One of the Bible’s greatest figures, Sr. Paul, was the focus of our liturgy this week. Paul is a character for every person. He has always been a favorite of mine. Last summer, when I was in Rome, I had the opportunity to visit the church established on the site where Paul was martyred. In the corner of the church was an altar symbolizing where he was beheaded. Actually, to be quite graphic, his head rolled and bounced. The main altar is located where his head landed. Even though it is rather graphic I do appreciate the dramatic end of his life. He suffered horribly due to his faith. Continue Reading
Our Benedictine Community Prayer
This morning as I prepared to pray Morning Prayer with the Community I invited all the peoples of the world to gather to give glory and praise to God. Continue Reading
The Call to Become a Light to the Nations
By Sr. Ruth Ksycki, OSB
Last Sunday’s reading (Is.49:3,5-6) spoke of being called to be a servant. It is the call of every baptized Christian!
In intimate terms God speaks of forming Isaiah and us as servants, as “a light to the nations…to announce salvation to the ends of the earth,” to share the unfathomable riches of God’s love.
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The Lure of God*
By Sr. Susan Hutchens, OSB
Snow again covers the frozen surface of the pond below the Chapel windows, obliterating the recent hole made by the ice-fisherman last weekend. I have never fished. I don’t care to learn now. But I love to eat fish. Continue Reading
God's Call to Servanthood
God became one of us. Coming as a baby, Jesus was completely powerless and depended on us. During His life He revealed to us God the Father as Love.
A Little Child Shall Lead Them … to Understanding
As Isaiah wrote, “A little child shall lead them.” How true!
Consider the way children treat their artwork. (I watched this for years as a teacher.) You can see just how much they prize it. They get upset if something happens to it or if someone makes fun of it. This is only natural since all true art is self expression. Continue Reading
Incarnation: Christmas 2010
On December 10, I received a phone call saying my brother-in-law, Cozz Regele, had died. He and my sister, Colleen, had been married for 59 years, raised 7 children and have 20 grandchildren. My mind rolled back many happy memories of Cozz; one tangible one was that he had given me his two Baltimore Catechisms from his grade school days at St. Mary Church, Metamora, Illinois.
May Christ Light Your Path
As Advent nears completion and Christmas is upon us let’s take a moment to reflect on what it all means. For me, Advent is the most special time of year. Filled with hope, anticipation, the first snows, Vespers in the early darkness and wonderful readings from Isaiah all capture the time before the arrival of Jesus, ever anew in our hearts. Continue Reading
Standing in the Dark with the Shepherds
By Sr. Ruth Ksycki, OSB
Have you ever experienced the total darkness when the electricity goes off in a storm? You stand in a moment of panic and grope about for candles or a flashlight. Then the questions come one after another: How will I fix food or do laundry? How will I open the garage door? Ohhh! No TV or radio!
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The Final Days
By Sr. Margaret Murphy, OSB
I found within myself a dry empty place…a disappointment for someone who loves the richness of preparing while waiting for Christ to come. So I decided to take Christ to others who might find emptiness, dryness, or pain as part of their waiting. I began to seek out those who can’t get out or around, the sick, the grieving, or lonely. Perhaps I could help someone who carries a heavy burden.
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