Welcome to Spirlaw, a blog on living faith in secular culture, a blog that evangelizes, educates and offers spiritual care and counsel.
A little biographical background is in order. I am a lawyer and practiced in Washington, D.C. for a number of years. My resume reads: work on Capitol Hill in foreign policy (advanced degree from The Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies), in a private firm and on my own as a trial and appellate lawyer working on matters related to the state intervention into family, child welfare and privacy. Most of my work was in the latter area.
I found the problems I worked on very engaging and I had unexpected success. Yet, over the years I came to understand that the problems I saw in and out of the profession were spiritual in nature. In time, I secured an advanced degree in theology from the University of Notre Dame with the express intention of helping people in the professions find greater satisfaction in their work.
My focus in theology was the role of faith in a secular culture and particularly its place in the lives and work of highly educated people in a very secularized society.
There is more to the story and, just like your story, there are discrete parts that, when considered, lead to a life that is, like all lives, unique and can be seen as a whole, a coherent reality that might lead one to conclude: Gosh, maybe I have been intentionally created and have in the life I have been given a call, meaning and a purpose.
So, I welcome you and offer this – I am perhaps among the few you might encounter who despite life’s twists and turns am rather contented and am usually amused by what I see and experience … or at least informed more deeply about humans and the Ineffable.
I hope you are at home here and that you enjoy this place. God bless.
Copyright, Robert E. Sylvester, 2011
All rights reserved.
38 comments
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October 5, 2011 at 7:02 am
Jim Oliver
Bob:
I join you in wishing Sylvia “happy birthday”. Your love for her is described in a beautiful way. It hits me at the right time, too. My wife’s birthday, Mary, is October 7th. We were married while I was a student at Notre Dame, probably too young, but our journey, as high school sweethearts, is approaching 49 years. (in December). I see God in her every day. I hope she sees Him in me. My wife is petite and Irish and full of opinions. God bless you for keeping your love alive. It’s our life spirit and God-given. Praise the Lord.
Jim
October 24, 2011 at 6:33 am
ekinard
Looking forward to a change.
November 23, 2011 at 8:23 am
Stephen Crate
Brother Robert: I discovered your blog today. It brought a wonderful sense of Christian foundational strength to me that I have been seeking. I hope to continue to read your thoughts going forward. I recently was ordained a subdeacon in the Maronite Catholic Church (one year anniversary Oct 24). I have been a Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant most of my career and have interacted with the Law as an expert witness in many d cases. Because of my background in understanding disabilities I am very aware of a phenomenon that I might call spritual disability. This occurs when someone does not include the spiritual realities of God in their discernment of legal, business and commerce transactions. Without this added dimension, many decisions and the actions that follow have terrible consequences. Thank you for your sharing. Praise be to God Always
stephen
January 2, 2012 at 11:21 am
Barbara Berry
John shared your blog for the first time today. Thank you for serving God in this way He has gifted you. Your “Love Denied” piece seemed written directly to me. God bless you and keep you “churning them out.”
January 2, 2012 at 11:30 am
Robert Sylvester
Thanks, Barbara and Happy New Year. I have been privileged to move along in life and come to a point where my time and work seems to reflect who I am. Not my planning that has mattered but taking in what life gives (sometimes hard doses) and growing with it … each bump, each falter, each injustice, each failure has logically and divinely drawn me closer to God. Indeed, my simple prayer for a long while was simply this: “God, please bring me closer.” God did.
Mind you I do not claim to be a good person, just someone who is better than I was.
Peace be with you,
Bob
December 10, 2011 at 9:03 am
broadsideblog
I’m working on a book that addresses some of these issues. Can we chat? I’m in NY and my email is caitlinvancouver@yahoo.com; my books and NYT clips, etc. are on my website, caitlinkelly.com.
Would greatly appreciate a chance to hear some of your thoughts.
January 4, 2012 at 8:05 am
Joelita Cleveland
As usual, Bob, always an inspriation to me. You remind me to do the hard stuff..think and pray….in such a gentle way. Bless your heart. Joelita
January 4, 2012 at 8:40 am
Robert Sylvester
Thanks, Joelita. Always good to hear from you. Funny but life, a gift whatever its composition, teaches us if we let it. I’ve paid for education and yet the hurdles, falls and great friends and laughter and joys have all taught so much … with our faith story – shazzam, even more makes sense.
God bless. Best to all, especially Emma.
