Sometimes the simpler the remedy, the harder it is to follow. So many of our interpersonal conflicts, arguments, animosities, and needless sufferings have a simple remedy: Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. Our difficulty in applying this remedy is that it is deceptively simple and in fact requires a complete […]
Tuesday, First Week of Lent
In exhorting us, not to worry about what we are to eat or what we are to wear Jesus assured us that if we seek first the kingdom, all these other things will be added to us as well. This seeking first the kingdom is reflected in the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples. The […]
Livestream Update
We are still in the process of getting our livestream up and running again. This has involved changing our livestream from “Twitch” to Youtube. The link on our website still takes you to Twitch, however, and so, for the present, the Youtube livestream can be accessed by clicking on this link: https://www.youtube.com/@VATrappists
Livestream Problems
We are, at present, experiencing problems with livestreaming our services and masses. We apologize for this interruption in this important service to the public, and are working at resolving the issues as speedily as possible.
Presentation of the Lord in the Temple
Today’s feast is one on which many consecrated religious, formally or informally, renew their vows and their commitment to ongoing conversion—conversion whose final goal is nothing less than transformation into Christ. The lives and example of Simeon and Anna reveal two indispensable virtues for this transformative journey by which we open ourselves to the fullness […]
Fr. James’ Homily for the 4th Sunday
1 February: 4th Sunday, YR A: Zephaniah 2:3, 3:12-13; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Matthew 5:1-12a If I make sense reality by reducing it to “winners” and “losers,” I probably prefer not to hear today’s Gospel. If I listen to Jesus words from my insecurities, I may fear that I’m being asked to become a door mat. […]
A Word from Our Cistercian Fathers
For everything earthly is uncertain and perishable. Our homeland is in heaven, and we are not afraid of falling or being thrown down. The rock, with its durability and security, is in heaven. “The rock is a refuge for the hedgehog.” And really where is there safe sure rest for the weak except in the […]
Memorial of Saint John Bosco
Jesus’ probing question to the disciples—Do you not yet have faith?—can be understood in two complementary ways. The first, in light of the violent squall threatening to swamp their fragile little boat, concerns whether Jesus had the power to protect them from the raging waters. But the second, and perhaps more crucial, sense of his […]
Thursday of the 3rd Week of the Year
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 […]