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.
Christ the King – Br. David Allen
John 18:33-37 This Last Sunday after Pentecost is also called, The Feast of Christ the King. The words of one of the antiphons for the first Evensong of Christmas Day speaks to me especially this year. “ The King of Peace is highly exalted, passing all the kings of the whole earth.” This theme of…
Read MoreMary Our Companion – Br. Curtis Almquist
It is our custom here at the monastery on most Saturdays to remember the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our chapel is dedicated to Mary and, as guests will know, we begin Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer every day with the recitation of the “Angelus,” (as in “angels”). Support SSJE Please…
Read MoreWatch… Beware… Keep Alert – Br. David Vryhof
Mark 13:14-23 Alright, I’ll admit I wasn’t thrilled when I realized that I would be preaching today on a text from Mark 13 — these are difficult words to understand and to interpret! The 13th chapter of Mark’s gospel reflects a genre of writing that we call “apocalyptic.” Apocalyptic thought occurs in both the Old…
Read MoreThe Word and words of God – Br. Curtis Almquist
John 1:1-14 As a young boy I remember a great feeling of solace in reading the inscription on the cornerstone of our parish church. The inscription read: “Holding Forth the Word of Life.” Even by a young age I already knew that life was full of changes, most of which absolutely delighted me as I…
Read MoreThe Widow’s Mite – Br. Eldridge Pendleton
Mark 12:38-44 The Widow’s Mite, the story of the poor woman who gave all that she had to the Temple Treasury is a lesson about openhanded generosity and placing one’s trust fully in God. It is a story we need to hear, an encouragement to live fully and generously. The widow’s contribution in monetary terms…
Read MoreAll Soul's Day – Br. Geoffrey Tristram
A friend of mine was preaching at an All Souls’ Day service, about life after death, and afterwards asked his churchwarden what he thought would happen to him after he died. He said, “I suppose I’ll go to everlasting bliss, vicar, but I wish you wouldn’t talk about such unpleasant subjects!” Support SSJE Please support…
Read MoreHe Is Calling You – Br. Geoffrey Tristram
Mark 10:45-52 I love books of old photographs, and I particularly like the classic works of such as Robert Doisneau and Henri Cartier Bresson. I recently came across two photos placed side by side, and they made a powerful impression on me. The first one was the sort of thing you get in magazines like…
Read MoreJesus and the Law – Br. Curtis Almquist
Matthew 5:17-19 We hear these striking words on Jesus’ lips, “I have come not to abolish but to fulfill the law,” which, I think is a core issue for the divisions within the Church, now and also since the very beginning. What can change and what must change if we are to “fulfill the law”…
Read MoreHe Went Away Sad – Br. David Vryhof
Mark 10:17-22 “And the young man went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” Mark 10:22 Several years ago I was looking through postcards in a bookshop when I came across a card with a quotation from “Sister Mary Tricky.” Now I have no idea if “Sister Mary Tricky” is a real person or the…
Read MoreConsecration of Robert J. O’Neill Bishop Coadjutor, Episcopal Diocese of Colorado – Br. Curtis Almquist
Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 96:1-8; Galatians 6:14-18; Matthew 11:25-30 Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) was a witness to Christ in ways beautiful, charismatic, and extreme. He was a person of deep prayer and great compassion. He lived in an age of tremendous suffering, systemic corruption, and voracious spiritual hunger. He greeted these opportunities with courage, the unquenchable…
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