Although the two sons in this famous parable are very different characters, there is one way in which they are similar—that is, they value pleasures, things, and possessions over people and relationships. However, each goes about seeking to obtain these material things in a very different way. The younger son is brazen and unapologetic in […]
Friday, 3rd Week of Lent
Although the scribe who questions Jesus asks him only about the first of all the commandments, Jesus also reminds him of the second of all the commandments. Now, although love of God with all one’s heart, soul, and mind is the first of all commandments, for the Christian it is fulfilling the second commandment that […]
Fr. James’ Homily for The Annunciation
25 March, 2025, Solemnity of the Annunciation: Isaiah 7:10-14, 8:10; Hebrews 10:4-10; Luke 1: 26-38 For centuries we have ransacked the scriptures for theological content, often at the cost of the narrative flow and a deeper theological and spiritual message. I propose that we would impoverish our reading of this Gospel without considering what goes […]
Saturday of the 2nd Week of Lent
As monks our vowed commitment is ordered towards ongoing conversion. The word “ongoing” reminds us that conversion is a process—usually a long one—and not a single moment or decision. So, although some of us may have experienced a powerful and distinct moment of conversion, and a definite turning towards God, the story of the Prodigal […]
Abbot Joseph’s Homily for the Solemnity of Saint Joseph
It has often been observed that the gospels do not record a single word of Saint Joseph; and it is this “silence” that has made him a special patron for the interior life as well as for contemplatives. And yet, Saint Joseph does speak albeit not with words but with his actions; and his actions […]
Saturday of the First Week of Lent
In his life-changing encounter with God at the burning bush, Moses was privileged to learn God’s name: I am who I am. This simple name affirms that God is not defined by anything or anyone that might be thought outside himself. On the contrary, all that exists, and is not God, is but a manifestation […]
Wednesday of the 1st Week of Lent
As Christians we credit God with gracing humanity with freedom—freedom, even to reject his love and the salvation he offers so freely. Jonah’s experience, however, seems to challenge this notion of inviolable human freedom. For, he is literally coerced into delivering God’s warning to the people of Nineveh. Similarly, at Vigils this morning, we heard […]
Fr. James’ Homily for the 1st Sunday of Lent
9 March, 2026, First Sunday of Lent: Deuteronomy 26:4-10; Romans 10:8-13; Luke 4:1-13 When the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from [Jesus] for a time. With this verse, Luke admits that the temptation of Jesus was not a one-off contest. How does temptation work? It starts with a tendency that could be harnessed […]
Saturday after Ash Wednesday
As fitting and urgent as the church’s so-called “preferential option of the poor” is, it is equally important to remember that this does not mean a simultaneous “preferential option against the rich.” Today’s account of Jesus’ call of a wealthy tax collector, Matthew, is not an isolated incident. And so, for example, he purposely sought […]
Ash Wednesday
Like so much else in our spiritual lives, the season of Lent can become just another annual routine which we go through the motions of observing but lacking real commitment or heartfelt zeal. For some this reflects a spiritual mediocrity they have come to find comfortable even if not ultimately satisfying, while for others it […]