Readings: 1 Corinthians 15:35-37, 42-49; Luke 8:6-15 Have you ever considered how immediate, how visceral the images of Jesus’ parables can be? Today’s familiar parable of the Sower casting the seed is literally earthy. And isn’t this a dynamic description of the Church as we experience it in our lives? Not the church as a […]
Old Dorm Progress
This week the renovation of the “old dorm” continued with some preliminary excavations to expose and then seal the foundations and lower walls which were allowing seepage into the basement. This important second phase of the renovation project will include installing more effective drainage for the rain run-off from the various roofs—run-off that has been […]
Feast of Saint Matthew
As monks trying to live in community we feel inspired by the psalmist’s assurance: How blessed it is when brothers live in unity, and yet wonder if this noble goal is attainable. Saint Paul gives us some encouragement with the crucial words: bearing with and striving. Advocating, as he does that we bear with one […]
Wednesday of the 24th Week of the Year
As monks our entire lives are oriented towards union with God and divinization. Divinization can sound esoteric and evoke images of ethereal beings no longer fully human. However, if becoming divine in and through Christ is what divinization entails, and if God is love, then Paul gives us a very good non-esoteric catalog of some […]
16 September, 2018, Fr. James’ Homily for the 24th Sunday, Year B
Readings: Isaiah 50:4c-9a; James 2:14-18; Mark 8:27-35 We have so often used today’s Gospel to support the particular role of the Pope in the Roman Catholic Church, that we might forget that it addresses every Christian and every Christian church, from the time of the Apostles to the end of time. It could be plausible […]
Abbot Joseph’s Homily for the Exaltation of the Cross
Scars are visible reminders of past injuries and sometimes a significant event or emotional story is associated with each scar. Jesus was no exception and in that memorable meeting with Thomas, he showed him the scars or wounds left by his passion thereby confirming the reality of his resurrection. The cross serves a similar purpose […]
Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Friday, 14 September, 2018
Readings: Numbers 21:4b-9; Philippians 2:6-11; John 3:13-17 The community Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Abbot Joseph presiding and preaching. It is a non-work day for the community and we follow the Sunday schedule. Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament follows Vespers (5:30 PM). On this day we inaugurate our celebration of the Minor […]
Awaiting Renovation
After several weeks of hard work the company carrying out the abatement and inner demolition work in our old dorm has completed its work. The completion of this first phase of the renovation project allows us a better sense of the space available and how this might suit our plans for the building. Our architect, […]
Tuesday of the 23rd Week of the Year
Although today’s gospel doesn’t say so explicitly, Jesus’ night in prayer does seem to have been in service of selecting his twelve apostles. That he seems to have made a poor choice in choosing Judas Iscariot can be both comforting and disconcerting. Comforting because for us discerning the Father’s will and choosing the best course […]
Reflection for the Thursday of the 22nd Week
Readings: 1 Corinthians 3:18-23; Luke 5:1-11 Do not be afraid…Many different episodes in St. Luke’s Gospel are punctuated by this admonition, Do not be afraid. As I looked over today’s readings, it struck me how long it took me to appreciate those words of Jesus. Today’s reading, describing the call of Peter, James and John […]