As the Christmas decorations in the Monastery are put away for this year, it saddens me.  Another great Season closes.  It just seems to go by so quickly.  Jesus was just born and yesterday he was baptized as an adult.  That was quick, wasn’t it? Continue Reading

As we celebrated Epiphany on Sunday (although it really falls on Wednesday Jan. 6), I was left with several reflections. We have a gorgeous crib set up in our chapel and the appearance of the three Wise Men is always a clear symbol of they journey.  Prior to Ephiphany the three are set outside the crib area, as if on their way but not arrived! Continue Reading

2010.  It seems impossible that we have reached the year 2010.  In fact, wasn’t just yesterday when we were all worried about the turn of the century?  Yet, here we are a decade passed since then.  For me, as this New Year begins, it is a simple reminder that time goes by quickly. Continue Reading

A common image of Jesus is ‘Wonder Counselor.’ These days after Christmas I have reflected upon this title. While Jesus brings peace to our journey, He also gives us Wisdom, doesn’t he? Continue Reading

“And He Shall Be Called Prince of Peace”

It doesn’t take us long to figure out our world is not at peace. We can’t rest until the homeless are housed, the sick are healed, the hungry are fed, the naked are clothed, and the evil are holy. We can’t rest until the swords are transformed into ploughshares, the blind are transformed by sight, the lions are transformed into lambs and the imprisoned are transformed by freedom.  We can’t rest until the Middle East knows peace, until Africa is fed, until China values human rights, until North Korea & Iran attend to their starving rather than their bombs and Iraq and Afghanistan are empty of our soldiers. Continue Reading

Behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus…” Matt. 1:20- 21a

During the Christmas season, consider Joseph. After the birth of the child Jesus, can you imagine Joseph working with wood while his mind wanders to the baby and his duty of helping him grow into a responsible young man? Maybe he even dreaded the difficulties of rearing a child in such a troubled world where there was political turmoil, economic inequality, and violence. Isn’t that the fear and concern of parents who are raising children today? What did Joseph think the angel meant by saying that “he will save his people from their sins”? What does that mean to you? Continue Reading

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“Everyone can love Jesus, the new baby lying in his crib …

as long as he is not God.”*

But Jesus who is God is too demanding. Continue Reading

Don’t you wonder how Mary and Joseph related to each other during their government ordered, dusty and tiring journey to Bethlehem?  Joseph was walking, a very pregnant Mary riding a donkey.  Was there any hospitality along the way?  Were innkeepers who turned them away rude?  Were they so deeply aware of the mystery they were living with that their awe, peace and deep joy carried them in wonder at God’s ways?

We believe Emmanuel, “God is with us.”  No matter the tiredness or hecticness of these final preparation days, may we be carried in wonder by the mystery we  prepare to celebrate!