April 12, 2012 at 1:32 pm
Bill
Brother Bob – I was actually just referred to your blog as someone who might help answer a question I have…in the mean time, I discovered your writing and will follow your blog through email – very thoughtful and reflective. My question is: why did you choose WordPress to write your blog? I am interested in starting a personal blog of my own and was interested in hearing your thoughts on WordPress v Blogger v whatever else is out there. Thank you. I look forward to reading your future posts.
BILL
April 12, 2012 at 1:59 pm
Robert Sylvester
Hi, Bill.
Good question. A simple answer for me. It is this: my son (who is finishing his PhD in computer science: neural systems, biologically-inspired computing) recommended wordpress – so I followed the wiseman’s direction. I have not been disappointed. My son blogs as well and has for probably seven years. He uses blogspot and is also pleased with them.
Hope that helps. Thanks for the compliment on the blog I do. It seems to connect with people. Good luck on your blogging.
God bless,
Br. B.
May 6, 2012 at 10:17 am
anita
Brother Bob,
I cannot tell you how much I enjoy your reflections…they are thoughtful, timely, & helpful…I am enormously appreciative of your sharing your time & talent at your website…thanks you.
Anita
May 6, 2012 at 10:39 am
Robert Sylvester
Anita, thank you for the kind words – we are all built the same … we do our best when we are for God and others – no matter the imperfect composition we might be … sharing what we know or do always makes the better of each day.
God bless. Stay with the journey, be patient, pray and love as well as you can … this is a life’s effort – day by day, moment by moment.
Be well.
Love,
B.
May 31, 2012 at 11:44 am
anita
Brother Bob,
do you have an email address that you can receive emails at?
May 31, 2012 at 12:27 pm
Robert Sylvester
Thanks, Anita. Yes, my email is xlbobs@msn.com. Hope you are well – and thanks for visiting the blog.
God bless,
B.
June 21, 2012 at 7:03 am
Kevin Macolley
Brother Bob:
Just a quick note to let you know how much I enjoy reading your thought-provoking posts. After two-plus decades in the petroleum industry, I have been blessed with the opportunity to teach for the last six years. In reflecting on your thoughts – ( one of the joys of teaching is that I’ve been in a position to interact with my adult students on topics like these) -I’ve come to realize just how often I’ve been guilty of ‘pharisaical’ behavior and how often I have needed God’s forgiveness. Thank you for this reminder – and for your blog.
God bless!
Kevin
June 21, 2012 at 8:37 am
Robert Sylvester
Kevin,
Thanks for the kind words. Truth is – we need each other to see in the mist …
In my own failures (daily and many in my 66 years) I have come to be utterly amazed at God’s unending patience and love. To think some dismiss God – is a ponderous notion for me. How? Why? And at real peril?
I have come to think that while we fail, it seems that our desire to live in love in all we do must itself be pleasing to God. So we keep trying each day, each experience, each encounter.
Keep up the good work.
God bless,
B.
January 28, 2013 at 1:08 am
J Kim Wright
Almost three years ago, you kindly sent me a letter, offering to explore how we might be mutually supportive. The letter got attached to something unrelated and has just emerged from its hiding place. I am the author of Lawyers as Peacemakers, Practicing Holistic, Problem-Solving Law (an ABA best seller, 2010) and publisher of CuttingEdgeLaw.com. A lot of the work I do is about encouraging lawyers to be whole, spiritual beings. Let’s connect in person soon.
January 28, 2013 at 8:03 am
Robert Sylvester
Feel free to write me at xlbobs@msn.com.
God bless,
B.
March 4, 2013 at 5:34 pm
Bro. Gerry Molyneaux, F.S.C.
Hi, Bob
I was reading this very moving prayer today that was part of the lenten series from ND’s campus ministry. Then I noticed the author’s name. Thanks once again for your inspiration. .
March 4, 2013 at 11:03 pm
Robert Sylvester
Gerry, great to hear from you. Hope all is well. Thanks too for the kind words. It seems like my writing is coming along.
I just returned from doing a retreat at a big, affluent parish in DC. A three day event. The topic: living faith in secular culture. Good crowds. I also got to deliver the homily – a week ago (Vigil Mass and three on Sunday).
It was fun. Love the peeps, Gerry – nice folks and the Pastor is terrific – he makes great contact with his people. Went to visit Msgr Jim Beattie (a Philly guy) in the hospital – he’s a peach of a guy (like you).
Hope school is going well.
God bless,
B.
