14 Comments
User's avatar
Steven Crandell's avatar

You have such a lovely presence. And your story resonates with me. I can feel your love for Thomas Merton. Your respect for him as a teacher. Your peace as you heard news of his death. You are such a beautiful person to continue Merton's work. You are a great mystic teacher because you are you, deeply genuine, aware of your infinite depth, your infinite support, your role in the endless weaving and unraveling of love, and your infinite unknowing. So humble. So worthy of respect. Thank you for being who you are. I am grateful to hear you speak. Always. _/\_

James Finley's avatar

Thank you Steven for your kindness.

Jo's avatar

Perfectly put - I couldn’t agree more . Jim is a beautifully humble modern- day mystic and I feel consoled that he exists

Jo's avatar
Jun 14Edited

Thank you for this Jim - I love that you say “ I felt consoled that he existed”. How beautiful that you had 6 years with him as your spiritual guide . Reassures me that we are always unexplainably exactly where we need to be .

Blessings

Jim's avatar

Thank you for sharing this. It gives me hope.

Judy Gale's avatar

💗

William McIntyre OFM's avatar

Read and listening to you for years Jim. I’ve wondered: What is the name of the Catholic High School in Cleveland or Akron where you taught? Pax et Bonum.

James Finley's avatar

Hi William, our Dad attended Arch Bishop Hoban Highschool and he taught at St. Vincent’s Highschool.

William McIntyre OFM's avatar

Thank you! I know both of those schools. I’m in Parma, OH at Padua Franciscan High School. Although, I have never met your father, I consider him a spiritual father. Over the years, I have noticed how he lovingly speaks of his daughters,

James Finley's avatar

That’s kind of you to say.

By the way, we know Parma well.

Our great Aunt, Sister Lucille Myers (our Dad’s Aunt) was a nun at the Incarnate Word on Pearl Rd in Parma. She served as a principal and as a science teacher. We have wonderful memories as children of spending time with the nuns there.

.

Daniela Reitner's avatar

Jim is to me what Thomas Merton was to him.❤️ Jim embodies himself what Merton stands for 🙏💫

Chuck Bristow's avatar

I LOVE these more personal posts!! Thank you very much for taking the time to share! :)

James Finley's avatar

Glad you enjoy them Chuck, there are more to come!