Given the relatively obsolete nature of kings and monarchs in our contemporary world—and considering the less than exemplary conduct of some of the few who remain—we might wonder about retaining this annual feast honoring Christ the King. But perhaps an even greater problem with this title and all it signifies, is our modern western overvaluation […]
Fr. James’ Homily for the 33rd Sunday
Thirty-third Sunday, YR A, 19 November, 2023: Proverbs 11:10-13, 19-20, 30-31; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6; Matthew 25:14-30 This man who distributes money to his servants is described as a demanding person, harvesting where he did not plant and gathering where he did not scatter. I know I wouldn’t want to work for such an intimidating person! […]
Abbot Joseph’s Homily for the 31st Sunday
If you’ve ever watched television coverage of major sports events, you will probably have noticed that large companies and businesses are willing to pay large sums of money simply to have their name or logo on the sporting attire of a sport celebrity—all because it is believed to be a very effective means of advertising. […]
The Approach of Winter
Our Monastery Chapel remains open to the general public. However, please be aware that in the interests of protecting the health of our elderly and vulnerable monks, we will not be offering the chalice to our guests at communion—we thank you for your understanding. Given the unpredictable nature of this Covid pandemic, these arrangements will […]
Fr. James’ Homily for All Saints
All Saints, Wednesday, 1 November, 2023: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12a Aren’t all the conditions described as “Blessed” in today’s Gospel, much more liminal situations than virtues of my own concocting? Doesn’t meekness or mercy, only emerge when I find myself in situations beyond my devising? They are not responses I have […]
A Word in time of Temptation
How often, and in how many different guises, have you communicated the sensation of your saving presence to me! In what an immense blessing of sweetness have you consistently gone before me in my littleness, … especially when I am permitted to share in your blessed body and blood. … But thanks be to your faithfulness, […]
Tuesday of the 30th Week
In affirming that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed to us, Paul is not trivializing our present sufferings—especially the sufferings of those who suffer much. Suffering, as we know, is one of the great challenges to faith in a loving and caring God. Certain approaches […]
Fr. James’ Homily for Friday’s Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace in the Middle East
A couple of weeks ago, Sr. Dorothy Gilloley, a regular retreatant here, sent me this Prayer for Peace in the Middle East: God of mercy and compassion, of grace and reconciliation, pour your power upon your children in the Middle East: Jews, Muslims and Christians, Palestinians and Israelis. Let hatred be turned into love, fear […]
Fr. James’ Homily for the 28th Sunday
Twenty-Eighth Sunday, Year A, 15 October, 2023: Isaiah 25:6-10a; Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20; Matthew 22:1-14 Matthew’s version of this parable probably elaborates Jesus’ original teaching, more accurately reported in Luke’s Gospel (Luke 14:16-24). Matthew has added the details of the king, the king’s son, the abuse of the king’s messengers and the king’s vengeance, as well […]
A Word from Our Cistercian Fathers
Anyone who wishes to come after me, through me, to me. After me because I am Truth, through me because I am the way, to me because I am the life. Anyone who wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Christ, the power of God and […]