Ash Wednesday: A Big, Red Stop Sign

stop-sign

By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB

I made an appointment at a Moline office at 8:30 on  Wednesday, February 11. Uh-oh.

When I realized it was Ash Wednesday and we would not be finished with Eucharist and the distribution of ashes until about 9:00, I knew I had to change the appointment. It was going to be tough because this office frowned upon appointment changes.

Mustering up my courage, I called, saying I had made an error and could not get to their office until 9:30. I explained why in a weak voice. It’s the beginning of Lent. Continue Reading

An Ancient Form of Prayer for Lent

By Prioress Sister Phyllis McMurray, OSB

Lord, impart to us the meaning of the words of Scripture and the light to understand it. St. Hilary of Poiters

We read in the gospels of occasions when Jesus withdrew from others in order to pray in solitude. One episode was when Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. When tempted by the devil to satisfy his hunger, Jesus replied, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.” Continue Reading