I think I have a book or two in me. I was read in 105 countries last year by 43,000 people. Interesting.
August 6, 2013 at 4:33 pm
Jaye
Hi Bob,
It was a delight to come across your blog and to read a bit about your story, your unique gifts, and how you are living out your professional calling in the world. I am a psychologist (and a very part-time theology student) and a write a bit on WordPress about psychology, faith, and my ministry calling. I look forward to reading more of your posts.
Blessings,
Jaye
August 6, 2013 at 8:53 pm
Robert Sylvester
Hi, Jaye – Nice to meet you and thanks for the kind words. I have had an interesting journey. I expect you have as well.
You are always welcome here.
God bless,
Bob
July 26, 2014 at 2:11 pm
Friend of ND
I read your post ‘Flight MH-17 and Inertia’ via RSS and thought it was very insightful. Found it curious that it did show up on your blog–sure hope you’re not getting censored.
July 26, 2014 at 3:13 pm
Robert Sylvester
Did have it up and thought it was too long. What did you think? I saved it – but wondered at 700 words (counting my “Note” – that people might have become accustomed to 250-400 or fewer words.
I’d like you thoughts.
God bless,
B.
By the way, I tried to be considerate of readers who (on these things) can be reluctant to read or listen with an open disposition.
July 26, 2014 at 4:12 pm
Friend of ND
I thought it was great–forwarded it to others right after I read it. If it’s good and interesting, the length doesn’t matter.
October 20, 2014 at 9:26 pm
Paul Cauchon
Welcome back. We’ve missed you
October 21, 2014 at 5:40 am
Robert Sylvester
Thank you, Paul.
It’s good to be alive.
B.
January 21, 2016 at 12:14 pm
Angie Nichols
wonderful idea, Bob……..I have 8 children and many grandchildren……..I would certainly buy your book to pass on to them!
January 21, 2016 at 12:52 pm
Robert Sylvester
Thank you, Angie. I try to follow where God leads. I thought this would be a time of relaxation for me – but instead God has put me in play – to combine law, theology and politics.
Thank you, very – very much.
God bless.
Bob
March 24, 2016 at 11:31 am
Friend of ND
Hi Bob,
Love the work you do here–would like to touch base with you on something personal. Could you please email me?
March 24, 2016 at 12:22 pm
Robert Sylvester
I’ll send you and email. Will do so today – in a few minutes.
God bless,
B.
September 3, 2016 at 4:10 pm
Tim McCormick
Bob,
I enjoyed meeting you today at the HR picnic.I also used to work in the field of law (often representing children who were removed from their homes by DSS because of abuse or neglect). I am now a Catholic school teacher and I am in a graduate program at St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore. I look forward to the opportunity to use your webitie/blog. It looks like it has a lot to offer. Thank you for all that you do.
Peace be with you,
Tim
August 6, 2019 at 8:54 am
Kathleen Kelly
Heard you on High Hewitt just now – where can we find the reading list you were discussing?
Thank you!
August 6, 2019 at 2:20 pm
Robert Sylvester
Kathy, thank you. I will post one today – if you can send along your email, I’ll send it to you … or perhaps post it on the blog site.
If you have ANY questions or I can help in any way – please feel free to contact me (xlbobs@msn.com).
God bless,
Bobby Sylvester
August 6, 2019 at 8:10 pm
Kathleen Kelly
My email is
Fortezza50@yahoo.com. One of my goals when I retired was to read more “important” books, and from what I heard on HH Show, those on your list would fit the bill.
Thank you! Kate
August 6, 2019 at 5:37 pm
Craig Bulger
I too heard you on Hugh Hewitt today and tried to rewind the conversation, but could only back up a few minutes. I’d love to have the list of books you discussed as well. Sounded very intriguing, especially in today’s culture. Not very often I hear Hugh take a second and promise a listener that he’ll check out a website or blog.
Thanks!
August 6, 2019 at 5:45 pm
Robert Sylvester
Thanks, Craig. I really enjoy Hugh’s show. He has terrific interviews and is a bright guy – love his contacts with Hillsdale.
I posted the instant reading list … Honestly, I could have posted more. I’ve been at this quest (to understand what is right before us) and find the errors in our midst and the health to which we are called – especially the moral and spiritual well-being.
God bless,
Bob Sylvester
June 29, 2021 at 10:04 am
Tony DiBella
Hello Bob: Searched and found your site today. Thanks for the breadcrumbs, the inspiration, your insight! Tony D.