As Lent began I shared my reflection on a ‘Character of the Crucifixation’, Peter. This past week I read two more reflections from the book about Judas and the High Priests. Judas’ story reflects some of the spiritual struggle of following Jesus, just as Peter’s life depicted. However, Judas and the High Priest figures also bring out the political shadow of the passion of Jesus. There are great lessons here. Continue Reading
Month: March 2011
The Water that Quenches Our Thirst, Brings Us to Eternal Life
By Sr. Catherine Cleary, OSB
“A woman of Samaria came to draw water: Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” John 4: 50-42
Water is the focus of today’s readings (reminding us of the baptismal character of Lent and of the many catechumens preparing for baptism on the Vigil of Easter.) It appears that this woman in the Gospel knows what she wants. She wants water; it is noon, she is drawing water into a container, when a man asks her for some water. We are put on alert that this woman is alone and seems a little sarcastic when her first words are, “How is it you a Jew ask me a Samaritan for water?” Continue Reading
Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one, and come!
Feast of the Annunciation
Song of Songs 2: 8-14
NOTICE: There are 275 shopping days until Christmas! Yes, nine months from today’s feast of the Annunciation, we will again rejoice in the birth of our Savior. So how do we celebrate this feast in the midst of Lent? With rejoicing and wonder at the gift of the Incarnation! Continue Reading
The Feast of St. Benedict
Today as we celebrate the Feast of St. Benedict and remember his death, I had to return to my Rome experience of last May and June. That 6 weeks in Rome and traveling to all of St. Benedict’s sites makes everything come alive for me today. The reading at the Vigil was of Benedict’s death and the image of his monk brothers holding him up. In the garden courtyard at Monte Cassino is a bold statue depicting that scene. Nothing speaks more to me of Benedict’s teachings on community and the common life than that statue. Continue Reading
Seeing the Essential Oneness of God's World
By Sr. Phyllis McMurray, OSB
A story is told in the Life of Benedict attributed to Gregory the Great about Benedict’s own spiritual transformation. It is said that Benedict, close to the time of his death, went to a tower cell late at night to pray, when the rest of his community was thought to be at rest. As he gazed out into the darkness, he saw an amazing light break through the black of the night. Afterwards, Gregory recounts, it was as though “the whole world, contracted as it were together, was represented to his eyes in one ray of light.” Continue Reading
Upon the Mountaintop … and After
2nd Sunday of Lent – Matthew 7:1-9 – The Transfiguration of Jesus
By Sr. Ruth Ksycki
In a commentary on this gospel, Barbara Reid, a professor at Catholic Theological Union, writes: “On the mountaintop Jesus is able to see with God’s own vision the way forward in faithfulness.” In speaking of Dr. Martin Luther King she says: “God’s transformative love radiates through a face determined to love no matter what the other’s response.” Continue Reading
Our Own Transformation
Second Sunday of Lent: Gospel of Matthew 17: 1-9
By Sr. Catherine Cleary, OSB
Matthew’s gospels for the first two Sundays in Lent clearly show readers that Jesus was the fulfillment of the prophecies of Israel. Last week, Jesus’ fasting in the desert reminded us of Moses’ sojourn in the desert. Today’s gospel highlights Jesus as the new Moses as he appears on a high mountain with Moses and Elijah, his face shining as Moses’ did when he saw God. (Ex 34:29) Continue Reading
Facing Down the Obstacles that Stifle Spiritual Life
Every year Lent begins with the Sunday readings around the temptations to Jesus when he was in the desert. Every year it remains a powerful passage for reflection. All week, since last Sunday, it has tossed around in my thoughts and prayer. Continue Reading
Looking Forward with Joy and Spiritual Longing on the 1st Sunday of Lent
By Sr. Catherine Cleary, OSB
After suggesting we deny ourselves some food drink, sleep, needless talking and idle jesting, St. Benedict said we are nevertheless to look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing. Thomas Merton said, nearly 1,500 years later, the purpose of Lent is not so much to do penance to satisfy for our sinfulness as a preparation to rejoice in God’s love. Continue Reading
What we can learn from a 2,000-year-old character
During Lent I decided to read ‘Characters of the Crucifixation’ by Joseph Fichtner. It has short reflections on 15 characters who played a role in the Passion and Death of Jesus. Peter’s story is especially revealing. Continue Reading
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