As we continue our Lenten experience, the Scripture readings at Eucharist prepare us for the coming Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus. Jesus talks to the disciples about what will happen to Him. He wants them to ponder all He has taught them over the years together so they have a basis for teaching others when He is no longer present. Continue Reading
My 84-year-old friend, Sister Rosemary Murphy, told me today that she had read my recent blogs and enjoyed them. So I asked her what I should write today to the women discerning their vocation. Her answer came out of today’s Gospel, when Jesus instructed his disciples how to pray. He said, Ask my Father for what you need and you shall receive it. Continue Reading
This weekend we had a 42-year-old woman visit the monastery as part of her discernment. ‘V’ perfectly fits the profile that our community considers a solid vocation possibility. In addition, she fits the profile of the culture for women her age. For instance, V is very pleased with and fulfilled in her professional life. Continue Reading
“Blessed are they who love the Lord.” Dt.
At Eucharist this morning the reading was from Old Testament Deuteronomy. In the story, Moses spoke to his people right before they were to enter the Promised Land. As they had struggled with being faithful to God during their many challenges, Moses encouraged them to stay faithful as they began their new life in a new land. He implored them to focus only on faithfulness to their One God who had brought them to this moment in time. Continue Reading
Last week was quite busy and delayed me in my blogging. After reflecting on what to write, it occurred to me that this would be a good opportunity to share a little about the workings of a Benedictine Monastery! Continue Reading
Isaiah encourages Israel to not look back but to believe all things are new. Isaiah believes in a God who forgives and looks to the future in us. Israel, as a nation, has offended God many times when they strayed from following what they knew to be God’s Will. Isaiah tells the people to put those ‘iniquities’ behind and look to the new. Continue Reading
Mary sat at the feet of Jesus…to listen to Him speak. Luke 11: 38 – 42
This passage was what I found in my daily mediation book on Monday and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. The story of Mary and Martha is often the Gospel used for the Feast of St. Scholastica. I’ve realized it is a powerful model for discernment. Continue Reading
‘I know your resting and your rising…..” PS 139
This week I focused my prayer on one of the passages I offered for discerners in my earlier bog. PS 139 has always been a very favorite of mine. It is a very intimate prayer between Creator God and creation. It is a prayer of being known, cared about and cared for by a loving God. Continue Reading
Create in me a discerning heart, O God, and put a new spirit within me. (Psalm 51)
The discernment process is to help you come to some resolution regarding your call to religious life. As we begin a new Liturgical Year of Ordinary Time I thought it might be helpful to ‘walk through’ some key areas of discernment. The goal is to create a discerning heart. Continue Reading
This week marks the beginning of Ordinary Time in the Church. It’s all BUT ordinary, of course. It begins with Jesus inviting people to “Come Follow Me” after his baptism. The very next day Mark’s Gospel tells us the fishermen drop everything (fish, nets, boats) to follow Jesus.
The surprising part is that Jesus says they must leave all behind including family. This has always bothered me, for isn’t the family key to one’s preparation of faith, trust and hope? I should think family would be a group that we want to bring along with Jesus! Continue Reading
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