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
June 25, 2023: A Reflection for the 12th Sunday in OT, Yr A Matthew 10:26-33 So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Mt 10:31) Do not be afraid. Jesus tells us many times in the Gospel not to let anyone intimidate us – not to fear. It is a strong counsel that He gives us,
June 18, 2023: A Reflection for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A Matthew 9:36-10:8 … so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for the harvest. (Mt 9:37) One of the major themes in today’s readings is choice and call. In the first reading, God chooses Israel as his own special possession. Not because they
June 11, 2023: A Reflection for the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Yr A John 6:51-58 …and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world. (Jn 6:51c) The body of Christ. Four simple words, but so all-inclusive. Jesus, before you returned to the Father after you completed the mission for
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