By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
Scripture uses places – deserts, mountains and villages – to situate Jesus and his ministry. The site is often an image meant to convey an experience between Jesus and God or Jesus and his listeners.
Today’s gospel (Luke 4: 1-13) places Jesus in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights. It’s a place of uncertainty, darkness, anxiety, fear … and temptations. Continue Reading
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
“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat.”
How are you doing at being a grain of wheat during this first week of Lent?
Have you thought about how dying literally breaks us open, changes us, allows something new to happen in us? Continue Reading
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
I made an appointment at a Moline office at 8:30 on Wednesday, February 11. Uh-oh.
When I realized it was Ash Wednesday and we would not be finished with Eucharist and the distribution of ashes until about 9:00, I knew I had to change the appointment. It was going to be tough because this office frowned upon appointment changes.
Mustering up my courage, I called, saying I had made an error and could not get to their office until 9:30. I explained why in a weak voice. It’s the beginning of Lent. Continue Reading
By Sister Mary Core, OSB
Amen, Amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. (John 12:24)
I don’t much like the idea of dying, in any way, but then, neither do I want to remain the same – to stagnate.
I like the notion of growing and becoming a better me, but l’d rather do it without the cost of “dying to myself.”
I suspect I’m not alone in those feelings. Continue Reading
By Sister Mary Core, OSB
Spring is the perfect season for spiritual renewal! This 15-part online mini-retreat is perfect for anytime you need a breath of fresh air … or maybe even a change of mental scenery. Follow the links for the spiritual nourishment you need to take a new look at yourself and the world around you:
Sister Mary is a Catholic Benedictine Sister of St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, IL. To learn more about our community, visit www.smmsisters.org. Blessings!
Sr. Catherine Cleary, left, poses for a photo with her sister Sr. Audrey Cleary during a recent community event.
In celebration of the World Day for Consecrate Life, Sister Catherine Cleary reflects on her childhood, and how and why she became a Sister. If you are discerning religious life, perhaps Sister Catherine’s memory will help you!
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
Growing up in an ideal Irish Catholic family for me meant an unquestioned acceptance of faith and fidelity to the Catholic Church. It also meant loving and really liking my parents, brothers and sisters. It also meant being raised by parents who were dedicated to education, music and reading, who loved a social life, and who served on many civic boards. In general, we were a well-balanced family. Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
“… doing ordinary things quietly and perfectly for the glory of God … is the beauty of the pure Benedictine life.” – Thomas Merton
I have been a Benedictine Sister for 8 years now, learning the wisdom of Merton’s sentiment gradually. Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
I am re-reading Seeking God: The Rule of St. Benedict, by Esther de Waal, a book I read when I was a novice.
So far, this line has spoken to me: “…life in Christ means life through a succession of opening doors, not a life that is always static or safe.”
By Sister Marlene Miller, OSB
Stillness of mind and body
Imagine your favorite place to be
Letting go of your stressors
Eyes shut (if possible)
Natural deep breathing
Calm yourself
Enjoy the quiet moment.
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