We may observe Lent with acts of penance and self-mortification, but that’s not what we celebrate. We celebrate Jesus’ transformative path through a self-sacrifice which is the revelation of his glory; and we celebrate our passage over that same path on which we embarked through our baptism. Today we consider this Transfiguration as found in […]
Annunciation of the Incarnation of the Lord to Mary
Monday, 25 March, 2019 The community Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Fr. James presiding and preaching; it is a non-work day for the monks and we follow the Sunday Schedule.
Abbot Joseph’s Homily for the 8th Sunday of the Year
Although a rotten tree may not be able to produce good fruit, we know that evil people can mimic goodness and kindness for their own selfish purposes. And so an apparent act of self-sacrificing kindness is undertaken in the service of ingratiating oneself with someone from whom one has something to gain. On the other […]
Fr. James’ Homily for the Seventh Sunday, Year C
Readings: 1 Samuel 26:7-9, 12-13, 22-23; 1 Corinthians 15:45-49; Luke 6:27-38 Today Jesus challenges each and every one of us to love our enemies. I have met people who believed they loved everyone but I’ve never met anyone who didn’t have difficulties loving his or her enemy. There’s no reason why it shouldn’t be so. […]
Abbot Joseph’s Homily for the Fifth Sunday of the Year
Christianity in general, and Catholicism in particular, have frequently been blamed for generating unnecessary, unhealthy, and morbid guilt in the hearts of its members thereby depriving them of simple joy in the good things of life. Peter’s encounter with Jesus (described in this morning’s gospel) would seem to lend support to this not uncommon perception […]
Fr. James’ Homily for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Our Collect asks that we may honor God with all our mind and love everyone in truth of heart. That sounds wonderful—but our Gospel illustrates how difficult that actually is. Those neighbors of Jesus who had come to synagogue that Sabbath, didn’t they believe they were there to honor God with all their mind? Apart […]
Abbot Joseph’s Homily for Cistercian Founders
What is it about monastic reforms that renders them (relatively speaking) short-lived and apparently unsustainable? This question is especially pertinent when you consider that at the heart of these reforms is the resolve to turn from sin and seek holiness through an ever deepening union with God. In other words, the essence of reform would […]
Reflection for Thursday of the First Week (Memorial of St. Anthony of Egypt)
Readings: Hebrews 3:7-14; Mark 1:40-45 Our First Reading today begins with the marvelous words, The Holy Spirit says…to introduce a long quote from Psalm Ninety-four. I find that a vivid reminder of how intimate and accessible the Holy Spirit is in our lives, and how effective. Saint Anthony of the Egypt certainly realized that when, […]
Reflection for the Monday of the First Week, Year One
Readings: Hebrews 1:1-6; Mark 1:14-20 When Jesus called Peter and Andrew to follow him, they left their nets and followed him–as simple as that. The stark way Mark writes the scene makes their reaction seem like a reflex. I wonder whether they realized what they were doing. I say that because ten chapters later, after […]
Reflection for 10 January
Readings: 1 John 4:18-5:4; Luke 4:14-22 Both readings today drive home the impact of the Incarnation; not only has God come among us in our flesh, but the Incarnation changes our existence. It has revealed that there is more to our lives and future than we could have imagined. However, if you read the continuation […]