We have perhaps all had the experience of wanting to open a long-awaited letter and yet hesitated for fear of what it might contain—not the good news we were hoping for but the bad news we dreaded. Similarly, in our interpersonal relationships there can be important questions we wish to ask a parent, spouse or […]

Readings: Isaiah 50:4c-9a; James 2:14-18; Mark 8:27-35 We have so often used today’s Gospel to support the particular role of the Pope in the Roman Catholic Church, that we might forget that it addresses every Christian and every Christian church, from the time of the Apostles to the end of time. It could be plausible […]

Scars are visible reminders of past injuries and sometimes a significant event or emotional story is associated with each scar. Jesus was no exception and in that memorable meeting with Thomas, he showed him the scars or wounds left by his passion thereby confirming the reality of his resurrection. The cross serves a similar purpose […]

Readings: Numbers 21:4b-9; Philippians 2:6-11; John 3:13-17 The community Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Abbot Joseph presiding and preaching. It is a non-work day for the community and we follow the Sunday schedule. Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament follows Vespers (5:30 PM). On this day we inaugurate our celebration of the Minor […]

Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8; James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.  That’s quite an inventory and so much more pessimistic than we’d expect from the […]

Readings: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; Matthew 24:42-51 Stay Awake! A fitting Gospel for two Cistercian saints. And a reminder that our relentless practice of Vigils is symbolic, sacramental of the coming of Christ, especially at the final judgment. This reminds me that such watchfulness is not only about the end but how we travel to that […]

Readings: Ezekiel 43:1-71; Matthew 13:1-12 Jesus has a very challenging–and timely–teaching for us today. He tells us to discriminate, to recognize what we actually see in our legitimate religious leadership. Yes, do what they tell you but don’t follow their example. That isn’t a call to blind and passive acquiescence or relinquishing our responsibility. And […]

Readings: Isaiah 9:1-6; Luke 1:26-38 Although it may seem odd in this day and age to refer to Jesus and Mary in terms of royalty–the American fascination with royal weddings notwithstanding–today’s Gospel explains why we’d celebrate the Queenship of Mary. The Angel Gabriel announces to Mary that the Son to be born to her will […]

Readings Ezekiel 12:1-12; Matthew 18:21-19:1 I don’t think that the first debtor in today’s parable realizes that he’s been forgiven. My suspicion is that he only understands that his strategy was successful. Perhaps he’s the sort of individual who feels he shouldn’t have to suffer the consequences of his choices. I say this because he […]

Saints are spiritual heroes we look up to and yet while they offer encouragement and inspiration they can also be intimidating in their radical commitment to Christ. And so we may find ourselves more inclined to admire rather than emulate them. This is because some of the saints seem to have been fearless, resolute, unwavering, […]