On Sunday (in the course of reading the Passion) we will again hear Jesus pray: Father forgive them, they know not what they do. And in this incredible expression of mercy and forgiveness, Jesus carries out his own teaching according to which we are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute you. […]

We have just heard Jesus’ saddening observation: You are trying to kill me, because my word has no room among you. These words addressed to the Jews are being addressed to us also for all too often there is no room in our hearts and minds for God’s Word to enter and find a home; […]

Striving to do God’s will, involves not only those momentous decisions facing us at crucial life-changing junctures in our lives, but also includes the many and varied choices we make in the course of every day. And whereas discerning God’s will in those momentous decisions is often difficult, knowing God’s will in the daily choices […]

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 […]

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, […]