We tend to think of pilgrimage as travel to historic holy places such as Jerusalem, Rome, Mecca, Lourdes, or Santiago de Compostela. However, pilgrimages often entail a significant inner spiritual journey as well. Mike and I just returned from such a pilgrimage to Iona, a small island in the Inner Hebrides off the northwest coastContinue reading “Pilgrimage”
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Ascension
“Ascension” by Malcolm Guite We saw his light break through the cloud of gloryWhilst we were rooted still in time and placeAs earth became a part of Heaven’s storyAnd heaven opened to his human face.We saw him go and yet we were not partedHe took us with him to the heart of thingsThe heart thatContinue reading “Ascension”
The Rewards of Hospitality
From the Rule of St. Benedict (Excerpt from Chap. 61) If a pilgrim monk coming from a distant region wants to live as a guest of the monastery, let him be received for as long a time as he desires, provided he is content with the customs of the place as he finds them andContinue reading “The Rewards of Hospitality”
Atonement
Excerpted and edited from A Confirmation of Faith (Resource/Wipf & Stock) What is the meaning of Christ’s death? might be a question we ask ourselves as we approach Good Friday. On the one hand, traditional Christian teaching has been that Christ was our substitute on the cross to atone for the sins that we, God’s rebellious creatures, haveContinue reading “Atonement”
Lenten Reassurance
“Seven times in the day,” Benedict writes, quoting the psalmist, “I have rendered praise to You” (Ps. 119:164). In Chapters 17 and 18 of the Rule, Benedict goes on to specify the order of psalms to be said at the smaller offices throughout the day: Terce (mid-morning), Sext (mid-day) and None (mid-afternoon). “At Terce, SextContinue reading “Lenten Reassurance”
Scholastica
Today is the feast day of St. Scholastica, Benedict’s twin sister. The two siblings were born around 480 to a Roman noble family in Nursia, Italy. Although little is known of her early life, she founded a religious community for women five miles from Monte Cassino where her brother was abbot. Following her brother’s example of totalContinue reading “Scholastica”
Epiphany
The Christian feast of Epiphany primarily commemorates the visit of the Magi to the Christ child, which in turn represents Christ’s physical manifestation to the Gentiles. It is also sometimes called Three Kings’ Day or Little Christmas. In the Orthodox Church, Epiphany is known as Theophany and commemorates Christ’s baptism by John in the Jordan River.Continue reading “Epiphany”
Silence and Stillness
I recently recorded a podcast for Trinity Cathedral’s Advent series, Reverberation of the Spirit. In the busy-ness of Advent, we can easily forget that Advent is about waiting, anticipation. And that requires a centeredness and stillness that allows us to truly appreciate the significance of Christ coming to earth. Stillness requires silence, moments when we canContinue reading “Silence and Stillness”
Praise and Thanksgiving
From the Rule of St. Benedict (Ch. 13): “On weekdays the Morning Office shall be celebrated as follows. Let Psalm 66 be said without an antiphon and somewhat slowly, as on Sunday, in order that all may be in time for Psalm 50, which is to be said with an antiphon. After that let twoContinue reading “Praise and Thanksgiving”
Servanthood
“Let the brethren serve one another, and let no one be excused from the kitchen service except by reason of sickness or occupation in some important work. For this service brings increase of reward and of charity” (RSB 35). I just finished doing the dishes. I grew up having to take my turn washing dishes, aContinue reading “Servanthood”
Improbable Benedictine 