Soundings

The Blog of Mercy by the Sea

We at Mercy by the Sea have so much we want to share with you:

Inspiring and transformational quotes, prayers, poems, videos and books we discover or rediscover
Conversations with upcoming presenters
News and events about what's happening at Mercy by the Sea
Resources and thoughts on contemplative prayer, spiritual direction, the second half of life, emerging leadership, creativity, our relationship with nature and much more!

You'll find seasonal photos of the grounds — vegetation, trees and winged and four-legged creatures that make their homes here. We'll capture changes in the light and colors as the seasons change. So bookmark this page and come back regularly. or subscribe to our weekly eNewsletter where these posts will be sent to your email inbox.

Listen Closely to the Earth Speaking

An anonymous friend left a cartoon for me this week that shows a young girl on a beach holding a Conch shell. She is looking up at an adult saying, “If you hold it to your ear, you can hear the Earth crying out for mercy.” It is most apt as we look out at our beautiful shoreline now covered with debris and waste carried by the Connecticut River into the Sound after days of pounding rain. The beach is closed until it can be cleaned, and the water is healthy again.

Artist Steven Parlato Speaks to Systemic Racism and Violence Against Black Americans in "They Are Not Disposable" - Exhibit on Display From July 26 - August 24

As with all our lives, Prof. Steve Parlato’s 2020 sabbatical plans were disrupted by COVID-19. While he continued to devote time to writing, an unexpected project became a main focus of his creative work. In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, Parlato was reluctant to join the marches mid-pandemic—but wanted to make a statement about systemic racism and violence against Black Americans. He chose to do so through art.

The Circling Out of Sacred Hospitality

This is retreat season here at Mercy by the Sea. We are welcoming retreatants almost every week now into September. We get more requests for retreats than we have the space to accommodate. It is inspiring and moving to think of so many people seeking time and space to pray, to refresh soul and body, and to sink more deeply into their relationship with the Divine.

The Blessed Art of "Wasting Time"

Catherine McAuley had a maxim “You must waste time with visitors”. What a great message and invitation as we look forward to our Gathering on Sunday June 25th...