We believe passionately that God has given us a mission: to draw others to know and experience in their lives the love of God in Christ. Sharing this “Good News” is at the center of our call and our life. In our chapels and retreat houses, and our online teachings, we hope to offer a still point in the midst of the chaos of contemporary life. We hope that as you explore these pages, you’ll find “Good News” that will help you live authentically, responsive to God’s call of love.
Behold What You Are
We’re delighted to share with you the latest Monastic Wisdom for Everyday Living reflection: Behold What You Are: Seeing Jesus & Ourselves in the Gospel According to John. Br. Keith Nelson reveals through his own experience how reading and praying with John’s Gospel can allow each of us to see the ordinary, challenging, and even painful events of our lives as signs imbued with meaning.
The Love Song of Silence – Br. Lucas Hall
“God wants our hope, our listening, our receptivity. God wants our silence. That is easy to say. It is hard to do. ”
On the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the God-bearer, Br. Lucas Hall celebrates how she exemplifies this challenging, life-giving silence.
Breathing Room – Br. Keith Nelson
“Jesus was madly, insanely in love with his God, enabling him to confer a healing sanity on those around him.
Br. Keith Nelson shares his perspective on the demons we meet in the New Testament – and in our own more familiar contexts.
What is to prevent me…? – Br. David Vryhof
“We need to always be challenging ourselves to see beyond our prejudices and stereotypes, lest we prevent some from entering the kingdom of God.”
Br. David Vryhof explores the tension between radical inclusion and maintaining appropriate boundaries which has always troubled the Church and still challenges us today.
Chapel & Guesthouse Closed October 23-30, 2017
Please note that the Chapel and the Guesthouse will be closed during the week of October 23-30.
I Will With God’s Help – Br. Jim Woodrum
“All you need to ask God in prayer is ‘What’s the next right thing?’ And then do that one thing.”
Br. Jim Woodrum finds in the story of poor Jonah the promise that God is at work in us and through us, even in the most impossible situations, with the most unlikely characters.
Volunteer Appreciation: Nourishing the North Shore
For several years now, the Brothers have been delighted to partner with Nourishing the North Shore. This organization’s mission is to provide food and food education to low income families in the Newburyport area. Volunteers keep several gardens on the Emery House property. It enriches our life and our stewardship of this property to share…
Brothers Welcome New Postulants
We’re delighted to welcome two new postulants to the Monastery this fall, Nate Richardson and Sean Glenn. Nate was raised in the Southern Baptist tradition and is new to the Episcopal Church. He earned a B.A. degree from DePauw University and an M.F.A. in English-Creative Writing from the University of North Carolina. He has worked…
The Dream of the Vineyard – Br. James Koester
“Like all of Jesus’ parables, this one should make you squirm.”
At a moment when our world is tired, broken, and lost, Br. James Koester uncovers in Jesus’ parable of the vineyard a reminder of the dream of God: a kingdom where peace, security, tranquility, and all the fruits of the kingdom can thrive and flourish.
MIT Students Search for “Meaning of Life” at SSJE
Students from the popular MIT Anthropology Course, “The Meaning of Life” made a visit to SSJE near the end of the term. The story of their experiences has come out in the MIT News. “For first-year student Loewen Cavill, the rhythm of the prayers, the ornate high ceilings, and the incense thick in the air…