Readings: Jeremiah 18:1-6; Matthew 13:47-53 “Do you understand these things?” They answered, “Yes.” Matthew’s point here is that unlike the crowds, Jesus’ disciples–that is, the true followers of Jesus–grasp the meaning of his parables. This may address a broader issue facing the early Church, rather than the Apostles before the Passion and Resurrection of the […]
Renovation underway
The building to the east of the Cool Spring House is one we call the “Old Dorm.” Its name derives from its original use as the primary dormitory for the monks during the early decades of Holy Cross Abbey. With the construction of two other dormitories the “Old Dorm” has, in recent years, become little […]
Reflection for the 16th Monday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Micah 6:1-4, 6-8; Matthew 12:38-43 Some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” He said to them in reply, “An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet.” I suspect that […]
Reflection on Monday’s Gospel
Readings: Isaiah 1:10-17; Matthew 10:34-11:1 …Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth, I have come not to bring peace but the sword… When I hear today’s Gospel I’m reminded how far from true discipleship is the bourgeois gospel of respectability current during my childhood or the accommodating suburban gospel […]
A Word from the Cistercian Fathers for July
I come to your feet, most loving Father; behold my sins have made a separation between you and me. Ah! Have mercy on me according to the multitude of your mercy! Break the wall of my old way of life which keeps me from you; and drag me to you so vehemently that I may, […]
Brother Theodore begins his postulancy
Having recently spent three months within the community as an “observer,” Brother Theodore Berezuk (formerly Todd) has returned as a postulant to begin his initial period of formation. He joins Brothers Mark, John, and Richard in their continuing process of discernment and seeking the will of God for their lives. It has been a long […]
Gift Shop closed for the day
Friday, June 8, is the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, and is observed as a full monastic holy day. Accordingly, the Gift Shop will be closed all day Friday and will reopen on Saturday morning at 10.00 a.m. As usual, we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to our customers and visitors.
A Word from the Cistercian Fathers for June
You know that in a community of many it is impossible for all to be of the same strength, whether in body or in character, and so the authority of the Rule advises us to bear each weakness with patience, and charity requires us to stoop down somewhat to each. Some other person sees this, […]
Blessing of the Bells
On Ascension Sunday morning the heavy rain stopped, opportunely, just ten minutes before we were to bless our new bells. They are the generous gift of Br. David Schlatter OFM and formed part of a larger set of bells used at 9/11 commemoration services. Although the bells have been in use since late January we […]
Memorial of Mary, Mother of the Church
Readings: Acts 1:12-14; John 19:25-27 In mid-March, Pope Francis announced a new Memorial to be celebrated the Monday after Pentecost: Mary, the Mother of the Church. The Gospel tells us: Standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary, the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his […]