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
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
The short days of sunlight and the long days of darkness, the early dusk and the late dawn bring about a quiet, serene atmosphere as the Sisters come in from their various ministries. The drill is predictable: sign in, hang up your coat, secure a memorable spot for your book bag. We pat down our hair, hoping the wind on the hill did not do too much damage, all with haste, urgency. We slow down as we approach the chapel doors. The first Sisters to arrive hold the doors open for the rest of us. Quietly we enter, make a profound bow, take holy water and settle into our choir stalls. Several minutes go by. The organ sounds “G.” The cantor intones “O God come to my assistance.” Another Advent Vespers begins.
By Sister Phyllis McMurray, Prioress
In the liturgy for the First Sunday of Advent, we are called to “Be watchful! Be alert!” Reflections on Advent remind us: Stay awake! Be aware! Pay attention! As we enter Advent, we are called to be mindful of God entering our lives as Emmanuel, the One sent to be our “light forever” (Isaiah 60:19). Continue Reading
As Advent nears completion and Christmas is upon us let’s take a moment to reflect on what it all means. For me, Advent is the most special time of year. Filled with hope, anticipation, the first snows, Vespers in the early darkness and wonderful readings from Isaiah all capture the time before the arrival of Jesus, ever anew in our hearts. Continue Reading
By Sr. Catherine Cleary, OSB
1st Reading: Is 7:10-14 “The virgin shall bear a son and shall name him Immanuel”; 2nd Reading: Rom 1:1-7 “Through him we belong to Jesus Christ, and are called to be holy” Gospel: Mt 1: 18-24 “And they shall call him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.”
Today is the fourth and final Sunday of Advent. The readings sound (almost pound!) in our ears. They seem to say, “Don’t you get it, surely by now you understand.” This infant is GOD. Today’s first reading and the Gospel tell us his name is Emmanuel, meaning “I am with you always until the end of the age.”(MT 28:20). Continue Reading
By Sr. Ruth Ksycki, OSB
Rejoicing is the theme of the third Sunday of Advent. The reading from Isaiah 35:1-6a,10 gives us the desert blooming with profusion. Why? Because we will see the glory and splendor of God. Because God will come to save us. What a message of hope and joy!
lst Reading: Is 35: 1-6, 10; 2nd Reading: Jas 5:7-10; Gospel Mt 11:2-11.
On the 3rd Sunday in Advent – Gaudeamus Sunday – we celebrate as if like small children who cannot wait for Christmas. We light the pink candle of the Advent wreath, we swap penitent purple vestments for rose. Isaiah tells us to “Rejoice, our God comes to save us.” Continue Reading
By Sr. Helen Carey, OSB
I have been pondering this quote recently. It comes from the English writer, G. K. Chesterton. Continue Reading
By Sr. Ruth Ksycki, OSB
As I heard some Hanukkah music played on public radio, I decided to look up information about the feast. The word hanuk originally meant inauguration or dedication of the first use of any object. In Deuteronomy 20:5 it refers to a housewarming after the building of a new private home.
In the First Sunday of Advent reflection I spoke of being quiet, of silence, and of listening to our own heart and feelings. I spoke of noticing what is going on the inside. These are very important qualities for developing spirituality any time but especially during Advent.
This week’s readings call us to peace-making, to reconciliation with each other and with all of creation, to transforming our hearts, opening them to a greater awareness of the presence and peace of God. Continue Reading
monasterywisdomvocationblog.smmsisters.org 