Grace in the Midst of Trial
We've never lived through a time of trial quite like this one, as we cope with the global spread of coronavirus. Yet our faith promises that God not only companions us through trial, but even can redeem it, through the incredible power of grace.
During this challenging time, we Brothers wanted to share from our own tradition resources and practices for living well which have been sources of grace to us – and countless generations before us. We hope that these resources will sustain you, inspire you, and help you discover grace in the midst of trial.
My dear friends, The other day, as we were praying Morning Prayer, my attention was arrested by a line from the psalm: Blessed be the Lord! For he has shown me the wonders of his love in a besieged city (Psalm 31:21). It has now been a year since we Brothers made the impossible decision…
My dear friends, Recently, I have been recalling that it is almost a year since we closed the Guesthouse and Chapel. You will remember those days. We began hearing about this new virus and the reports of mounting deaths. Soon we were horrified to discover that it had reached this country. Today, nearly half a…
My dear friends: One of the joys of my life as a Brother is our annual cycle of antiphons, which we sing before and after the Magnificat each evening. After thirty years, they return each year, each season, each feast, like a visit from an old friend. I look forward to their arrival; to singing…
My dear friends: There is a phrase we hear frequently during these days of Advent, especially when we read the prophet Isaiah. On that day[1] Isaiah declares, on that day…the deaf shall hear…the eyes of the blind shall see…the meek shall obtain joy…the neediest people shall exult.[2] It is this Advent vision of justice, wholeness, and truth that Isaiah…
Dear friends, We all need chances to start over from time to time. The beginning of a new liturgical year is one of these times for me, but really any day will do. Every day has the potential of becoming the starting point for a new habit or practice, or for renewing a relationship that already exists…
Dear friends, It has been such a comfort, in these unsettled and tense days, for us Brothers to maintain our practice of praying the Daily Office. The Psalms poetically reflect the fullness of the human experience: from praise, exultation, and celebration (126:1-2) to anger, disdain, and vengeance (59:12-14) to utter desperation, resignation, and helplessness (22:1-2), and…
My dear Friends, It all began quite simply: with a letter mailed in Boston on 7 October, which arrived in Oxford sometime after. The letter caused quite a stir, because in a matter of days the recipient was on his way halfway around the world. The effect of that one letter is still felt here…
Dear Friends, In these trying times, physically separated from one another, unable to participate in common worship, it is very tempting to lose heart and hope. Yet for the sake of our unity in Christ, we must resist this temptation. I am lately reminded of an incredible prayer by Dag Hammarskjöld, a Swedish diplomat and…
My dear friends, As you can imagine, I have been reading the cards, letters, and notes that have been coming since the death of our Brother, David Allen. I have been immensely touched by your thoughtful words, and your care for us in the midst of this particular loss. Reflecting on this loss, and what…
Dear Friends in Christ, It is very possible that you are feeling exhausted and discouraged in the midst of the many crises we are facing now; especially here in the United States. The deadly Covid-19 virus continues to claim thousands of lives, with failed businesses, massive unemployment and school closings following in its wake. Unrest…