By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB

Reading through the first reading (Hebrews 10: 5-10) and Gospel (Lk 1:39-45) for the 4th Sunday of Advent brings to mind the contrast of the peaceful past of this area with today’s violence and upheaval.

Micah’s prophesying, “His greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth; he shall be peace,” stands in contradiction to what our evening news announces to us day after day. The bombing – shells flying, children screaming, people running for shelter – is anything but peaceful.  Continue Reading

By Prioress Sister Sandra Brunenn, OSB

We live in a world of contrasts!…This is so apparent today.

On one hand, our country grieves over the horrific loss of life in the mass shooting in Connecticut on Friday;

On the other, the 3rd Sunday’s Scriptures call us to “shout for joy….sing joyfully…be glad and exult with all your heart”!

What shall we do? Continue Reading

By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB

While we were still using Latin, the third Sunday of Advent was called, Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. The name derived from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, “Rejoice in the Lord, always, I shall say it again: rejoice!”  And we are told why we should rejoice: “The Lord is near.”

The Gospel presents  John the Baptist  preaching the good news which does not sound like good news at first: “If you were a sinner, “Stop,” says John. “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed, stop extortion, stop accusing falsely. In other words, stop your sinning. And besides, giving up  sinning.” John continues his preaching, telling his listeners to do good: “Whoever has two cloaks, share with the person who has none. If people are hungry, feed them.” Continue Reading

By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB

The Scriptures for Advent always call us back to reflect on our preparing for a deeper awareness of Christ  in our hearts, of a greater transformation; a becoming  Christ for others.

In the second reading for the 2nd Sunday of Advent, Paul says to the Philippians, “And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception.”  (Phil1:9) Continue Reading

By Prioress Sister Sandra Brunenn, OSB

If you are aware of world news today you may have heard that the people of Mexico are celebrating today.  They are inaugurating a new president for their country and there is much hope that Pena Nieto will be able to help move the country away from the crime and violence which the drug cartels are causing in that country.  Although I have known of the violence there, it has not been a focus in my thought and prayer…. Continue Reading

By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB

“I have the immense joy of being man, a member of a race in which God Himself became incarnate. As if the sorrows and stupidities of the human condition could overwhelm me, now that I realize what we all are. And if only everybody could realize this! But it cannot be explained. There is no way of telling people that they are all walking around shining like the sun.” Thomas Merton

Advent is a wonderful time to reflect on the meaning of the Incarnation. As Thomas Merton says, it is joy that we are members of the race in which God becomes incarnate. Indeed, the person and symbol of Jesus completes the circle of love of the Creator. Continue Reading

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.

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

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

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