Living the Rule 
Stories and examples of how monastics and oblates live out the Rule in their daily lives.
Our vows, our commitment
A life without commitment is not a life that is free, but is in fact scattered and running around in circles. Another word for commitment is taking some sort of vow. Marriage for instance, as well as in some sort of religious vocation is one of the most common ways to make a promise. If… Read More ›
Seeing deeply — I choose
(Gail Bardis) Choosing is iffy. For when we consciously, make a choice, it will open up a new road to walk on, a new way of seeing the world which may take time to experience in its fullness. To not choose is a choice as well and its affect on our lives may not be… Read More ›
The struggle with self
It is a true honor to meet the many people who come to the Monastery to make a retreat and to be able to share and learn from them. I have yet to meet a man or a woman who is not going through some sort of deep interior struggle. Some may not always know… Read More ›
Another waiting room
(written 2/5/2009) Yesterday, I took Cal to have a procedure done; it was outpatient, done in his doctor’s private clinic. It would take about three hours, so I had plenty of reading material, as well as a note book for writing, if the mood struck me. The waiting room was small having 12 chairs ringing… Read More ›
Small things
Our life is made up of small things, yet each is important if we understand that our inner responses are what are important. We grow in doing the little things, the everyday chores, and the little kind acts that go unnoticed by others. You are closer than my skin If I understand The reality of… Read More ›
A man with a problem and a gun
When I was guest master for a short time from late 1990 to early 1992 I had some interesting experiences with different types of visitors. The vast majorities were of course no problem, from different religious traditions and here seeking quiet and a time to reflect….or simply sleep. One early Monday morning, a man walked… Read More ›
Dealing with self-talk
All I want is to figure things out, give me the bottom line! Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Mark 4:38 A small group here in the Monastery is meeting and talking about “Non-Violent-Communication”. It is a… Read More ›
When our journey begins
One of the biggest issues that come up with people on a spiritual path that is theistic is their own projections onto God. We project on to each other all the time and it can cause serious issues in relating. If the projection is positive or negative, it can have the same result, a break… Read More ›
What retreatants have taught me about childlike faith
The LORD protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and he saved me. Let my soul be at rest again, for the LORD has been good to me. He has saved me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. And so I walk in the LORD’s presence as I live… Read More ›
Remiss
(This was written several years ago) Time goes by, the days filled with responsibilities and things to do that at times, something very important can be put on the back burner. I suppose for the last eight months or so I have done that with Aldo. He has now been in the nursing home for… Read More ›