February 26, 2023: A Reflection for the Beginning of Lent Nourishment. Could we say that for St. Benedict providing proper nourishment for his monks was of key importance? Physical nourishment, of course. In how many places does he take care to provide for the young, the elderly, the sick and the community as a whole. Our bodies are to be
Several women expressed interest in attending our 2022 Monastic Experience Weekend, but in the end, according to the designs of God’s providence, it became a week-long experience for one woman, Toni. She thoroughly enjoyed her time here, attending the Divine Office, talking with our vocation team members (Mother Vicki, Sr. Rita, and Sr. Pam), lending a hand in the altar
January 29, 2023: A Reflection for the 4th Sunday in O.T., Yr A The Beatitudes Matthew 5:1-12a Over the centuries and down to the present day, people have drawn their own renditions of what the face of Jesus was like. Not having cameras in Jesus’ time leaves us with the artists’ brush and paint to depict how their inner eye
January 22, 2023: A reflection for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A Matthew 4:12-23 The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light. (Mt 4:13) As the days incrementally become longer and the night of winter learns to yield once more to light, we can feel nature, including ourselves, stirring in our depths to bring to
“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