St. Scholastica Monastery » Weekly Reflections

When a Gift Is not a Gift

One day I was surprised to find an Old Testament passage which seemed to deal with a very down to earth practice: “Give to the most High as God has given to you, generously, according to your means” (Sirach 35:9). I was also puzzled . . .

Stories that Feed Our Imagination

Of all the stories told in Sacred Scripture, I am convinced no one can tell a fish story like St. John (Jn. 21:11). Perhaps I enjoy him so much is because he brings back a childhood ritual planted firmly in my memory—that of my mother . . .

Breaking Out of Bondage

We, both as a society and as individuals, need tools for getting out of bondage. Who? Me? Us? What kind of bondage could we possibly be in? For starters, how about our daily media which, by the evils it presents as possibly happening to us, can plunge us in the prison of fear. . .

Singing One’s Song

If someone suggested we should base our lives on the adage, "Blessed are those who do it the easier way," we might smile indulgently and give the idea tacit consent. But I wager most of us would harbor some skepticism and not really believe it a very practical way of life. . . .

The New Year: A Time to Do Away with Re-runs

Today there seems to be dwindling interest in those aspects of life which once could stir us into a state of at least temporary enthusiasm: new discoveries, new goals, New Year resolutions. Recently, after being with families and friends not living my lifestyle, I became aware, more acutely, that this observation is not peculiar to myself. . . .

Paradoxes of Christmas

Monsignor Charles Pope published his blog "Paradoxes of Christmas" on the web site of the Archdiocese of Washington on December 21, 2011.

After reading it one wonders how the whole of nature didn't join in the joyous singing of the angels. A heavenly impossibility, unthinkable, and incomprehensible! . . .

Fourth Sunday of Advent – Home

“ I want to go home!”

This is the moan of a small child feeling insecure and tired during a long trip.

“I want to go home.”

This is the hope-filled, silent heart-wish of Abraham as he left behind a nomadic, pagan people to follow . . .

Reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent

On this third Sunday of Advent the prophet Isaiah announces the coming of one who has been entrusted with the mission of bringing freedom, healing, and the proclamation of good news. In the Gospel we hear John the Baptist - the advance man, the one who goes before - tell us clearly that he is not the "light" but announces the presence of the "Light." This reference to "light" . . .

Come Wisdom, Rule Us Mightily!

During the Christmas rush while being jostled by last minute shoppers, one might hear someone say, “Christmas is for kids.” The tone of voice and the accompanying facial expression betray either obvious pleasure or weary disgust. I once attended a liturgy during which the latter response was expressed by someone at the prayers of the [...]

Sister Joan Marie Stelman – Time and Eternity

Advent is a time of waiting – waiting which compels us to contemplate the mysteries of time and of eternity.

In the Old Testament readings for the first Sunday of Advent, the prophet and the psalmist implore God’s help – they beg God to come down and restore all that has gone astray in the world and in our hearts. The psalmist wants . . .

Babye leto

I couldn’t stay focused on the Scripture readings in my morning meditation today. Instead I sat transfixed gazing at our autumn hillside, ablaze in colors spotlighted by the morning sunlight. . . .

Alive to God in Christ

Periodically we are confronted with people who consider the Old Testament irrelevant or who claim it presents a God of justice while the New Testament presents a God of love. I am always mystified by their views, especially when I recall . . .