August 14, 2026
Adventuring to Find Theology of Place
Be still and know that I am God! (Psalms 46:10 NRSCVE) Over the past two weeks, I have been intentionally striving to walk closer with God, focusing on having fun, being present, and listening to the whisper of His voice—to be still. The world is so loud, but it only disrupts our peace when we allow it to divert our attention from the Lord.
I have been praying to the Father, asking for His help in understanding and living out His Theology of Place. Robert’s blog, “More from Mojo,” this week does an excellent job articulating Theology of Place.
Robert’s writing in “Theology of Place: Taking Port William with You,” has influenced my definition and thinking. Robert has given me pause to contemplate the differences between presence and embodiment. Thank you, Robert!
Please visit his blog and pay special attention to the hopeful and mindful tone. Using his words, “We at Fish on Friday hope to resist, to challenge, by offering an alternative model. Family, faith, friendship, food, fun, festivals…” Wherever you find yourself, your mindset, your community, and your actions are all at the center of where God has called you. Then, at that center, the heart of all matters if you will, we hope that you build the greatest relationship of all with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
God is so good. He loves to have fun with his people. And the call is to have joy even through the trials and temptations of life. God is calling us to spiritually grow with Him in the physical place we are today. He is drawing us closer to Him if only we surrender a piece of our control. Yes, I long for the small-town feel of my youth. Yes, I long for the connections made week in and week out at church. And yes, as time goes on, I reject the world’s blinded movement towards technology, automation, convenience, and ease. But I want to be with God. And I want to be with God where I find myself now. I want to be with Him wherever he calls me to go.
Over the past few weeks, God has blessed me with many experiences that have enriched my life. I have planted a flower, visited the adoration chapels in Alpena and Gaylord, prayed at the Cross in the Woods, helped a friend, shared a meal with a friend, and been there for a friend in need. I have gone to Mass and confession. Some of these experiences have been challenging but all rewarding. Sometimes, I have felt unsure of what to say or uncomfortable in certain situations, but I have found comfort in trying to be loving and live love. God has moved in profound ways during these moments, shaking my soul, and shaping me into a saint he wants me to be. Praise be His name and all glory to Him because He is so patient with me.
I had the opportunity to attend Mass on the feast day of Bl. Father Casey at the Solanus Casey Center. The Center is a short 90-mile drive from East Lansing. I am not sure I could do justice with words to describe the beauty. The Center is part of the Archdiocese of Detroit and run by the Capuchin Franciscan Friars of the Province of St. Joseph. The building is architecturally beautiful and full of spiritually rich items from Blessed Casey’s life. Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger delivered a beautiful homily honoring the hardships, sacrifices, and perseverance of Bl. Father Casey.
Bl. Father Casey, who grew up in Wisconsin, exemplifies living out his faith in the Lord during his struggles in seminary. Despite his challenges in learning German and Latin, God used him. In 1904, he was finally ordained as a simplex priest. Over time, Bl. Father Casey earned a reputation for healing and helping people. The graces he had from God brought people to him from all over the world. There are hundreds, even thousands, of documented cases where Bl. Father Casey healed the sick, offered hope to the destitute, and saved souls as an instrument of God Almighty. He was a shining example of humility and holiness. His story is a profound example of living theology of place.
Bl. Father Casey has also influenced my understanding of Theology of Place. His humility in the face of adversity stands as an example of living where the Lord has called. His joy amid hardship serves as an enduring example. His faith in the living God strengthens me.
My revised definition, from adventuring in Michigan, of Theology of Place is seeking virtuous people and places, learning to be an authentic friend—to lovingly live with grace, embody humility, and build community within God’s holy church where He calls me to be.
The more I focus on God, the happier I am. The more I find true and authentic friends, the more I find a community worth living in. The more I learn to listen to the pure loving whisper of God, the more the noise means less. I hope that you are able to quiet the world and listen to the words of God. As a good priest recently said, “God is not a coach, He is a father.” A coach corrects where a father loving teaches.
St. Augustine said last week, we are the times. We can be negative and distraught easily today looking around the world or we can be the light of positivity—a Christian light, a light to the entire world of embodying Christ Jesus. Go for a walk. Go outside. Take a deep breath and fish. God loves us. We truly belong to a good God. Our God reigns with love. Believe it and be still.
For Further Reflection:
1. Jimmy Mitchell. Let Beauty Speak: The Art of Being Human in a Culture of Noise.
2. Michael Crosby, OFM Cap. Blessed Solanus Casey.
3. Blessed Father Solanus Casey Center. https://www.solanuscasey.org
4. Archdiocese of Detroit. https://www.aod.org/blessed-solanus-casey
July 2, 2026