March 8, 2016

Week #5: See, I’m doing something new!

The word “Lent” actually literally means Springtime, the perfect season for renewal! Here’s Sister Mary’s Week #5 of the mini-retreat that will refresh your soul throughout Lent. Here’s a list of all of the weeks’ posts.

By Sister Mary Core, OSB

“Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not. See, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:18-19)

Marching forward is really difficult, if you’re always looking behind you … to the past. Continue Reading

March 3, 2016

Walking WITH God

The word “Lent” actually literally means Springtime, the perfect season for renewal! Here’s Sister Mary’s mid-week pick-me-up for the “mini-retreat” that will refresh your soul throughout Lent. Here’s a list of all of the weeks’ posts.

By Sister Mary Core, OSB

Earlier this week, we reflected on a verse from scripture that I love: “You have been told, O mortal, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you. Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.”

Let’s reflect on the “walk humbly” part a little more.

Humbly means attentively, carefully, prudently, circumspectly, and yes, even submissively. Continue Reading

February 29, 2016

4th Sunday of Lent: Who – and Where – are You?

By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB

Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem, his final destination.

He passes through towns and villages, teaching people what they must do to be saved.

He has shared the parables of the lost – the lost coin and the lost sheep, and now he shares the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32).

The Prodigal Son is perhaps one of the best known Gospel stories. The reason, of course, is that all of us are prodigal heirs of God, and apt to lose our way. Continue Reading

February 29, 2016

Week #4: Do Justice! Love Goodness!

Sister Anne Newcomer, OSB says a Hail Mary for every client she serves at a local food pantry.

The word “Lent” actually literally means Springtime, the perfect season for renewal! Here’s Sister Mary’s Week #4 of the mini-retreat that will refresh your soul throughout Lent. Here’s a list of all of the weeks’ posts.

By Sister Mary Core, OSB

You have been a grain of wheat, you have stilled yourself, you have trusted God’s grace is sufficient for you. Now trust that God loves you enough to to want you to walk hand-in-hand doing justice and goodness.

Here’s why: “You have been told, O mortal, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you. Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) Continue Reading

February 26, 2016

3rd Sunday of Lent: Who do You Shun”?

By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB

As we have seen, Scriptures often use geographical sites to convey messages. On the 1st Sunday, for instance, Jesus was tempted with abundant power, prestige and possessions while in the desert where he had nothing at all. On the 2nd Sunday, he went to the mountain to demonstrate the new law.

Today’s Gospel (John 4:5-42) takes place at the water well. Jesus is tired and has sat down. Continue Reading

February 25, 2016

How Weakness becomes Holiness in God’s Hands

By Sister Mary Core, OSB

“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Wow! What an eye opener this statement has become. How often have we prayed, “Give me strength, O Lord. Help me through this situation.”?

How often we want the strength, the grace, the credit, the glory. Continue Reading

February 21, 2016

Week #3: Finding Strength in Weakness

The word “Lent” actually literally means Springtime, the perfect season for renewal! Here’s Sister Mary’s Week #3 of the mini-retreat that will refresh your soul throughout Lent. Here’s a list of all of the weeks’ posts.

By Sister Mary Core, OSB

“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Throughout the past 2 weeks, we’ve been grains of wheat trying to die to self in order to allow new life to happen, and we’ve tried to still our hearts and minds.

Are you wondering if you’re up to this? Continue Reading

February 18, 2016

Sitting Still with God

By Sister Mary Core, OSB

“Be still and know that I am God.” There it was this morning at Lauds: the verse we are praying in this Lenten retreat.

I was struck with the repeated verse in the psalm, “The Lord of hosts is with us.” Continue Reading

February 17, 2016

2nd Sunday of Lent: New Prophet, New Law

By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB

As we discussed last week, Scriptures often use geographical sites to convey messages. Last Sunday, for instance, Jesus was tempted with abundant power, prestige and possessions while in the desert where he had nothing at all.

This week, Jesus takes Peter, John and James up to the mountain to pray (Luke 9:28-36). The height of the mountain suggests nearness to God. Continue Reading

February 14, 2016

Week #2: Be Still and Know I Am God

The word “Lent” actually literally means Springtime, the perfect season for renewal! Here’s Sister Mary’s Week #2 of the “mini-retreat” that will refresh your soul throughout Lent. Here’s a list of all of the weeks’ posts.

By Sister Mary Core, OSB

Last week I invited you to become a grain of wheat. This week I’m suggesting we take to heart the words of Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know I am God.” Continue Reading