Second Sunday of Lent: Gospel of Matthew 17: 1-9
By Sr. Catherine Cleary, OSB
Matthew’s gospels for the first two Sundays in Lent clearly show readers that Jesus was the fulfillment of the prophecies of Israel. Last week, Jesus’ fasting in the desert reminded us of Moses’ sojourn in the desert. Today’s gospel highlights Jesus as the new Moses as he appears on a high mountain with Moses and Elijah, his face shining as Moses’ did when he saw God. (Ex 34:29) Continue Reading
Every year Lent begins with the Sunday readings around the temptations to Jesus when he was in the desert. Every year it remains a powerful passage for reflection. All week, since last Sunday, it has tossed around in my thoughts and prayer. Continue Reading
By Sr. Catherine Cleary, OSB
After suggesting we deny ourselves some food drink, sleep, needless talking and idle jesting, St. Benedict said we are nevertheless to look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing. Thomas Merton said, nearly 1,500 years later, the purpose of Lent is not so much to do penance to satisfy for our sinfulness as a preparation to rejoice in God’s love. Continue Reading
During Lent I decided to read ‘Characters of the Crucifixation’ by Joseph Fichtner. It has short reflections on 15 characters who played a role in the Passion and Death of Jesus. Peter’s story is especially revealing. Continue Reading
It is a practice in our Benedictine community to read Chapter 49 from the Rule of Benedict on Ash Wednesday. “The Observance of Lent’ is an insightful chapter that sets the Season of Lent into perspective. We read it yesterday as an introduction to Lauds. The first line of C49 can be rather startling ‘The life of a monk ought to be a continuous Lent’! Oh no..is usually my first reaction. In my experience Lent can be rather a ‘downer’ when we are focusing on our faults, limitations and repenting for those times we are less than. I am not sure about a life of that!!! But, I admit, that is a small view of Lent. Continue Reading
By Sr. Susan Hutchens, OSB
Today is Ash Wednesday – the day we begin the liturgical season of Lent. 40 days of preparation for the ultimate gift of God – resurrected life at Easter! Lent is a time of looking within ourselves, of contemplation, of asking for forgiveness, of setting our sights and hearts and actions on improving our lives. It isn’t an easy season of outward joy and pretty colored lights and wrapped packages and heart-moving songs like those of Advent. It is a season of cactus. Continue Reading
By Prioress Sister Phyllis McMurray, OSB
Lord, impart to us the meaning of the words of Scripture and the light to understand it. St. Hilary of Poiters
We read in the gospels of occasions when Jesus withdrew from others in order to pray in solitude. One episode was when Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. When tempted by the devil to satisfy his hunger, Jesus replied, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.” Continue Reading
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