Author Archives: richp45198

About richp45198

I am a clinical psychologist and have an abiding interest in matters spiritual.

On War

Posted on March 5, 2026 by richp45198

As I write this, President Trump has initiated a war against Iran. There is opposition as there should be. Some of it is based on questions about his authority to start a war. There is also support. When I was … Continue reading →

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On Your Inner Boo Radley

Posted on February 16, 2026 by richp45198

Today I learned that actor Robert Duvall died. Perhaps more than any other actor, his different roles aided my own spiritual journey. Mac Sledge from Tender Mercies helped me address suffering that doesn’t make sense. His role in True Confessions … Continue reading →

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Heroes: The Four Immortal Chaplains

Posted on February 3, 2026 by richp45198

February 3 is set aside to honor the Four Chaplains. I wanted to repost this to celebrate their lives and sacrifice The story of the four chaplains is not well known enough. True, they were honored on a postal stamp … Continue reading →

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Stories of Sacred Places

Posted on January 26, 2026 by richp45198

I firmly believe that some places are sacred. Imbued with the presence of God. Holy ground was not only offered to Moses on Mt. Sinai. It surrounds us if we only pay attention. I have been blessed with time spent … Continue reading →

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Stories of Baseball and Learning to be Enthused

Posted on January 8, 2026 by richp45198

     For some, baseball is a spiritual experience. If you remember Game 4 of the 2004 playoffs between the Yankees and the Redsox, you may remember pictures of Redsox fans in the stands clearly praying, especially in the bottom of … Continue reading →

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Christmas Stories

Posted on December 19, 2025 by richp45198

I am a big believer in story-telling. I was told once that in the El Paso community I was known as a psychologist who told stories. And indeed stories are a great way to communicate therapeutic notions. But some stories … Continue reading →

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The Long Thanksgiving Dinner 2025

Posted on December 1, 2025 by richp45198

Thanksgiving has come and gone but it is never too late to celebrate this greatest of holidays! It is a time to celebrate family. It is a time to remind ourselves of the need for ongoing gratitude, especially during these … Continue reading →

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Senses as a Gateway to God

Posted on November 12, 2025 by richp45198

The Catholicism of my youth was at odds with our bodies. We were usually reminded that our bodies are “temples of the Holy Spirit”, implying that our human desires had no place in that temple. Further, discussions of sin tended … Continue reading →

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Favorite Bible Passages

Posted on October 31, 2025 by richp45198

Last Sunday I was assigned to do the reading at Mass. It was from 2 Timothy and was a favorite passage of mine; however, the translation watered it down and so, when I read it, I did so with the … Continue reading →

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Disputed Passages

Posted on October 21, 2025 by richp45198

Recently my son Ben posted this quote by Walt Whitman on his Linkdin page and invited readers to reflect on what they have learned on their “disputed passage” “Have you learned lessons only of those who admired you, and were tender with … Continue reading →

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