This beautiful and honest poem was written by John Shea. Savor it!
Sharon’s Christmas Prayer
She was five,
Sure of the facts,
And recited them
With slow solemnity Continue Reading
Month: December 2009
Graced Anew in this Holy Season by Sr. Helen Carey
First, “rejoice” is the message in this 3rd week of Advent. We’re invited to rejoice and spread joy as we prepare to celebrate. And scripture assures us that God is in our midst rejoicing with us: “God will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in His love.” Zephaniah 3:l7
"Send forth your love and your truth…"
“Send forth your love and your truth; let them guide me; let them bring me to the place where you dwell.” This verse from Psalm 43 is a good short prayer in Advent. It reflects the heart of the Season as we draw closer and closer to the birth of Jesus.
Awakening Our Hearts to Compassion by Sr. Marilyn Hettinger
On this third week of Advent we wait with joy anticipation for the coming of Christ. We are called to reform our lives in order to make way for Jesus. We trust that God rejoices over those who turn back to goodness and love. Everyone makes mistakes and at times we may be led astray. The joyful news is that we can have a new start. God always calls us back with mercy and love.
Christmas: Incarnation by Sr. Catherine Cleary
As we move through Advent and toward the 3rd Sunday, or Gaudate Sunday, we want to rejoice. But sometimes our doubts get in the way of our belief system! William Barry, SJ, offers the following thoughts from his book, A Friendship Like No Other. Continue Reading
Waiting for God Who is Waiting for Us by Sr. Helen Carey
Emmanuel, “God is with us,” —even when we are not paying attention! Advent darkness and candlelight invite us to pay (more) attention, to savor this mystery of our Christian faith. It’s a time of expectation, hope, deep peace, joy in the midst of our often busy and distracted days. Continue Reading
Advent Lessons by Sr. Marilyn Hettinger
Looking for Answers in a Benedictine Monastery
When 19-year-old Anna Sewall came to our monastery, she was looking for answers to questions she thought she understood. She now says that what she was looking for wasn’t what she needed! Read about her experience in the newest issue of Steps!
Tempered by Intermediaries by Sr. Catherine Cleary
As I continue my ruminations this Advent, Rumi’s story of fire and bath water occurs to me. Bath water functions as an intermediary here – a story, a poem, a human being. Continue Reading
Make Straight Our Path by Sister Marilyn Hettinger
Are you filled with hopeful antiicpation as we prepare for the coming of Christ? The scripture for the second Sunday of Advent tells us to be filled with hope for salvation. We can have confidence in God’s promise of salvation. The saving presence of God is among us. It is up to us to stay on the path that leads to life. Continue Reading
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