There is an arrow that pierces Mary’s heart: the living and active Word of God that cuts more keenly than any two-edged sword. Of this our Savior said: I have not come to send peace but the sword. A polished arrow, too, is that special love of Christ, which not only pierced Mary’s soul but penetrated […]
Abbot Robert’s Homily for the 22nd Sunday, Year B
Readings: Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8; James 1:17-18, 21-22, 27; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 We return today to St. Mark’s Gospel after the past weeks of hearing St. John’s account of Jesus’ teaching on the Eucharist. From now on in Mark’s Gospel, we observe the increasingly angry attacks which the Pharisees make on Jesus. Jesus retaliates, calling […]
Twenty-Second Sunday, Year B, 30 August, 2015
Readings: Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8; James 1:17-18, 21-22, 27; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Abbot Robert Barnes presiding and preaching.
Fr. James’ Homily for the 21st Sunday, Year B, 23 August, 2015
Readings: Joshua 14:1-2a, 15-17, 18b; Ephesians 5:2a, 25-32; John 6:6–69 I find in today’s Gospel the most challenging verses of St. John’s Sixth Chapter. Doesn’t the general response to Jesus have a contemporary ring? This saying is hard; who can accept it? Today some people attribute very little that is challenging to Jesus himself. Too […]
Abbot Robert’s Homily for the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary
Readings: Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6, 10; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26; Luke 1:39-56 The Almighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name. These are the words of Mary’s Magnificat, her song of praise that we pray every day at Vespers. How fitting that these words are the Gospel today for the Church’s celebration of Mary’s […]
Twenty-First Sunday, Year B, 23 August, 2015
Readings: Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b; Ephesians 5:2a, 25-32; John 6:60-69 The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Fr. James Orthmann presiding and preaching.
Two MIW spots left
There are two rooms still available for the men’s Monastic Immersion Weekend in September (11-13)…if interested send email to companions@virginiatrappists.org…also remember one of our alumni has provided a scholarship for one person who might not have the $300 we ask for the weekend. Do apply if you are interested…
Twentieth Sunday, Year B, 16 August, 2015
Readings: Proverbs 9:1-6; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58 The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Fr. Vincent Collins presiding and preaching. As usual, Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament will follow Vespers (5:30 PM).
Solemnity of the Assumption, Saturday, 15 August, 2015
Readings: Revelation 11:19, 12:1-6, 10; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26; Luke 1:39-56 The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Abbot Robert presiding and preaching.
Nineteenth Sunday, Year B, 9 August, 2015
Readings: 1 Kings 19:4-8; Ephesians 4:30-5:2; John 6:41-51 The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Fr. Joseph Wittstock presiding and preaching. Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament follows Vespers (5:30 PM); all are welcome to join us.