The Triduum

Karl Rahner writes: “What we call his resurrection – and unthinkingly take to be his own private destiny – is only the first surface indication that all reality has already changed in the really decisive depth of things. The new creation has already started, the new power of a transfigured earth is already being formed from the world’s innermost heart, into which Christ has descended by dying ... He is here. He is the heart of this earthly world and the mysterious seal of its eternal validity.”

Jesus did not begin to save the world by transfiguring first the visible symptoms. Because the evil of injustice, war and greed still carves new marks in the face of the earth, we fear that Easter really is about the next life. We wonder whether the world is absolutely saved. But, as with sick and shallow institutions and churches, the resistant surface is usually the last to collapse. Easter faith is about believing in the light while it is still dark. The Triduum is never over. And a vital contribution still belongs to us. By virtue of our solidarity with the Saviour, everyone and everything is redeemed and completed

Daniel O'Leary's Human touch of Easter in the TABLET, March 2007

The Rule of Saint Benedict, Chapter 47

On Giving the Signal for the Time of the Work of God

The indicating of the hour for the Work of God
by day and by night
shall devolve upon the Abbot
either to give the signal himself
or to assign this duty to such a careful brother
that everything will take place at the proper hours.

Let the Psalms and the antiphons be intoned
by those who are appointed for it,
in their order after the Abbot.
And no one shall presume to sing or read
unless he can fulfill that office
in such a way as to edify the hearers.
Let this function be performed
with humility, gravity and reverence,
and by him whom the Abbot has appointed.

Among the Benedictines

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.

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.