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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Psychological and spiritual maturity are among the prized attributes of adulthood. Immaturity, childishness, and even childlikeness, on the other hand, are usually disdained and considered a sign of a failure to develop and flourish. However, for most—if not all—of us our progress towards full maturity and wholeness is anything but smooth, uniform, or orderly. Instead, […]

Jesus’ enigmatic statement according to which some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the Kingdom of God has come in power, has been variously interpreted—usually in ways that don’t seem to directly involve us. However, recall that when the Pharisees asked when the kingdom would come, Jesus replied that the […]

With their privileged intimacy and a loving and unobstructed access to God their creator, Adam and Eve had little excuse for reaching out and eating of the forbidden fruit. We, by contrast, begin our human existence estranged and largely ignorant of the One in whom we live, move, and have our being. Consequently, we have […]

Pope Francis has repeatedly urged priests to go out in active evangelization rather than simply waiting for people to come to them. Today’s gospel speaks of the Apostles having done just that and as they reported all they had done and taught. However, this same gospel also introduces another key element in evangelization. And that […]

The author of the Letter to the Hebrews exhorts us to strive for peace with everyone. Striving, of course, is distinct from actually successfully living at peace with everyone, and is an acknowledgment of the great challenge involved in doing so. For some, the challenge lies in dealing patiently and compassionately with the weaknesses, failings, […]