Oblate Formation 
Posts concerning Oblate and Novice formation. These include articles which are also applicable to most Christians, whether Oblate or not. Additional articles on instruction of various parts of the Rule can be found under that category.
Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.
After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they… Read More ›
Splinter
The splinter in the other, the log in my own eye, what does that mean? Also, will we be judged in the same manner that we judge? Are these sayings related, if so what do they indicate? I don’t think they were stated to engender fear, no, but insight yes, about the nature of reality…. Read More ›
Our lives have meaning
For the Christian, the Word, or Christ is the way to seek to understand life and what it is about. In Christ, God emptied himself and dived full bodied into our human experience with all of its joys and sufferings. Perhaps each religion does this, gives tools to help us make sense of our lives… Read More ›
It is necessary for us to fall
After this [God] allows us to fall harder and more grievously than ever we did before — as it seems to us. And then we think (because we are not all wise) that what we had begun has come to nothing. But it is not so. It is necessary for us to fall and it… Read More ›
The need for a “star” to guide us
How striking is the symbol of the star that recurs in all the images of Christmas and Epiphany! It still gives rise to deep feelings although, as with so many other sacred signs, it risks becoming common place because of its commercial overuse. Restored to its original context, the star we contemplate over the crib also speaks to the mind and heart… Read More ›
Remove Rocks from the ‘Stream of Life’
Once received, graces are enhanced every time we are diligent, overcome a bad habit, confess a sin (making a real effort not to repeat it), or turn away from what tempts us. God blesses us to encourage us in good and withdraws blessings to indicate when we are in error. Graces are enhanced every time… Read More ›
Pray for a spirit of love to dominate your family time this Christmas
Q: Our extended family is getting together for Christmas this year, and I have to admit I’m not looking forward to it. Some of our relatives don’t get along with each other, and I’m afraid we’ll just end up squabbling. Any suggestions? — Mrs. L.R. A: My first (and most important) suggestion is that you commit your… Read More ›
Why Hating Is Too Easy and Forgiving Is Too Hard
Psychologist Considers the Reasons People Choose Bitterness ARLINGTON, Virginia, NOV. 29, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Though hatred ferments within a person and prevents positive achievements, still, it seems to be on the rise. Doctor Paul C. Vitz, associate professor and senior scholar at the Institute for the Psychological Sciences, is asking why. “Hatred sort of ‘pickles’ a… Read More ›
Come, Lord Jesus
Heaven at present is out of sight, but in due time, as snow melts and discovers what it lay upon, so will this visible creation fade away before those greater splendours which are behind it, and on which at present it depends. In that day shadows will retire, and the substance show itself. The sun… Read More ›
Advent Message from St. Benedict: Slow down, be quiet and pay attention
The word Advent is derived from two Latin words: ad venire, which mean, “to come towards.. During the four weeks of Advent, we contemplate the coming towards us of the One who is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. As with so many of the activities of God, who was and who is and… Read More ›