Christianity in general, and Catholicism in particular, have frequently been blamed for generating unnecessary, unhealthy, and morbid guilt in the hearts of its members thereby depriving them of simple joy in the good things of life. Peter’s encounter with Jesus (described in this morning’s gospel) would seem to lend support to this not uncommon perception […]
Thursday of the 4th Week of the Year
In instructing The Twelve to shake the dust off their feet in places where they are not welcomed or listened to, Jesus may be warning them of the contagious nature of unbelief and how at moments of weakness we can be susceptible to its influence when witnessing unbelief in others. However, this can also be […]
Memorial of Saint Agatha
God’s timing can frequently be at odds with our impatient desires, expectations, and anxieties. Saint Mark doesn’t tell us what was going through the mind of Jairus when Jesus interrupted his journey to establish who in the crowd had touched him. It’s fair to assume that they weren’t happy thoughts as every second that Jesus […]
Fr. James’ Homily for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Our Collect asks that we may honor God with all our mind and love everyone in truth of heart. That sounds wonderful—but our Gospel illustrates how difficult that actually is. Those neighbors of Jesus who had come to synagogue that Sabbath, didn’t they believe they were there to honor God with all their mind? Apart […]
Feast of the Presentation in the Temple
In the spiritual life, faith and hope are closely linked to the virtue of waiting in trust for the fulfillment of God’s promises. This can be difficult when spiritual growth seems excruciatingly slow and God’s promises of salvation, freedom from sin, and eternal union with him appear untrustworthy. Simeon, however, seems to have been able […]
Chapel Renovation Wins Global Award
As delighted as we all are with the outcome of our recent chapel renovation, corroboration of our positive sentiments by those outside the community is always welcome—not least when this is offered by experts in the field. Recently, our architect and friend, Tim Machado received the 2018 Award for Liturgical/Interior Design for his work on […]
Retreat House will close for July, reopen in August
We will not be taking reservations for the Retreat House for July this year – we are closing for the month of July so we can perform long-term maintenance projects and our employees will take their vacations. We will be closed Monday, July 1 through Friday, August 2. The Retreat House will re-open for the […]
Tuesday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time
If everyone who does the will of the Father in heaven is Christ’s brother and sister, does this mean that those who fail to do the Father’s will are not his brother or sister? If so, then who among us can claim (as we frequently do) that Christ is our brother? For who among us […]
Abbot Joseph’s Homily for Cistercian Founders
What is it about monastic reforms that renders them (relatively speaking) short-lived and apparently unsustainable? This question is especially pertinent when you consider that at the heart of these reforms is the resolve to turn from sin and seek holiness through an ever deepening union with God. In other words, the essence of reform would […]
Saturday, 26 January: Feast of the Founders of Citeaux
Saturday is the Feast of the Founders of Citeaux, Saints Robert, Alberic and Stephan. It is a non work day for the monks and the community Mass is celebrated at 10:00 AM, Abbot Joseph presiding and preaching.