Within the Benedictine Monastic Communities today, Saint Benedict is being remembered as the founder of monasticism. The universal church also remembers him on July 11th; but on this day those who belong directly to his family celebrate his life and renew their vow of conversion of life. May we learn something of their faithful intention to live with integrity the evangelical virtues.
O God, by whose grace your servant Benedict, kindled with the flame of your love, became a burning and a shining light in your Church: Grant that we also may be aflame with the spirit of love and discipline, and walk before you as children of light in the school of the Lord’s service; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Rising into New Life
The Lenten Season is a wonderful time for us to reflect on the meaning of new life offered to us in the risen Christ. It is a time for discerning and asking our Lord how he may use us anew to proclaim his good news to those who come among us. We are a vital and alive community of faith which has so much to offer those who come among us. We are warm, full of hospitality, and the focus of our life is Christ, the Bread of Life.
Already new members of the parish have extended invitations to others and the parish has experienced wonderful growth. I am sure that they don't see themselves as evangelists, though that is what they are, but simply as friends who wish to share their experience. This wonderful spirit will continue to build a loving community that cares deeply for one another and desires to extend that love to the larger community.
What is it about Ascension that you cherish? What news about the parish do you wish to share with others? Know that by inviting people to participate in our worship is to be about our Lord's work. We don't want to grow for growth's sake, we don't want to grow because we want a larger pledge base, we want to grow because it is our Lord's Great Commission and the continual sign of our life and vitality.
Already new members of the parish have extended invitations to others and the parish has experienced wonderful growth. I am sure that they don't see themselves as evangelists, though that is what they are, but simply as friends who wish to share their experience. This wonderful spirit will continue to build a loving community that cares deeply for one another and desires to extend that love to the larger community.
What is it about Ascension that you cherish? What news about the parish do you wish to share with others? Know that by inviting people to participate in our worship is to be about our Lord's work. We don't want to grow for growth's sake, we don't want to grow because we want a larger pledge base, we want to grow because it is our Lord's Great Commission and the continual sign of our life and vitality.
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