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.
There’s No Going Back – Br. Geoffrey Tristram
“Until we are willing to die, like Peter and Paul, until we do acknowledge our need for God, we will never experience the utter joy of being forgiven, healed, restored, and empowered. Once we have experienced that grace, there’s no going back. ”
Br. Geoffrey Tristram celebrates the remarkable promise in the stories of Peter’s and Paul’s conversions: “If you are in Christ, you are a new creation.”
Read More
Saint John’s Day – The Rev. Kenneth Poppe
“Think how different our life would be—deeply converted to neighbor, to ministry to those different from us—if we saw ourselves as lovers!”
On Saint John’s Day, the Rev. Kenneth Poppe invites us to embrace the profound wonder of being invited into an intimate relationship of love with God.
Read More
Monastic Wisdom: Humility
Check out the latest “Monastic Wisdom Monthly” to explore the topic of humility through Br. David’s reflection, suggested practices, reflection questions, and further resources.
Read More
This is the Way: Walk In It – Jimmy Pickett
“In my time here at the monastery I have come to see cooking and eating as an act of worship in community. I have been given a clearer sense of calling. And most importantly, I have made connections with folks who are following Christ in beautiful, unique ways.”
Monastic Intern Jimmy Pickett encourages us to follow the unconventional path charted by the still, small voice within us.
Read More
Jesus’ Secret in the Gospel according to Mark – Br. Curtis Almquist
“There’s something ahead in life that you will face. And you’re not yet ready to know all of what it will be. You’re not prepared, not yet. It’s a secret. Jesus is holding the secret.”
Br. Curtis Almquist studies how Saint Mark keeps a secret, and what that secret means for us as Jesus’ followers.
Read More
A Renewed and Guileless Knowing – Br. Sean Glenn
“Thomas—who was willing to go to his death with Jesus in chapter eleven—simply asks for something as tangible as the rest of the disciples have received. John is not attempting to paint for us a picture of an inadequate faith. He is attempting something much deeper: a portrait of the complex, enigmatic realities of the paschal encounter, realities where doubt and unknowing become preludes to God’s creative word of truth.”
Br. Sean Glenn finds in the story of Thomas a reminder that our faith does not arise from dogmatic affirmations or creedal confessions, but from the ongoing life of the faithful as they move, again and again, from sites of darkness and unknowing to spaces of encounter—encounter with the Risen Lord.
Read More
Redeeming Love – Br. Geoffrey Tristram
“Think back over your lives so far: the suffering we have known, the mistakes we have made, the wounds which have marked us. Our clumsy and uncertain attempts to love and be loved which so often hurt others and ourselves. We carry our wounds, we each bear our scars, even though we prefer to hide them from the gaze of others.”
On Easter Day, Br. Geoffrey Tristram celebrates with joy that extraordinary power of God which redeems what is broken, mends what is torn and shattered, and gives life to that which has died.
Read More
Powerful Truths & Ineffable Mysteries – Br. Keith Nelson
“Listen: as prayer flows into your ears and over your tongue; as your knees and forehead press marble floors polished smooth by our forebears; as you honor the Cross with outstretched fingers or lips formed into a kiss. Listen as the body of Jesus, the suffering of Jesus, and the death of Jesus cry out for Love’s return, the Love that only you can give him.”
Br. Keith Nelson invites us deep into the mystery of Good Friday’s experience.
Read More
An Uncomfortable Love – Br. David Vryhof
The love to which Jesus points us is more than polite behavior or kind acts or nice words. It does not rely on positive feelings or warm thoughts. Nor does it depend on personal attraction. The love to which Jesus points us requires an openness, a receptivity, a posture of self-giving towards the other. On Maundy Thursday, Br. David Vryhof marvels at the new command Jesus gives us, and the example of radical and self-sacrificing love he sets us.
Read More
Holding Hearts – Br. Luke Ditewig
“Look at Love on the cross. What is heavy on your heart? What pain or trouble do you bear? What secret is eating away at you or what story needs telling? Nothing is too awful, or messy, or trivial, or weighty. Nothing.”
Br. Luke Ditweig offers ideas for how to pray our pain, and Jesus’ pain, in Holy Week.
Read More