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.
Brothers’ Away Week
The Guesthouse and Chapel will close after Evening Prayer on Sunday, 20 January and reopen in time for Morning Prayer on Tuesday, 29 January.
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Jesus’ Presence, Peace, Provision, and Power – Br. Curtis Almquist
“Don’t wait for a big plan. Start with a small practice, and the ripples of grace will have a power that can do infinitely more than you can ask or imagine.”
Br. Curtis Almquist reflects on how we can put into practice Jesus’ instruction to “Love your enemies” and our Baptismal promise to “respect the dignity of every human being.”
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And the Twelve Told Him All – Br. James Koester
“She turned to God, and told God all that was on her heart. As she spoke, she started to weep, as she said in a hushed voice, that was the first time she had told God anything really important.”
Br. James Koester shares a memory that enriches his reading of Mark’s Gospel as he highlight one of its unremarkable lines, which nevertheless has much to teach us.
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Dr. Patrick Hornbeck Visits
Dr. Patrick Hornbeck was with the SSJE Brothers at the Monastery January 3-5 to discuss “The Question of Religious Freedom in America.”
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Epiphany Traditions
There are a number of traditions associated with the Feast of the Epiphany.
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The Revelatory Experience of Life – Br. Curtis Almquist
“When did things begin to change? When did it happen that Jesus’ message and mission – not just to Jews but to the whole world – begin to enlarge? With the magi. With the visitation of the wizards at Bethlehem. Jesus, of course, was an infant. Mary and Joseph took it all in. Something very significant happened in their encounter with the magi from foreign lands, and they were forever changed.”
On the Feast of the Epiphany, Br. Curtis Almquist looks to the Magi and marvels at God’s ongoing revelation.
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Missionary Season – Br. David Allen
“Does this story of Nathanael inspire you to use prayer and meditation as a way to know Jesus?”
As we move from the season of Christmas to Ordinary Time, also known as “Missionary Season,” Br. David Allen finds many expressions of mission in following Jesus.
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Here is the Lamb of God – Br. Sean Glenn
“Even though the world may be chilled and anxious, a prophet’s strange words herald the darkness’s retreat: ‘Here is the Lamb of God. I myself did not know him; but I came that he might be revealed.’ A light shines in the far country of our heart, in a region we may have long ago decided was barren, lost, or dead—lost forever to our long exile.”
Br. Sean Glenn reflects on the words of John the Baptist and how, even amid the darkness of our unknowing, God prepares our salvation.
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Refuse to be Consoled – Nicholas Bartoli
“There’s no shortcut here, no path around the sadness, pain, and anger. The only way to healing and transformation is the Way of Jesus, not around but through. Resurrection comes through the cross, and there is no other way. ”
On the Feast of the Holy Innocents, Br. Nicholas Bartoli confronts the age-old question of theodicy and proposes an unexpected twist.
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Heaven in Ordinary – Br. Keith Nelson
“The God who revealed himself to Moses by the Unpronouncable Name “I AM who AM,” has consented to be known by a human name not only pronouncable but common in its own time and culture. The name Jesus is now for us a two-syllable prayer with the power to bless, to heal, to save, and to bring us back into alignment with what matters most.”
Br. Keith Nelson invites us to claim “heaven in ordinary” through the holy name of Jesus.
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