Inspired by Scholastica

Advent season is foreign to most people. They are preoccupied with Christmas shopping, decorating, sending cards, and baking. They have no time to reflect on waiting with hope, anticipating with quiet joy, looking forward to God becoming human all over again. Sometimes I think the frenetic busyness most of us succumb to during the four weeks before Christmas is a way to blot out the fact that we are spiritually lacking but don't want to face that reality. Certainly it is good to give gifts to loved ones at this time of year, but we shouldn't lose sight of the greatest gift of all, Christ himself. The mystery of the Incarnation is quite unfathomable, but it one of the greatest love stories ever written. Advent is an opportunity to wonder at a God so in love with us that he chooses to become one with us. It's a time to ponder the wonderful Advent scripture readings that prophesy the coming of the Messiah. If we could experience the longing of the Israelites as they looked

Pain and anguish penetrate our world from urban sites to rural burbs. From seacoasts to landlocked hubs, tears flow unchecked. What now? Will hate and fear keep us bound? Revenge be our rallying cry? Not so for some Parisian survivors. “I do not think of enemies but of those who showed kindness, for the man who saved my life,” one young woman said. “I want to live for those whose lives ended too soon.” I will not hate nor teach my son to fear,” vowed a husband who had lost his young wife. Courageous youth dare to overcome evil with love. We cannot build walls, close borders Candles lit for victims of Paris attack to those fleeing terror and war – we must not become the hatred we want to banish.  Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo

 Prophets are rarely recognized or believed in their own time. It is only after their death that we hold them as "truth sayers." Even in the Old Testament, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Ezechial, and

     "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." (Margaret Mead) As our religious community continues to grow smaller and older, I sometimes wonder what impact we can have on the world. Then I think of Margaret Mead's quote and I am more hopeful that we can still make a difference. Some of the things our Benedictine community is doing to improve our environment is recycling, composting, installing solar panels, raising bees, and growing more of our own food. These are small things, but they are steps in the right direction to care for our earth. Another thing we do is promote the dignity and education of women at Keeler Women's Center in Kansas City and Sophia Center in Atchison. Keeler provides programs in the urban core that help women gain self-esteem, job skills, nutrition aids, and support to deal with addictions. Most of all it is a welcoming, hospitable place for women

Sometimes we think we have not done enough, that our sins outnumber our good deeds, or that we have to try harder, achieve more, say more prayers, be worthier, before we will be pleasing to God. God is not keeping a list of our faults and failings.There is not a limited amount of places reserved for humans in eternity. God wants to save all of us. He is not stingy with his rewards. There are no limits to his goodness. He gives continuously, abundantly, magnanimously – pressed down and flowing over; not like a miser who hoards all for himself and keeps track of debts. Is there any God like our God?

Sexual assault on college campuses occurs far too often and is mostly unreported. In April 2014, a White House Task Force on the Prevention of Sexual Assault on College Campuses reported that one in five college students experiences sexual assault during their college career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice statistics, from 1993 to 2013, 80 percent of rapes and sexual assaults against women students ages 18-24 went unreported. Due to increasing pressure from the federal government, concerned people are demanding better prevention, education, and response to sexual assault. Colleges and universities are working to change the "culture of protection" where perpetrators may be immune from punishment because they are star athletes. Many campuses are requiring sexual assault programs for freshmen. Some are banning fraternities and sororities. Some are banning alcohol. In addition, some colleges have switched from the "clear and convincing evidence model" to t