Monthly Archives: September 2012

Leonard and Thomas

Posted on September 22, 2012 by donald

At the moment, I am teaching a course in the Seniors Program at Simon Fraser University called “Leonard Cohen and Thomas Merton: poets, tricksters, soul-brothers.” Each week I stand before some 96 students (87 women, nine men) and talk about … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheerfulness | 3 Comments

The peace of Jerusalem …

Posted on September 21, 2012 by donald

I read this in The Globe and Mail this morning. It’s a quotation from the interview that Globe reporter Patrick Martin did with Ahmet Davutoglu, foreign minister of Turkey, on his recent visit to Canada; and it was printed (there must be … Continue reading →

Posted in Israel & Palestine | Leave a comment

Self-fulfilling prophecy? A letter to the Globe and Mail

Posted on September 11, 2012 by donald

In this morning’s paper (Sept. 11), there is a front-page article entitled “Envoys praise Ottawa’s move on Iran: ‘Threat was very real.’” The general response to this decision of our federal government has been negative; it cuts off the possibility … Continue reading →

Posted in Citizenship challenges | Leave a comment

Who is for me? and who am I for?

Posted on September 8, 2012 by donald

Last week there was an attack of sorts on the Trappist monastery of Latrun, in Jerusalem. Graffiti were painted on the outside walls, including the charming statement that “Jesus is a monkey,” and the main door was set on fire. … Continue reading →

Posted in Deep holy thoughts, Israel & Palestine | Leave a comment