In today’s feast, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, it isn’t the cruelty of the Cross that is exalted. Rather, it is the love of God. God’s love for the world is so immense, so powerful and utterly beyond-human-comprehension that it would go to any length to make itself known. …
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The summer months bring additional work to my daily round of tasks, yet I really do not mind because this extra work involves the garden. But at the end of a long day, it can be tiresome to stoop, digging and pulling at stubborn weeds and overgrown beds. Yet if…
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Proclaim Jubilee! When I worked as RENEW 2000 Coordinator for the Diocese of Birmingham over 25 years ago, I read a book by Maria Harris by that title, Proclaim Jubilee: A Spirituality for the 21st Century. I became thoroughly fascinated by the Jubilee tradition in the Scriptures, especially as it…
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The Gospel for Eucharist last Sunday ended with the words: “For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last” (Lk 13:30). The Gospel text from Luke for this coming Sunday echoes a similar theme: “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,…
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The stained-glass windows in our Chapel faithfully lend themselves to awe and inspiration. From my seat in choir, I often gaze at these beautiful iconic windows during the silent pauses between the chanting of the Psalms. One of my favorites is the window of St. Gertrude and I never grow…
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“I’ve got your back!” That’s such an encouraging affirmation, isn’t it? You can breathe a sigh of relief to know that someone is determined to look out for you, to protect you from harm when you are vulnerable or defenseless. Not everyone has a co-worker, friend, or family member who…
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The end of July each year brings an important event in the life of our Benedictine monastic community: Community Meetings. For nearly a week all of the Sisters assemble at Sacred Heart Monastery to ponder, reflect, dialogue, discuss, and make decisions about our common life. When I first entered in…
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In my May 27, 2022 blog entitled Supplies on the Journey Part I, I wrote about “journey” as a metaphor for the “spiritual journey.” Openness and Courage were the first two supplies or provisions that are helpful on our journey. Abraham was used as an example of these supplies. As…
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I have a new desk for writing that I am happy about. I have wanted a writing desk for so long, but not just any desk. My husband and I met in an antiques mall years ago and both of us share a love for old things, especially items that…
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My childhood friend, Oscar, is known for writing supportive and encouraging posts on our Class of 1969 high school Facebook page. He was like that throughout elementary, junior high, and high school, a friend we could count on for encouragement and pearls of wisdom. Every Thursday Oscar posts a nostalgic…
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