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.
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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Saint Stephen, and the Grace of Redemption – Br. Curtis Almquist
“There’s no denying that Stephen was corralled, judged, and lynched by both words and stones. It was a tragic and cruel death. But there’s also no denying that Stephen’s shed blood was like seed for the Church.”
Br. Curtis Almquist encourages us to discover in Stephen’s martyrdom an example of redemption, one that can illuminate our own suffering.
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The Shepherd’s Field – Br. Jim Woodrum
“Who are you in this story? Do you remember exactly where you were and who you were with when you first encountered the glory of God in your life? Where is your Shepherd’s Field? How have you experienced God’s holy invitation and who have been the angels in your life, inviting you into the presence of God?”
On Christmas morning, Br. Jim Woodrum invites us to enter into the Christmas story, to visit our own Shepherd’s Field and listen to the angels singing, then go and meet Jesus, the One who waits for us.
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Why Does This Story Never Wear Out? – Br. James Koester
“It may be dark. You may be afraid. But listen to the angels who say to you: do not be afraid. Do NOT be afraid. The light has come. The babe is born. Christmas is here. God is with you.”
On Christmas Eve, Br. James Koester reflects on the power and promise of the Christmas story: not sentimentality, not nostalgia, but truth.
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Enfolding Grace – Br. Luke Ditewig
“The darkness deepens. Dark and more dark, and yet we can see. God is here with us speaking, providing, nurturing, and saving in the dark. With Mary, Elizabeth, and today’s companions, live by faith in the dark with twinkling and enfolding grace. ”
Br. Luke Ditewig reflects on the power of darkness, inviting us to claim its gifts in this season of life.
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A Severe Mercy – Br. Curtis Almquist
“We don’t place ourselves into the refiner’s fire; we don’t plunge ourselves into a vat of fuller’s soap. This will be done to us, or for us, to prepare us to meet the Messiah.”
Br. Curtis Almquist finds hope in the most extreme metaphors of Scripture.
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Twelve Days of Christmas Audio Book
This year, we Brothers hope you’ll join us in celebrating Christmas for twelve days by exploring an audio book by Br. Curtis Almquist on The Twelve Days of Christmas.
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No word from God will be without power – Br. Sean Glenn
“If you find yourself voiceless, wait in trust. God’s purpose will come to pass as Mary, our spiritual mother, teaches us a song not of hastily sought knowledge but of faithful trust that God’s promises will be.”
Br. Sean Glenn encourages all who feel mute to take heart: no word from God will be without power.
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