Although it is simpler and easier to think and understand in distinct and separate categories in certain areas of life, when it comes to the life of the spirit this becomes inadequate and problematic. Instead, the spiritual life unfolds in a landscape of grays rather than the black and white of clarity and certainty. And […]
Abbot Joseph’s Homily for Holy Thursday
The Eucharist occupies a central place in our life as Christians and as monks. This evening’s readings bring out something of the complexity of this great sacrament which is a sublime mystery whose depths we can never fully comprehend or even experience. Not surprisingly, then, the Eucharist has been the subject of theological and spiritual […]
Gift Shop Closings for the Sacred Triduum
THE GIFT SHOP WILL BE CLOSED THIS THURSDAY AFTERNOON, APRIL 18 AND WILL BE CLOSED ALL DAY FRIDAY (GOOD FRIDAY). THE STORE WILL REOPEN ON SATURDAY MORNING AT 10.00 AND WILL ALSO BE OPEN ON EASTER SUNDAY AT THE USUAL HOURS
The Sacred Triduum 2019
Holy Thursday, 18 April 4:30 PM—Mass of the Lord’s Supper with transfer of the Blessed Sacrament Good Friday, 19 April 10:30 AM—Good Friday Psalter12:20 PM—Sext2:00 PM—None 4:30 PM—Good Friday Service with the Lord’s Passion according to John, Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion. Holy Saturday, 20 April 8:30 PM—Paschal Vigil with Blessing of […]
Palm Sunday Liturgy
Palm Sunday, 14 April 2019 (Year C) 9:45 AM Terce 10:00 AM Mass will begin in the Cloister (behind the stone Cool Spring house), followed by a procession to the church and celebration of the Passion according to Luke. NB: palms will be found in church before Terce and Mass in the pews
Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Christ’s harsh words in this morning’s gospel are the kind we have come to associate with his dealings with the Scribes and Pharisees, except that today’s excerpt begins with the phrase: Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him—that is, his disciples. This serves as a reminder that although Christ embraces the sinner with […]
Fr. James’ Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Lent
Despite what we read in the Books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, from before the time of Jesus, adulterers were not stoned to death. The point is not whether to follow or ignore the command but how to arrive at the intention of God from the command put into words by Moses. Perhaps you’ve seen paintings […]
Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Just as the trees growing alongside the river of the water of life provide both food and medicine, nourishment and healing, so the Eucharist which draws its life from the stream of living water flowing from the pierced side of Christ (as from the temple) is also both food and medicine, nourishment and healing. However, […]
A Word from the Cistercian Fathers
Anyone who wishes to come after me, through me, to me. After me because I am Truth, through me because I am the way, to me because I am the life. Any who wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Christ, the power of God […]
Fr. James’ Homily for the Annunciation
We heard in The Letter to the Hebrews: Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me. A body is not a just physical specimen. It results from a network of relationships, of behavior, perceptions and modes of living. A body mediates both contact with its environment and understanding of […]