Lent

March 2, 2013

I Am Who I Am

By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB

First Reading: Ex. 3:1-8, 13-15; 2nd Reading: I Cor 10:1-6, 10-12; Gospel: Lk 13:1-9

Remember the story of the Burning Bush in Exodus? We read it on the 3rd Sunday of Lent, and wonder what it has to do with us. Let’s consider first the story.

Moses had been asked to lead his people out of Egypt and across the Red Sea, an unheard of and impossible task. He accomplished that, guided by the cloud of God.  Then, despite his people’s rebellion and anger at being led “to a barren land where they were starving and groaning of hunger,” Moses prayed and God fed them. Continue Reading

February 24, 2013

Being Flooded with God's Presence and Light

By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB

There is hope in all the readings for today’s Eucharist (Gen 15:512, 17-18;  Phil 3:17-4:1; Gospel Lk 9:28-36).

The basis of our hope extends beyond our vision, even beyond our life here. To live here we are obliged to see the hereafter!

In the first reading, the “flaming torch” expresses the wonder and mystery of God’s promises and Abraham’s hopes at the center of this one life between them. Next, Paul reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven and from it we also await a savior the Lord Jesus Christ. Continue Reading

February 16, 2013

The Lenten Temptations of Jesus … and Us

By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB

The first 3 words of the gospel for the 1st Sunday of Lent are “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit” (Luke 4:1-13). Let’s begin our reflection with the reminder that we, too, are full of the Holy Spirit. During Lent, we are invited to travel with Jesus in the desert for 40 days. With Jesus, we take this time to die to self and prepare to arise with the Risen Lord.

The 3 temptations of Jesus – told in today’s gospel – are played out in our life.  We, too, are guided by the Holy Spirit. Continue Reading

March 13, 2012

Changing … Everything

By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB

When I walk down to our lake, I am aware of how the water ripples, moves in and out. The boundaries change over and over again.  I see rocks on the bank of the lake, the next minute I see water, then weeds. Change is the nature of the flowing water. Continue Reading

March 2, 2012

Lent: The Time of Fulfillment

By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB

Did you know Lent originally was a 40-day preparation for adult Baptism? There was a 40-day retreat during which the catechumens prepared to become Catholics through their Baptism, Confirmation and reception of the Eucharist during the Easter Vigil. It’s become something more, of course. Continue Reading

February 27, 2012

Standing Empty Before God

By Sister Ruth Ksycki, OSB

“If you return to me with all your heart and all your soul … God will turn to you, hiding the face of glory no longer.” (Tobit 13:6) This verse from today’s canticle from Tobit seems very appropriate for the first Monday in Lent. It reminds us of the purpose of our Lenten journey – to re-direct our thoughts and energies to living in God’s presence at a deeper level by opening our hearts to the mercy and grace God pours out. Standing empty before God, the glory of God’s face (mercy) will penetrate our armor of darkness and flood our being with loving forgiveness. Sometimes it just requires turning around!

February 21, 2012

A Different Kind of Fasting

By Prioress Sister Phyllis McMurray, OSB

Each time we approach anew the season of Lent, our thoughts often move quickly to the question, “What practices shall I concentrate on during Lent?” or, “From what shall I fast?”

In the reading on the first Friday in Lent, Isaiah 58 speaks of the inadequate observance of fasting carried out by the people, and conveyed a different challenge to them: Continue Reading