“The Gift comes…” So we hear in a hymn from St. Ephraim. The Gift, still wrapped in the precious humanity of his mother, will soon be brought forth from her warm and nurturing womb to be among the children of the earth. To be swaddled, and cuddled, and cooed. To give great delight to Mary and Joseph at his first smile,
So far, we have spoken of fire coming down from the Bright Morning star to the earth and of our First Advent Candle holding that fire as light. Last week, our Second Advent Candle was symbolized by a meadow, open and receptive to the descent of life-giving rain, the mercy of God in the person of Jesus. This week, you,
Last week we spoke of fire leaping down from the Bright Morning star to Mary and of our First Advent Candle holding that fire in its heart as light and warmth, reminding us of our call to be light bearers. This week, as we light the Second Advent Candle, our image is rain, life-giving rain. “He shall descend like rain
Stand tall, O Candle. You are an image of our advent waiting. Receive this tiny flame into your heart, and let it transform you into light. You mirror for us the maiden Mary. She received this Spark, leaping down from the Bright Morning Star and taking flesh in her womb, Jesus our Savior. Mary’s fiat, her welcoming yes, offered a
OCSO General Chapter, September 2-23, 2022 This year our Order, the Cistercians of the Strict Observance (a.k.a. the Trappists), held its overdue General Chapter in Assisi, Italy, in two parts. The first of these, held February 7 – 17, was for the election of our new abbot general: Dom Bernardus Peeters. The second part was held September 2-23 to attend
October 30, 2022: A Reflection for the 31st Sunday in O.T., Yr C Luke 19:1-10 When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at you house.” Lk 19:4 You can always tell where there is a source of water out here in the southwest: look for sycamore trees. In
October 23, 2022: A Reflection for the 30th Sunday in OT, Year C Luke 18:9-14 Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. ( Lk 18:9) We humans are so multi-layered and complex. It takes us a long time to know ourselves and learn to love and live in peace with
October 16, 2022: A Reflection for the 29th Sunday in OT, Year C Luke 18:1-8 Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. (Lk 18:1) Jesus, how is it that you seek out the company of us, your little creatures! It seems your heart is drawn to us and wants nothing