"Holiness is not the luxury of the few but the simple duty for you and me so let us be holy as our Father in heaven is holy….     Our progress in holiness depends on God and on ourselves—on God's grace and on our will to be holy. We must have a real living determination to... Continue Reading →

We praise thee, O God:    we acknowledge thee to be the Lord.All the earth doth worship thee:    the Father everlasting.To thee all Angels cry aloud:    the Heavens, and all the Powers therein.To thee Cherubim and Seraphim:    continually do cry,Holy, Holy, Holy:    Lord God of Hosts;Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty:    of thy glory.The glorious company of the Apostles: praise... Continue Reading →

First reading and Psalm Numbers 21:4b-9 Psalm 98:1-5 Second reading 1 Corinthians 1:18-24 Gospel John 3:13-17 Theme: Sing to the Lord, because even though God's plans can often appear foolish, and we complain about the extra hardships we face, we know that God loves us and sent his son into the world to lead us... Continue Reading →

It might seem strange to some that a monastic rule is on the list of books every Christian should read. This brief book offers the reader useful tips for ordering life in a way that connects with God and limits temptation. The monastic life Benedict endorses seeks help individuals work together to form a community... Continue Reading →

Don't be in debt to anyone, except for the obligation to love each other. Whoever loves another person has fulfilled the Law. Rom 13:8 CEB "Paul shows that the fulfillment of the law is found in love that is charity. Thus also the Lord says that the whole law and the prophets depend on these... Continue Reading →

1. And, first, let us inquire, What is salvation? The salvation which is here spoken of is not what is frequently understood by that word, the going to heaven, eternal happiness. It is not the soul's going to paradise, termed by our Lord, "Abraham's bosom." It is not a blessing which lies on the other... Continue Reading →

1. Find a place of repose and Quiet  2. Make yourself of God's presence through a brief prayer of thanksgiving and praise. Remind yourself of how God has been with you.  3. Read a passage of scripture (i.e. a psalm) deliberately and expectantly, reflecting on it.   4. Be still and listen for God's voice.... Continue Reading →

Saint Denis' Prayer You are wisdom, uncreated and eternal,the supreme first cause, above all being,sovereign Godhead, sovereign goodness,watching unseen the God-inspired wisdom of Christian people.Raise us, we pray, that we may totally respondto the supreme, unknown, ultimate, and splendid heightof your words, mysterious and inspired.There all God's secret matters lie covered and hiddenunder darkness both... Continue Reading →

First reading and Psalm Exodus 12:1-14 Psalm 149 Second reading Romans 13:8-14 Gospel Matthew 18:15-20 Theme: Love each other as yourselves and if someone should harm you, reconcile, bring that person back to your side, so that together you may praise the Lord. Our lives involve praising God as a community for the salvation given... Continue Reading →

This collection appears in a couple of formats but, I am partial to the one done by Benedicta Ward. The title "Desert Fathers" refers to a group of monks who lived in the Egyptian desert community of Scetes. This group of ascetics moved to the desert to escape the temptations of life and focus on... Continue Reading →