By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
“Whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” (John 13:20)
Have you ever tried to play catch with a small child?
You show her the ball, tell her what you’re going to do, tell her what she should do, then throw gently … and watch it bounce off of her onto the grass. Continue Reading
By Benedictine Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
As a Benedictine Sister, I usually join my own community for Eucharist. But while visiting my family in Dubuque over the weekend, we went to Mass at my home parish where we enjoyed a different take on the Thomas story.
Instead of the usual talk about his doubting – and don’t get me wrong, it is important to reflect on that – we heard a reflection on Thomas’ need for a personal experience. Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
This TED Talk can be listened to on many levels. For Lent, it led me to consider the role of doubt in faith … my faith, your faith, all humanity’s faith. Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Did you ever wonder why we go to Mass on Jan. 1? It’s the day we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. We celebrate her motherhood of Jesus, which started with a “Yes.” Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
I’ve been mulling over a passage from prayer recently: Relieve the anguish of my heart, and set me free from my distress. Preserve my life and rescue me. Do not disappoint me; you are my refuge. (Psalm 25) Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
“It is in that process of deep communication that great choice can be made to sustain life.” – Victor Klimoski, Ph.D.
I was fortunate to hear Dr. Klimoski at last summer’s Monastic Institute. His comment about communication continues to engage me … even, recently, in prayer! Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Recently I used Matthew 14:22-33 during my daily Lectio Divina.
That’s the passage where Jesus walks on water and Peter tries to do the same … and sinks. So often this reading invites us to reflect on Peter’s lack of full trust and faith. Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
“If we take it for granted that storms will come and that at various junctures in our lives we will experience real hardship, then we can prepare ourselves to endure what comes and be ready to bounce back at the first opportunity … Storms do not last forever and even in the worst storms there are interludes of respite that enable us to catch our breath and continue the struggle.” Michael Casey, The Road to Eternal Life Continue Reading
You may recognize Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB (far right) from past stories and photos. She entered in 2007 and has kept a blog for the past few years about her adorable preschoolers.
Beginning this August, she has agreed to take over vocation ministry, so she will be your Benedictine guide.
You’ll love her openness, humor, gentleness and willingness to be there for you. Here’s your first chance to get to know her a bit! Continue Reading
By Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
“Prayer … is a practice of attention, of attentiveness, an attitude of receptiveness to God’s sustaining presences.” Martin Poulsom, SDB
Reading a paper by Poulsom yesterday made me ask myself how I am coming to prayer. Am I paying attention? Am I coming to pray with an open heart, mind and soul?
I admit sometimes I’m off track. My own worries and distractions can undermine my attentiveness and receptiveness. Continue Reading
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