Jesus’ instruction that the apostles must shake the dust from [their] feet in response to those who don’t welcome their proclamation of the kingdom, highlights a twofold responsibility: On the part of those who hear the proclamation there is the responsibility to receive the good news and respond accordingly—or face the consequences. And for those […]
Abbot Joseph’s Homily for the 25th Sunday of the Year
We have perhaps all had the experience of wanting to open a long-awaited letter and yet hesitated for fear of what it might contain—not the good news we were hoping for but the bad news we dreaded. Similarly, in our interpersonal relationships there can be important questions we wish to ask a parent, spouse or […]
Reflection on Luke 18:16-18
To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away. A superficial apprehension of this saying would seem to confirm the way of the world. Remember Raymond Egan and Gus Kahn’s 1920 song, Ain’t We Got Fun? One version of […]
Reflection for the 24th Saturday, 22 September, 2018
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 […]