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Reflections on the Gospel

Light

October 24, 2021: A Reflection for the 30th Sunday of O.T., Year B Mark 10:46-52 “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” (Mk 10:51) He sat there in his usual spot by the side of the road. Passersby would notice his dust-covered clothes and his cupped hands

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Reflections on the Gospel

True Greatness

October 17, 2021: A Reflection for the 29th Sunday of O.T., Year B Mark 10:35-45 For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mk 10:45) At times, the apostles almost take your breath away with their audacity and naivete. This time it’s James’ and

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2021 Journal

Santa Rita Abbey 2021 Monastic Experience Weekend, October 1-4

We hosted a Monastic Experience Weekend (MEW) October 1-4 for young women interested in our monastic way of life. The last time we’d offered one of these vocation weekends was in February 2019, pre-COVID. The women who attended our 2021 weekend were both from Arizona and drove up to our front door just before 4:30 p.m. on Friday. B. and

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Reflections on the Gospel

THE GAZE OF LOVE

October 10, 2021: A Reflection for the Twenty-Eighth Sunday in OT, Yr B Mark 10:17-30 Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go sell what you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me. (Mk 10:21) Jesus, you see into our hearts,

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2021 Journal

Santa Rita Abbey 2021 Summer Update–part 2

Well, it is already October, but here at last is part 2 of our summer update. Soon we will post an October update, too! At last we are back to a more normal work schedule in our altar bread bakery, Cistercian Altar Breads. During the shut downs in 2020 all of our parish customers put their regular orders on hold

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Reflections on the Gospel

What God Has Joined Together

October 3, 2021: A Reflection for the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B Mark 10:2-16 What God has joined together, no human being must separate.  (Mk 10:9) At first glance, today’s Gospel appears to be about marriage and divorce.  But a closer look reveals that what Jesus is really trying to teach is about the Kingdom of God.  He

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Reflections on the Gospel

A Cup of Water

September 26, 2021: A Reflection for the Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.  (Mk 9:43) We’re all in this journey of life together, connected at the deepest level in

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Reflections on the Gospel

As A Child

September 19, 2021: A Reflection for the Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B Mark 9:30-37 Taking a child, he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, “Whoever receives one such child in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not be but the One who sent me. (Mark 9:37)

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A doe with 3-week old twin fawns stands outside the monastery window.
Reflections on the Gospel

In the Mind of God

September 12, 2021: A Reflection for the Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B Mark 8:27-35 Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. At this he turned around and, looking at his disciples, rebuked Peter and said, ‘Get behind me Satan.  You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.’  (Mk 8:32-34) Jesus, you

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A Weekend of Prayer, Peace, and Possibility!

Step away from the noise and into the rhythm of monastic life. If you’re a Catholic woman discerning your path, our Monastic Experience Weekend offers a rare opportunity to explore contemplative life at Santa Rita Abbey.

Friday, October 4 – Monday, October 7

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