John 5: 17-30 Judging others is something we all do. But, unlike Jesus—whose judgment is always just—ours rarely is! One major reason for this is that, unlike Jesus, we do seek our own will. Consequently, we are more likely to judge others unfavorably (and unjustly) when they interfere or oppose our will—and more favorably when […]
Fr. James’ Reflection for Friday and 3rd Week of Lent
Friday of the 3rd Week of Lent: HOS 14:2-10; MK 12:28-24 This dialogue in Mark’s Gospel occurs in the last week of Jesus’ life after many contentious encounters with scribes and others. But Jesus allows this scribe to respond honestly; he listens to the person, does not presume opposition. To which of his disciples did […]
Retreat House Availability
Because of some cancellations, there are now several rooms available at our Retreat House for the weekend of May 3-5. If you wish to avail yourself of this opportunity, please call Carol at 540-955-4383.
Third Week of Lent
The truly humble person receives forgiveness with deep gratitude and even joy. In contrast, the proud person—like the servant in today’s gospel—experiences forgiveness as humiliating and thus seeks to humiliate his fellow servant, in turn. The really proud person is actually incapable of receiving forgiveness and this, perhaps, helps explain why the devil was never […]
Fr. James’ Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Lent
Second Sunday of Lent, Year B: Genesis 22:1-2, 9a,10-13, 15-18; Romans 8:31b-34; Mark 9:2-20 Although this Gospel describes a very extraordinary spiritual experience, like all spiritual breakthroughs, it needs to be carefully considered, reconsidered and digested over time. Look at Peter’s knee-jerk reaction: he would box Jesus, Moses and Elijah into individual tents to capture […]
Fr. James’ Reflection for February 23
Friday of the 1st Week of Lent: EZ 18:21-28; MT 5:20-26 To ask so much of us, Jesus must have known well the passage from Ezekiel we heard this morning. If our God, who does not need us, desires our good so much, how can I settle for less when I relate to you? I […]
Wednesday of the 1st Week of Lent
Although Saint Benedict denounces obedience that is cringing, half-hearted, grudging and accompanied by grumbling, the story of Jonah reminds us that God can still work in and through us even when our obedience is imperfect and not completely willing. After his dramatic and terrifying escape from the belly of a giant fish Jonah finally takes […]
Fr. James’ Reflection for Tuesday of 1st Week of Lent
Tuesday of the 1st Week of Lent: ISA 55:10-11; MT 6:7-15 I’m learning to appreciate why I should pray, “Thy Kingdom come.” In my youth, among American Catholics, a reaction against the pessimism of Jansenism overestimated present blessings, ignoring the suffering around us. Doesn’t such complacency and indifference keep us outside the Kingdom of Heaven? […]
Fr. James’ Reflection for Thursday after Ash Wednesday
Thursday after Ash Wednesday: DEUT 30:15-20; LK 9:22-25 Both readings bring us to that precarious boundary between life and death, presence and absence. A quote from Metropolitan Anthony Bloom: The day when God is absent, when he is silent—that is the beginning of prayer…when we say to God, ‘I can’t live without you, why are […]
Br. Luke’s Funeral Mass and Burial
The Funeral Mass and Burial of our Brother Luke Scheuerell will be held this Saturday, February 17 at 3.00 p.m. in the monastery chapel. As is our tradition, the Community will receive the body of Brother Luke immediately after Lauds at 7.30 a.m. and then the brothers will be taking turns keeping vigil at the […]