Br. Michael Mary Weibley, O.P., on Ash Wednesday and God's Grace

"'You have to carry the fire.'

"'I don't know how to.'

"'Yes you do.'

"'Is it real? The fire?'

"'Yes it is.'

"'Where is it? I don't know where it is.'

"'Yes you do. It's inside you. It was always there. I can see it.'

"This conversation between a father and son in Cormac McCarthy's novel The Road reveals an essential truth about perseverance and survival: there has to be something within us that moves us onward, something beyond sheer willpower and effort. This conversation comes near the end of the story where the father and son have crossed an ash-covered post-apocalyptic world, in search of shelter, food, and security from the perils of darkened nature all around them, both of man and earth. The father's dying words are meant to encourage his son who must continue down the road on his own, carrying only the fire."

In a recent commentary, Brother Michael Mary Weibley, O.P., reflected on God's grace, the roads we are traveling as we live our lives, and the opportunities to turn more fully to God during Lent.

To access Br. Michael Mary's complete post, please visit:

Dominicana: Ash Wednesday: Carry the Fire (18 FEB 15)