Sr. Ruth offers a reflection as we begin our 40 days today.

Someone about whom I care deeply, has faith and is drawn to a deeper faith, but is repelled by the institutions of the faithful—the Church. How do I play a part in his struggle, especially when, in large measure, I share it? Continue Reading

Read Lenten reflections from Sisters Phyllis McMurray and Catherine Cleary. Lenten blessings to you!

How often have you found yourself anxious for possibly groundless reasons?  And acting rashly in search of affirmation, in ways that are either unnecessary or unpleasantly grasping–ways that compounded your anxiousness? Continue Reading

In 1994, Timothy died of AIDS at age 27. For some reason, now, 16 years later, I find myself thinking of him often. He was a profoundly gifted young church organist and recitalist. He and I worked together for 6 years-as organist and music director, respectively. We spent a lot of time together in the last months of his life. It was during that time, long before I ever thought of becoming a Benedictine Oblate, that I began to understand community. Sometimes illness is a good teacher in that area. The following is an account of a particularly memorable afternoon. I offer it with a prayer that someone else might find hope in illness, and a new awareness of community with those who share in their day to day living…and dying. Continue Reading

Today I did lectio on one of the psalms for the evening–Psalm 45–right after watching a hockey game.  This is because my friend Adam had come over for meditation/lectio, and he had to dash off as soon as possible. Continue Reading

There are so many kinds of stillness, like many kinds of snow.

Listening to the wind buffet the awnings; appreciating the way the snow makes the air more illuminated (even at night).  I like the scent of evaporating snow–somewhere between moist and dry — and am glad that Illinois is having a taste of what winters are like further north (though the snow is nowhere near as high).  And I am aware of something vaguely uncomfortable that has nothing to do with the snowy atmosphere without, but the quality of silence I’m sensing at the moment. Continue Reading

In recent months I’ve noticed a repeated theme in the psalms:  a conviction that God’s justice is intact, no matter the circumstances.

The psalmist might speak amid exile, the destruction of God’s own city, being subjected to death threats, being abandoned by neighbors and friends . . . and though sometimes the voice of lament and despair is louder than the voice of hope that all will be well (and I am glad of this for there is truthtelling about such moments), it is interesting to me that a vision of right relationship, with God and among all creation, is what gets most  held up to our view over and over. Continue Reading

Christmas reflections and poems from the Sisters will give you plenty to ponder at the start of this holy week. Blessings from the Benedictine Sisters!