By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
We cannot remain at the adorable, even poetic scene of the Bethlehem crib too long.
Our Christmas prayers and spirituality must move beyond to an awareness that the infant grew and became our Savior. Continue Reading
Month: December 2011
The God of Hidden Wonder
By Sister Phyllis McMurray, OSB
Most of us are captivated by the Christmas story. A feeling of wonder and calm fills the air as we listen to the story of the birth of Jesus from Luke’s gospel. We picture a quiet, serene night with Mary, Joseph and the child Jesus, angels and shepherds. Continue Reading
Called upon to Believe … and to Act upon our Belief
By Sister Catherine Cleary
In Luke’s gospel this week, I had a new understanding of the Holy Spirit’s words to Mary (and to all of us).
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” (Lk 1: 35)
Like Mary, we have all been through “annunciations.” Some have brought good news, such as an engagement, a long waited pregnancy, a new position with a raise. Some have brought bad news: an unexpected broken relationship, a bleak health report, a sudden economic collapse, a pending divorce.
How different our response would be if, when we receive the good or bad news, we call to mind this gospel passage. Mary trusted in the presence of the Spirit of God. Though perplexed, she trusted the immense love of God. “Be it done to me according to your will.”
The last week of Advent calls us to believe and really act upon our belief in the loving presence of a tender, comforting God.
When the Messiah Comes…
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
When the Messiah comes, will he find us ready?
By ready I mean, will he find that we have made room in our hearts for those who have wounded us? Will he find light in our spirits for those who have ignored us? Continue Reading
The Thing with Feathers
By Sister Catherine Cleary OSB
The third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday because “Rejoice” (Latin word is gaudate) is the theme for the day: Rejoice always. It’s the Sunday we light the pink candle.
In a sarcastic mood we might ask, “What is there to rejoice over?” The economy is tough, the unemployed are hurting, children still go to bed hungry. What is there to rejoice about? Continue Reading
As God Waits…
By Sister Catherine Cleary
Recently, We prayed a marvelous passage from Isaiah, one that has been memorized by the four Evangelists and used by Handel in his Messiah: “Prepare you the way, let the mountains be brought low, the crooked ways straight, the rough ways made plain. Make straight a highway for our GOD!” Continue Reading
Gatekeepers of Promise … Hope … Love
By Sister Ruth Ksycki, OSB
Watch! Wait! Be Alert! Be Awake! are the words that usher in Advent. The gospel of Mark (13:33-37) uses the image of the gatekeeper being on watch for the master’s return. What does it mean for us to once again watch, wait, be alert and awake for the Incarnation – God made flesh and Emmanuel – God with us?
As I pondered this, I thought about the gatekeeper who is always looking and scanning the horizon day and night for signs. Continue Reading
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