July 11th: Feast of Saint Benedict of Nursia

Jul 10, 2015 | 0 comments

Happy Feast Day to all Benedictines and former Benedictines!

From Chapter 72 of the Rule of Saint Benedict: Just as there is an evil zeal of bitterness which separates from God and leads to hell, so there is a good zeal which separates from vices and leads to God and to life everlasting. This zeal, therefore, the sisters should practice with the most fervent love. Thus they should anticipate one another in honor (Rom. 12:10); most patiently endure one another’s infirmities, whether of body or of character; vie in paying obedience one to another — no one following what she considers useful for herself, but rather what benefits another — ; tender the charity of sisterhood chastely; fear God in love; love their Abbess with a sincere and humble charity; prefer nothing whatever to Christ. And may He bring us all together to life everlasting!

 

Pentecost

May 24, 2015 | 0 comments

This is the day of Pentecost, alleluia; today the Holy Spirit appeared to the disciples in the form of fire and gave to them His special gifts; He sent them into the world to proclaim that whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, alleluia.

Ascension: Raise Us Up

May 17, 2015 | 0 comments

By Cinnamon.

There was a time, a few years back, when I didn’t mind the song You Raise Me Up. Inoffensive lyrics, simple tune, and I have to admit to being a sucker for a well-timed key change. Unfortunately, since then it has taken over from Amazing Grace as the most hideously overused and abused church song of the 21st century (in my experience at least), and I now quietly close my eyes and prepare to get some souls out of Purgatory whenever I hear its tinkling piano intro.

Nonetheless, the song is a reminder of one good point: Jesus came down from the Father that He might raise us up.

For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him. (2 Timothy 11-12.)

We hope to follow Him there, to the mansions in His Father’s house that He ascended to Heaven that day to prepare for us. In the meantime, our hearts are restless, waiting for the coming of the Kingdom of God, knowing that one day Jesus will return from Heaven for each of us.

Almighty God, fill us with a holy joy; teach us how to thank You with reverence and love on account of the Ascension of Christ Your Son.

You have raised us up with Him; where He, the Head, has proceeded in glory, there we, the Body, are called in hope. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.

May 1st: Saint Joseph the Worker

May 1, 2015 | 0 comments

Lord God and Creator of the universe, You imposed on mankind the law of work.

Give us the grace, by Saint Joseph’s example and at his intercession, to finish the works You gave us to do, and to come to the rewards You promise. Amen.