By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
These past few weeks, we have been burdened and puzzled by the dark and bone-chilling so-called spring days. It is with great eagerness that we have anticipated the vanishing of darkness forever. We have looked forward to hearing the joyful notes of “Christ has conquered!” Continue Reading
The Benedictine monastic community walks with Jesus throughout Holy Week. Beginning with the festive Palm Sunday, we celebrate with Jesus as he rides into Jerusalem. Tonight, Holy Thursday, we will join together – as Jesus and the apostles – in our own Seder meal, with bread, wine and bitter herbs as we remember the Hebrew Passover from slavery. Continue Reading
By Sr. Phyllis McMurray, OSB
Holy Week is full of symbolism and ritual:
Palms are blessed with holy water and incense before the procession symbolizing Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
We use the symbols of bread, wine and bitter herbs during the ritual of the Seder Meal.
The washing of feet epitomizes Jesus’ message that we are to serve one another. Continue Reading
Matthew’s Gospel proclaimed for the Eucharist (26:14-27:66)
By Sr. Catherine Cleary, OSB
The spirit of Palm Sunday is usually jubilant. The weather, if we are lucky is warm and balmy. After Mass there is a joyful spirit in the air; people carrying their palm branches greet one another as they walk down the church steps. “Hosanna to the son of David, blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. This is Jesus, the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee” rings in our ears and hearts. But what about the rest of Matthew’s gospel which we also just heard? Continue Reading
This morning as I looked out my window it occured to me that the view was like a mirror of my Lent. At the beginning of Lent the trees, lake, and all were in darkness. With no view of life it all seemed barren. I felt this barrenness and realized that Jesus spent 40 days in the desert.
In scripture barrenness has always been a time of waiting for God to act, waiting with trust. Continue Reading
By Sr. Catherine Cleary, OSB
Today’s gospel (John 33) tells us so much about the humanness of Jesus. It reminds us that Jesus has very good friends, Mary, Martha and Lazarus. As a good friend, he responds when his friends ask him to come because their brother has died. He weeps when he hears that Lazarus has died. Continue Reading
By Novice Jackie Walsh
There’s very little stability in the world today. The economy, natural disasters and relations in war-torn countries around the world are examples of instability. So is the fact that people change jobs, cities, houses, cars and even spouses more than ever before. Yet, even though we may be considered countercultural by many in our fast-paced, throw-away society, women like me are still being called to religious life and one of the promises we make at the time of our profession is stability. Continue Reading
By Sr. Ruth Ksycki, OSB
The following quotes from the readings of the 4th Sunday of Lent made me stop and think and pray:
“Not as humans see does God see…the Lord looks into the heart.” (1Sam 16:1-13))
“Live as children of light…Try to learn what is pleasing to God.” (Eph 5:8-14))
“I am the light of the world…Do you believe in the Son of Man?…
the one speaking with you is he…I came into this world…so that those who do not see might see…
Surely, we are not blind also, are we?”(Jn 9:1-41) Continue Reading
By Sr. Catherine Cleary, OSB
John’s Gospel (Chapter 9) on the 4th Sunday of Lent tells the story of Jesus healing the blind man. The healing causes a lot of problems to those on the sidelines. The Pharisees want to blame Jesus for healing on the Sabbath. The blind man’s parents refuse to answer their questions about the healing, saying “ask him, he is of age.” Even the neighbors do not recognize the blind man. Continue Reading
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