February 24, 2013

Being Flooded with God's Presence and Light

By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB

There is hope in all the readings for today’s Eucharist (Gen 15:512, 17-18;  Phil 3:17-4:1; Gospel Lk 9:28-36).

The basis of our hope extends beyond our vision, even beyond our life here. To live here we are obliged to see the hereafter!

In the first reading, the “flaming torch” expresses the wonder and mystery of God’s promises and Abraham’s hopes at the center of this one life between them. Next, Paul reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven and from it we also await a savior the Lord Jesus Christ. Continue Reading

February 16, 2013

The Lenten Temptations of Jesus … and Us

By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB

The first 3 words of the gospel for the 1st Sunday of Lent are “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit” (Luke 4:1-13). Let’s begin our reflection with the reminder that we, too, are full of the Holy Spirit. During Lent, we are invited to travel with Jesus in the desert for 40 days. With Jesus, we take this time to die to self and prepare to arise with the Risen Lord.

The 3 temptations of Jesus – told in today’s gospel – are played out in our life.  We, too, are guided by the Holy Spirit. Continue Reading

February 10, 2013

Would you be a good Benedictine Sister?

What kind of woman makes a good Benedictine Sister? We asked Sister Mary Core, OSB to share her thoughts with us. Take a look, and email us if her answers resonate for you. We look forward to hearing from you!

Q. What kind of woman is best-suited for Benedictine life?

A. Religious life is for emotionally, mentally and spiritually healthy women. We are not here to hide from the world.

A key to Benedictine monasticism, in particular, is that it is not a call to participate in a ministry, per se, but a call to seek God. You don’t become a Benedictine because you want to teach or pursue medicine or social work, although you might do any one of those – or other – ministries. Benedictine life is rooted in community and prayer. Continue Reading

January 4, 2013

Epiphany: Christ's Light in the World

By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB

I remember  being on the bus, January 5, returning to school after a Christmas holiday with my family. It struck me as I opened my diary that the following day was Jan. 6, the Feast of the Epiphany. “Surely school would not be opening after the Christmas break, on the Feast of the Epiphany,” I reasoned. (I am sure my concern did not reflect the meaning of the feast but rather on not having school.) “The Sisters would surely not hold school on such an important feast day … second only to Christmas, Epiphany is regarded by some as even more important than Christmas.”

A check with my friend’s calendar, however, assured me that indeed, sadly, we would have school on January 6. Continue Reading

December 24, 2012

Furnished with the Moon and Stars

By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB

Christmas Readings: Is( 62:11-12)   (Titus 3:4-7), Gospel (Lk 2:15-20)

Jesus Christ the infant was laid in a crib in a stable, warmed by straw and the breath of the animals, sung to by the angels, adored by his parents, shepherds and Kings. It all seems so unreal, so unlike today’s blue and pink nurseries furnished with teddy bears, cribs, books and mobiles.

So we ask was Jesus really human? Did he cry, want milk, to be changed, to be held?  Or did Matthew and Luke write a fiction? Continue Reading

December 22, 2012

Called to be Bearers of Christ to One Another

By Prioress Sister Sandra Brunenn, OSB

“Mary set out, traveled to the hill country … entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.”  So begins Sunday’s Gospel, the beautifully intimate encounter of these two women both holding within themselves fulfillment of longing and promise of blessing.

The fulfillment? For Elizabeth, an old barren woman, is finally with child. For Mary carries within her womb the fulfillment of ages of longing of the Jewish people.

And the Promise! Elizabeth, will bear John who will be great in the sight of the Lord. Mary will bear Jesus, who will be called the Prince of Peace! Continue Reading

December 20, 2012

Peace on Earth … or not?

By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB

Reading through the first reading (Hebrews 10: 5-10) and Gospel (Lk 1:39-45) for the 4th Sunday of Advent brings to mind the contrast of the peaceful past of this area with today’s violence and upheaval.

Micah’s prophesying, “His greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth; he shall be peace,” stands in contradiction to what our evening news announces to us day after day. The bombing – shells flying, children screaming, people running for shelter – is anything but peaceful.  Continue Reading

December 17, 2012

The Call to Rejoice … as We Grieve

By Prioress Sister Sandra Brunenn, OSB

We live in a world of contrasts!…This is so apparent today.

On one hand, our country grieves over the horrific loss of life in the mass shooting in Connecticut on Friday;

On the other, the 3rd Sunday’s Scriptures call us to “shout for joy….sing joyfully…be glad and exult with all your heart”!

What shall we do? Continue Reading

December 16, 2012

The Call to Rejoice

By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB

While we were still using Latin, the third Sunday of Advent was called, Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. The name derived from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, “Rejoice in the Lord, always, I shall say it again: rejoice!”  And we are told why we should rejoice: “The Lord is near.”

The Gospel presents  John the Baptist  preaching the good news which does not sound like good news at first: “If you were a sinner, “Stop,” says John. “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed, stop extortion, stop accusing falsely. In other words, stop your sinning. And besides, giving up  sinning.” John continues his preaching, telling his listeners to do good: “Whoever has two cloaks, share with the person who has none. If people are hungry, feed them.” Continue Reading