Chapters 19-20 by Sister Mary Core, OSB
Chapter 19 is dedicated to Paul’s time in Ephesus and recounts his success in proclaiming the Good News, working miracles and even converting many of the Jewish exorcists. He makes plans to leave Ephesus revisit Macedonia, Achaia and return to Jerusalem, before carrying the faith to the heart of the Roman Empire at Rome. Continue Reading
By Sister Margaret Murphy, OSB Continue Reading
Chapters 16-18 by Sister Mary Core, OSB
Due to the death of our beloved Sister Peggy last week, I canceled our book club meeting. But with this installment, we are now caught up!
In chapter 16 Paul and Silas are joined by Timothy at Lystra and they move quickly through the region to the coastal city of Troas. The indication is that they were prevented by the Holy Spirit from preaching in other provinces of Asia Minor. Why? Continue Reading
By Sister Sandra Brunenn, OSB
The first blessing of God Margaret experienced was her birth almost 82 years ago to John Peter Suerth and Eleanor Marie McCabe.
Peggy was one of the 5 children in the family. She grew up surrounded by a loving environment both at home and at school. Continue Reading
Sister Margaret (John Marie) Suerth, O.S.B., 82, of St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, died Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014 at the Monastery.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday in the Chapel at St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island. Burial is at Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island. Visitation is 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Monastery, where a Christian wake service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, Milan is in charge of arrangements. Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
“It is in that process of deep communication that great choice can be made to sustain life.” – Victor Klimoski, Ph.D.
I was fortunate to hear Dr. Klimoski at last summer’s Monastic Institute. His comment about communication continues to engage me … even, recently, in prayer! Continue Reading
Chapters 13-15 by Sister Mary Core, OSB
Paul and Barnabas take their message to the Jews first and then to the Gentiles.
In every town their audience is divided between believers and unbelievers … an emotional hotbed for all.
At Lystra, Paul heals a man lame from birth, causing the people to believe he and Barnabas are the Greek gods Hermes and Zeus. Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Recently I used Matthew 14:22-33 during my daily Lectio Divina.
That’s the passage where Jesus walks on water and Peter tries to do the same … and sinks. So often this reading invites us to reflect on Peter’s lack of full trust and faith. Continue Reading
Chapters 8-12 by Sister Mary Core, OSB
Philip now goes “down to Samaria” to preach. For Jews, Jerusalem was held in highest esteem, meaning that one went up when going to Jerusalem, and down when going away in any direction.
Thus, when the “Followers of the Way” – as the early Christians were known – went down from Jerusalem, they left the city to begin their missionary work.
Continue Reading
Chapters 1-7 by Sister Mary Core, OSB
As we begin our study of the Acts we recall that it was written between 80-90 A.D. by Luke, a Syrian physician from Antioch and probable companion of Paul. Continue Reading
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