When 19-year-old Anna Sewall came to our monastery, she was looking for answers to questions she thought she understood. She now says that what she was looking for wasn’t what she needed! Read about her experience in the newest issue of Steps!
Tempered by Intermediaries by Sr. Catherine Cleary
As I continue my ruminations this Advent, Rumi’s story of fire and bath water occurs to me. Bath water functions as an intermediary here – a story, a poem, a human being. Continue Reading
Make Straight Our Path by Sister Marilyn Hettinger
Are you filled with hopeful antiicpation as we prepare for the coming of Christ? The scripture for the second Sunday of Advent tells us to be filled with hope for salvation. We can have confidence in God’s promise of salvation. The saving presence of God is among us. It is up to us to stay on the path that leads to life. Continue Reading
How Courageous Are We?
It is amazing that another Advent is upon us. Seems like yesterday we were awaiting the Savior’s birth…and here it is again. This year, I’m thinking about courage. Continue Reading
Making Advent a Significant and Stirring Experience by Sr. Phyllis McMurray
Advent has a way of creeping up on us. We look forward to the season, but it seems that in no time, it has passed us by. Advent is a time of longing, a time of waiting with hopeful anticipation. It is a season of preparing for the birth of Christ—the fulfillment of promise, the personification of Good News, and the presence of God in our midst. Continue Reading
Advent Thoughts from Sister Helen Carey
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Advent is an “already/not yet time”! We sing “O Come Emmanuel” knowing that Emmanuel means “God is with us.” Continue Reading
Awakening to the Meaning of Advent by Sr. Catherine Cleary
Sometimes images, metaphors, stories and poetry awaken us to the meaning of Advent and Christmas as much as praying the Scriptures. The following is a story that awakens me and perhaps it will awaken you. The story’s source is unknown. Continue Reading
Preparing for Advent by Sister Marilyn Hettinger
The season of Advent offers time to reflect on our readiness to celebrate the coming of the Lord. We not only prepare to celebrate the historical coming of the Lord, the Infant, baby Jesus, be we also prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus. The coming of the Lord at the end of time is the theme for the first week of Advent. Continue Reading
Flowers in the Desert
The last time I blogged I was on the road in Ames Iowa directing a retreat at Iowa State University. Actually, that was several weeks ago. Obviously, I am behind in my reflections. It reminds me of my experience seeing the desert for the first time. I was in Tucson Ariz. and it was December. There were desert flowers of quite stunning beauty. That made the difference for me as the desert itself was barren. Continue Reading
On the (Busy) Road in Ames
This week I am at Iowa State University in Ames directing 5 students and 1 adult in a 4 day ‘Busy Person’s Retreat.’ What an awesome experience it has been! Continue Reading
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