Although the Second Vatican Council affirmed the so-called “universal call to holiness,” according to which all Christians are called to be saints, it is not equally clear whether there is also what we might term a “universal call to contemplation.” Indeed, some insist that contemplation is a divine gift that God may withhold from some. […]
The Metaphor of Bio-Diversity
I wanted to take some time, not so much to plot out what I would write, but to write from a center of balance and hope. I do not want to write a political polemic–that would not be appropriate for this website. I am neither a Republican nor a Democrat and am critical of both […]
A Paucity of Posts
The Background: You don’t need this post to realize that posts have slowed down in the last month. It’s not from a lack of news but a lack of time; it’s a question of being practical. On Monday 17 July, we began celebrating on weekdays, as we do on Sundays and non-work days, Lauds in […]
Abbot Joseph’s Homily for the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, 6 August, 2017
Today’s Feast has long been a favorite of monks–especially those of Eastern Orthodoxy. This is not surprising, considering that monastic life is ideally immersed in the Divine penetrating all of reality with its life-giving presence. And in the Transfiguration, Peter, James and John were given a privileged glimpse of that omnipresent divinity breaking through the […]
Abbot Joseph’s Homily for the Solemnity of St. Benedict, 11 July, 2017
Those of us who had the privilege of attending Terryl Kinder’s wonderful lectures on Cistercian Art and Architecture will perhaps recall that series of slides highlighting beautiful and intricate medieval monastic stonework. And while we were admiring the impressive workmanship, she delighted in informing us that we were actually looking at detailed views of monastic […]
Fr. James’ Homily for the Assumption, 15 August, 2017
Readings: Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26; Luke 1:39-56 In the last few years I’ve been very taken by one line in the Gospel we celebrate for the Solemnity of Mary’s Assumption: Mary set out to the hill country in haste. It’s a verse of transition and speaks of movement, just as the image of […]
Sunday, 13 August, 19th Sunday, Year A
Readings 1 Kings 19:9, 11-13; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:22-33 The community Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Fr. Vincent Collins presiding and preaching.
Tuesday, 15 August: Solemnity of the Asumption of the Virgin Mary
Readings: Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6, 10; 1 Corinthians 15:20-16; Luke 1:39-56 The community Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Fr, James presiding and preaching. It is a non-work day and we follow the Sunday schedule, with Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament following Vespers (5:30 PM).
Fr. James’ Homily for the Seventeenth Sunday, Year A
Readings: 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12; Romans 8:28-30; Matthew 13:44-52 You’ve probably noticed that Jesus is very fussy about what people call him. He usually refutes what they say, whether it’s Messiah, Son of God or even good. But the one title he doesn’t refute is Teacher. This is the third Sunday in a row that […]