Although Saint Mark describes Jesus as preaching and driving out demons as if these were separate and distinct functions, in many instances these are one and the same thing. For with Jesus preaching is always synonymous with the Truth and when the Truth is preached and heard, falsehood and ignorance—those hiding places of the demons—are […]
Prayer is relationship
10 January, Friday after Epiphany: 1 Jn 5:5-13; Lk 5:12-16 A couple of days ago, in Mark’s Gospel, we heard that Jesus had withdrawn to pray; today, in Luke’s Gospel we’re told that he’d withdraw to deserted places to pray. As we digest the richness of this Christmas season, let’s not reduce that […]
Abbot Joseph’s Homily for Epiphany
The celebration of the Baptism of the Lord (next Sunday) will mark the official ending of this short Christmas Season and the resumption of so-called “Ordinary Time.” This liturgical transition is a rather apt symbol of a similar process that takes place repeatedly in our spiritual lives—that is, a return to ordinariness. We have just […]
2020
A Word from our Cistercian Fathers
It shines equally on the good and the bad, and gives itself freely to both. O most beautiful Light, O radiance of light eternal, you were like that from the beginning, you were like that, O everlasting loveliness, in those everlasting days of yours, in the years of your eternity! You were like that, O Lord […]
Fr. James’ Homily for Mary Mother of God
In a metaphorical sense, I could describe any mother, or any woman who plays the nurturing role of a mother, as bringing God into the world. The intimate care and close bond, which is much more than physical, as much as the words of teaching, can shape or deform a child’s sense of God. That […]
Fr. James’ Homily for Christmas
How appropriate to hear the Christ described as the light shining in the darkness when we’re just emerging from the shortest days of the year. It’s no accident that we celebrate the Nativity of the Lord in such a season which may help us understand better the mystery of the Word of God become flesh. […]
Christmas 2019
As our days grow imperceptibly longer and brighter, we know that those in far northern latitudes still endure the darkness of twenty-four-hour nights. Although darkness can be experienced as soothing and even comforting, it can also occasion anxiety, confusion, and a sense of being lost. Thus, the people that walked in darkness and have seen […]
Saturday of the 3rd Week of Advent
Mary and John the Baptist both challenge us not only in witnessing to Christ by who we are, but also in recognizing his presence in others. Mary, because of the unique person she is, was able to carry Christ within her physically, and simultaneously radiate his living presence to both Elizabeth and John the Baptist. […]
New Year’s Day Liturgy: Mary Mother of God
Wednesday, January 1, 2020 9:45 AM Office of Terce 10:00 AM New Year’s day Mass celebrating Mary Mother of God PLEASE NOTE: The Gift Shop will be closed on New Year’s Day