Readings: Isaiah 49:3, 5-6; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3; John 1:29-34 Have you ever wondered if God is a narcissist? This may sound blasphemous and yet it’s worth considering in the light of the numerous scriptural texts that speak of God’s jealousy guarding his divine prerogatives and demanding full credit for virtually everything. So much of God’s […]

Thank you to everyone who had shown concern and offered prayers for Fr. Robert’s health. Carol Hensley and members of the community are very aware of the number of people who would like to visit Fr. Robert. Certainly, his attention and care has meant a lot to many friends of the Abbey and each of […]

Readings: Isaiah 49:3, 5-6; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3; John 1:29-34 The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM in the Chapter Room, Abbot Joseph Wittstock presiding and preaching.

After the past couple of winters, I was surprised that the weather cooperated and the heavy snow went south of Clarke County.  Last Friday there was only a light dusting of snow, as innocuous as confectionary sugar on a pastry; so on Saturday, anyone in Berryville who wanted to, had no problem arriving at the Barns […]

Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12 Does today’s Gospel subvert Biblical norms? Wise men who aren’t Jews seek the newborn King of the Jews; the actual king kills infants rather than protect them. What is Matthew trying to tell us? We call these wise men “kings”, though that’s not part of the Gospel. […]

We read of three appearances of the Lord all on the same day, but not at the same time. The second is surely wonderful, the third is wonderful, but the first, still more wonderful, is to be admired. The changing of the waters was wonderful, the simultaneous testimonies of John, of dove, and of the […]

Readings: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7; Acts 10:34-38; Matthew 3:13-17 This year, with Christmas and 1 January falling on a Sunday, we have the shortest Christmastide possible. The Baptism of the Lord is usually the last Sunday of the Christmas Season but this year it is translated to a Monday. The next day is Tuesday of the […]

Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12 The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Fr. James presiding and preaching.

Readings: Numbers 6:22-27; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21 The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM in the Chapter Room, Fr. Vincent Collins presiding and preaching. It is the first Sunday of the month and the monthly Eucharistic Adoration begins at 4:00 PM and concludes with Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament after Vespers (5:30 […]

Readings: Isaiah 52:7-10; Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1:1-18 When I listen to today’s readings, I’m puzzled. I’ll admit, when I filter what I hear through the gauze of devotional attention, I can neatly pigeon-hole the doctrinal themes I was taught to appreciate. But when I listen to recognize experience–let’s say against the background of the week’s […]