October 1, 2023: A reflection for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A Matthew 21:28-32 ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards changed his mind and went. (Mt 21:23-24) Today’s readings speak of ways of living, ways of thinking and remind us of how we can change our
Our Monastic Experience Weekends (MEWs) are for young women curious about life in a contemplative monastery and open to becoming a nun. This year we had the joy of welcoming Cristina, Anna, and Adrienne for the weekend of October 6-9. The entire weekend was punctuated with prayer as our guests joined us for the seven hours of the Divine Office
September 10, 2023: A Reflection for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Yr A Matthew 18:15-20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Mt 18:20) “Love is the fulfillment of the law,” we hear in today’s second reading from St. Paul (Romans 13:10). At first glance, we can
September 3, 2023: A Reflection for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Yr A Matthew 16:21-27 For those who wish to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (Mt 16:29) Jesus, you made us in your image and likeness – which is to say, I guess, that we’re hard-wired to
August 13, 2023: A Reflection for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Yr A Matthew 14:22-33 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” (Mt 14:27-29) You can hardly
July 30, 2023: A Reflection for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Yr A Matthew 13:44-52 The kingdom of heaven is like … ( Mt 13:44a) Jesus, your kingdom is like the air breathe. It permeates our existence. It is offered to every person, bidden or unbidden. We recognize your kingdom not by external appearances but by a person’s choices
Our 50th Anniversary Celebration On April 22 we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the founding of our monastery. It was a glorious day in every way! Bishop Edward Weisenburger presided at the Jubilee Mass with eight priests concelebrating. Our monastic community was temporarily expanded by the presence of monks and nuns from several other Trappist Cistercian monasteries, and about 150
July 9, 2023: A reflection for the 14th Sunday in OT, Yr A Matthew 11:25-30 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy and my burden light. (Mt 11:16-17) Who doesn’t appreciate rest?! Even God is all for it.
July 2, 2023: A Reflection for the 13th Sunday in OT, Yr A Matthew 10:37-42 Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. (Mt 10:39) Love, rewards, gifts, finding and losing, serving –what a rich Gospel we have today! What is it that is the well-spring from which it all bubbles forth and