freedom from anger, fear and craving."
Reflect: Lift Every Voice — ‘The Black National Anthem’
Often referred to as "The Black National Anthem," Lift Every Voice and Sing was a hymn written as a poem by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson in 1900.
Reflect: Maya Angelou’s ‘Mother, a Cradle to Hold Me’
"It is true; I was created in you. It is also true; That you were created for me."
Reflect: Thomas Merton on Easter Sunday, 1948
"Easter is like what it will be entering eternity when you suddenly, peacefully, clearly recognize all your mistakes as well as all that you did well: everything falls into place."
Reflect: The Dalai Lama’s ‘Human Approach to World Peace’
The Center for Interfaith Relations is revisiting Festival of Faiths catalogues in search of insight, wisdom and inspiration. Our hope is that these written words will spur meaningful reflection and serve as a beacon of hope amid challenging times.