Inspired by Scholastica

Christmas at our monastery is usually very peaceful and quiet.  This year, the holiday was quite different.  During the morning liturgy, a water pipe broke in the first floor ceiling, and water poured down the hall in sheets. Almost immediately, there were firemen, police, EMTs, employees, and sisters on the scene, pushing water out the doors in freezing temperatures. They kept the water from getting to the main hall, and used vacuums and fans to get rid of the moisture in the carpets and walls.  In spite of all this commotion, Christmas dinner was prepared and served, thanks to our super employees and some generous donors. It was an incredible group effort, and no one complained if the meal was not hot or something was missing. We were all just grateful to have so many generous people step up and provide help.  The nursing and kitchen staff were able to do their jobs, in spite of soaked shoes and wet clothes. They were truly remarkable! They had gotten a Christmas b...

The Jewish people of old waited several thousand years for the coming of Jesus. They knew the ancient prophecies about Jesus being born of a virgin, but they could not fathom how or when. So, they waited and prayed that they might live to see this long-anticipated Savior. During the season of Advent we, too, wait for the Savior to come. It is only four weeks, but it is hard to focus on Jesus’ birth and the mystery that it holds amid the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season.  We wait in wonder and expectation as the liturgies and readings of Advent remind us of the birth in Bethlehem. The historical Jesus came on earth over two thousand years ago, born in the poverty of a stable and adored by poor shepherds. In our day, we pray for the coming of Jesus more fully into our lives. For that coming to happen requires preparation and a conversion of heart. We need time to focus on how to let Jesus guide our ways and show us how to be Christ for others today. That occurs not by giving...

As the days grow shorter and darkness envelops us for longer periods, the gloom sometimes invades our attitudes. Most of us need light to lift our spirits. During this Advent time, where can we find light to keep us going? Certainly there are many lights in the Christmas trees and shopping malls that spring up early all around us. But, that flashy kind of light is not what we need as winter closes in. We are looking for lights of serenity and peace to fill these dark days.   One custom that can be uplifting is the Advent wreath, with its four candles to mark the four weeks before Christmas. As we light the candles and prepare for Christ’s coming again into our world, we are reminded of how God’s love and the love of family and friends warms our spirits. Even those who are no longer with us can comfort us with memories of their goodness. Another custom in some families is making homemade gifts of cookies and sweet breads. Some also make knitted scarves and sweaters. Even if we...