Br. David Vryhof, SSJE
Br. David Vryhof, SSJE is a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan. He attended Calvin University, then went on to earn a Master’s degree in Education of the Deaf at Gallaudet College in Washington, D.C. Prior to coming to the Community in 1985, he taught at the Rhode Island School for the Deaf in Providence, then at the MICO Teachers’ College in Kingston, Jamaica (where he also became an Anglican). Following his arrival at the Monastery, David studied at Duke University and the General Theological Seminary and was ordained to the priesthood 1994. He was life-professed in 1997 and has served the Community as Assistant Superior as well as Novice Guardian (a post in which he served for a total of 17 years!). His specific interests include Ignatian Spirituality, Spiritual Discernment, U.S. and world politics, as well as issues surrounding minorities in the U.S. such as African-Americans, native peoples, LGBTQ people and those living in poverty. He is currently studying Spanish, and enjoys exercising, reading, and watching movies. David is credited with being the most committed sports fan in the Community and loves all the Boston teams.
Learn more about Br. Davids's Catch the Life journey to monastic life >
Selection of Br. David's teachings from "Brother, Give Us a Word"
Observe
To become wise, we must learn to listen – first to God, and then to wise and good teachers. To become wise we must become students and observers of life, recognizing ways of living that lead to wholeness, seeing what works and what doesn’t. Experienced guides can help us along the way.-Br. David Vryhof, SSJERead…
Read MoreInjustice
Why does God care about politics and systemic injustice? Becasue God cares about suffering. The mission of God is a mission of transformation. It seeks to challenge these unjust systems, it stands in opposition to violence of every kind, and it strives to establish God’s reign of justice and peace on the earth. -Br. David…
Read MoreSelection of Br. Davids's writing
“If forgiveness is one of the most powerful forces for redemption in the Christian faith, unforgiveness is one of the most powerful forces for destruction. Unforgiveness hardens the heart. It magnifies a perceived offense to the point where we can no longer appreciate a person’s value because all we see is how they have grieved us. No wonder the petition about forgiveness – “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us” – sits at the heart of the Lord’s Prayer.”
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“The spiritual skill of discernment enables us not only to resist the lure of those voices that would distract and distance us from God, but also to perceive directly God’s engagement with us in the circumstances of our lives as we navigate the many decisions that crop up along our way.”
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We need God and other people to reveal to us the invitation or opportunity embedded in each of today’s stark challenges.
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