A Fire

By -
We remember neighbors burning leaves in their yards when such conflagrations were still common during autumn in suburbia. The pungent aroma was somehow lovely to a child. And when we hear Jesus tell us that he longs to set a fire upon the earth, we remember the heady fragrance of the smoldering leaves. How to let ourselves be consumed by the fire of Christ's love - his love for us, our love for him. In simplicity and ordinariness, we long to be as dry leaves constantly available to this fire.

 Photograph by Brother Brian.

Popular posts from this blog

True and False

By -
Nothing should be held true merely because it is eloquently expressed, nor false because it sounds harsh upon the lips. And a thing is not true because rudely uttered, nor is it false because its utterance is splendid. I have learned from you that wisdom is like wholesome food and folly like unwholesome food: they can be set forth in language ornate or plain, just as both kinds of food can be served on rich dishes or on peasant ware. SAINT AUGUSTINE Confessions
Read more

Reservoirs & Canals

By -
Be a reservoir rather than as a canal. A canal spreads abroad water as it receives it, but a reservoir waits until it is filled before overflowing, and thus communicates, without loss to itself, its super abundant water. In the Church at the present day, we have many canals, few reservoirs. St. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX Sermons on the Song of Songs
Read more

Br. Kenneth's Solemn Profession — Homily and Photos

By -
Image
Br. Kenneth, your solemn profession has brought together a microcosm of the Church with the presence of your dear mother and father, your sister and her family, friends from your youth and even from your days in India, former band members, our sisters from Wrentham, and your own brothers of Spencer. Our heavenly Father must be pleased to see so many of his children gathered to celebrate this solemn moment of your monastic consecration. You have found your treasure, and with it you are opening a window into your heart. For Jesus’ saying applies to you, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Let us look at this treasure which you are embracing today, namely, the Cistercian life in all its fulness.   But I would be remiss on this feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, if I did not mention how much Our Lady is pleased to see you clothed in the cowl of Citeaux. For certainly, our Order is a treasure to Our Lady. Other vocations are, no doubt, of equal value or even mor...
Read more