God moments happen all the time … and sometimes in the unlikeliest of places. Often, in fact, we don’t recognize them. We’re put in mind of this during the Easter season because of the unrecognized appearances of Jesus following the resurrection.
No matter how much his followers loved him, they didn’t always recognize him.
That’s something we can all relate to. Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Saints are always forsaking their evil ways for Godly ones … or, in the language of the Church, experiencing conversion. Think of some of the biggies, like St. Francis and St. Augustine. They changed everything. Continue Reading
By Sister Stefanie MacDonald, OSB
Women discerning religious life always ask, “How did you know you found the right community? How did you know you were being called to this life choice?”
Well, goodness. It’s hard to explain in words, because it’s about feelings. That is, feelings are God’s grace working inside us, to guide us along the right path. They feel so subjective … but when they don’t go away, it means something. Continue Reading
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
Easter Sunday at our home always meant we celebrated Eucharist together (or, as we said back then, “We went to Mass”).
What was special to us was that each of the 10 of us had something new to wear. Continue Reading
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
Holy Thursday
The Liturgy of the faithful for Holy Thursday replete with foot washing and meal demonstrates that we are (or will become) servants to those who are in need of food, clothing, shelter, jobs, dignity.
We are to interpret Scripture as Jesus did, tending toward inclusivity, mercy and justice. Jesus saw this as the clear intent and work of God. Continue Reading
When the Benedictine Sisters of St. Mary Monastery hung up their traditional habits and adopted the dress of the day nearly 40 years ago, they joined thousands of Catholic Sisters across the country who were doing the same thing.
Their decision was in response to the 2nd Vatican Council’s call to women religious to renew their congregations in the spirit of their founders … and St. Benedict had counseled that his followers wear the clothing of the day. Continue Reading
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
“Dying daily” with the Lord has been in our lexicon and spiritual life always, and is an important theme of Lent. But, how about the corollary of “rising daily” with the Lord?
Daily rising up takes practice and a living faith. This is what we have been doing from Ash Wednesday up to now!
It means transforming our daily death-bearing situations into life-giving situations. Continue Reading
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
Today’s Gospel (John 9:1-41) holds treasures, jewels, so it is well to read, study, memorize it until it becomes part of you.
In the first seven lines, we hear the story: a man born blind, is cured by Jesus who smears saliva and clay on his eyes, then tells him to go wash. Continue Reading
By Prioress Sister Sandra Brunenn, OSB
“Let the whole multitude of the faithful exult in the glory of our beloved Father Benedict; but most of all let each gathering of monks be glad who on earth are celebrating the feast of him with whom the Saints in heaven are rejoicing.” (antiphon from the Vigil Service)
As we gather to celebrate, we join the multitude of men and women who throughout time have followed the path of Benedict … and experienced the joy of hearts that seek the Lord. Continue Reading
By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB
On this third Sunday of Lent, we are back in the desert.
The desert which lacks water is perhaps a symbol of the woman at the well.
She not only does not have any water but she also has no friends who apparently shun her because of her lifestyle. Continue Reading
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