It is a spirit of gratitude that permeates David’s prayer (as recorded in our first reading). This serves to remind us that true gratitude is only possible with true humility. This is because pride strives to perpetuate the illusion and delusion of human self-sufficiency. Authentic gratitude, however, peacefully acknowledges our utter dependence on God, and […]
Abbot Joseph’s Homily for the 3rd Sunday
The wonderful promise according to which the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster, are smashed as on the day of Midian seems, perhaps, too promising to be true—at least in the light of our own experience. For, despite our heartfelt appeals to God for this liberation […]
Day of Prayer for the Protection of the Unborn
Although the Original Sin involved the eating of forbidden fruit, its deeper reality was pride—a pride that had already been the undoing of Lucifer in his arrogant desire to be like God. That same pride, now manifesting as violent jealousy, lies at the heart of Saul’s downfall and fuels his murderous intention toward David. Lacking […]
Memorial of Blessed Cyprian Michael Tansi
This morning at Vigils we were reminded that whereas man usually sees only outward appearances, the Lord looks into the heart. God is therefore not swayed by merely external displays of holiness, religiosity, or devotion, but perceives the true state of our souls and the deepest intentions that move us. His penetrating gaze unmasks all […]
Memorial of Saints Maur and Placid
Occasionally, someone who is neither religious nor spiritual asks for our prayers for some temporal or earthly need. In doing so, they highlight a sometimes mercenary and self‑seeking tendency in our own approach to seeking God’s help. For although we value—and are even grateful for—whatever help God grants us, we can be adept at simultaneously […]
Abbot Joseph’s Homily for Epiphany Sunday
This morning in Chapter I reminded my brother monks that among the most precious gifts we can offer God, is the gift of ourselves. However, until we actually know who we truly are, and by a thoroughgoing conversion, come into full possession of who God created us to be, then the gift of ourselves remains […]
Memorial of Saints Basil and Gregory Nazianzen
Like the Pharisees we encounter in today’s gospel, we too can have a problem recognizing the Christ who is among us, and whose face we are challenged to behold in one another. However, this difficulty springs largely from our own hearts—both from our failure to discern Christ in the brother/sister we dislike and find difficult, […]
Sixth Day of Christmas
Our gospel today concludes, rather matter‑of‑factly, with a description of the Holy Family’s return to their own town of Nazareth. Taken in isolation, it gives no hint of the momentous events that had just unfolded in the life of this little and poor family. Shepherds, angels, Magi, and the stirring witness of Simeon, and Anna […]
A Word from Our Cistercian Fathers
You fear the Lord of the angels, but love the little Child. You fear the Lord of majesty, but love the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes. You fear Him reigning in heaven, but love Him lying in the manger. But what sign did the shepherds receive? You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and […]
Abbot Joseph’s Homily for Christmas Night Mass
In not too many months from now (at the Easter Vigil), we will once again hear those memorable words: O truly necessary sin of Adam! O happy fault that earned so great, so glorious a Redeemer! These somewhat surprising words can be thought to reflect the conviction that the incarnation was made necessary by human […]