People who have been initiated "broke through in what felt like breaking down".

It is no surprise that the first and always unwelcome message of male initiation rites is LIFE – IS – HARD.

Final authority in the spiritual world does not tend to come from any kind of agenda success but from some kind of suffering. Insecurity and impermanence are the best spiritual teachers.

Our wounds are the only thing humbling enough to break our attachment to our false self.

Sacramental listening reminds us that current suffering isn’t the end of the story. God loves us deeply, and the vision for the future is vaster and more magnificent than we could ever imagine. In these moments of profound human presence, we are awakened to the divine presence and see that the kingdom of God is coming and yet is already here.