“We live in very shaky times. In virtually every venue of life in our world, there is now instability. The psalmist assures us: God is our rock, our stronghold, our refuge, so that we shall not be greatly shaken… How is this true for you now?” Br. Curtis Almquist invites us to cling to the bedrock of our faith.

“Perhaps we can glean wisdom from her example by naming a relationship with Jesus to be the one desire of our heart and to help cultivate that relationship by faithful tending of our spiritual gardens through prayer. When that prayer life seems arid and dry, then pray the words of the Psalmist: ‘As the deer longs for the waterbrooks, so longs my soul for you, O God.'” Br. Jim Woodrum honors the example of Teresa of Avila and her desire for Jesus.

“If someone asks you today in Harvard Square or in your hometown why you are a follower of Jesus Christ, what’s the word, the authentic word in your heart and upon your lips? What is your testimony in real time?” Br. Curtis Almquist invites us to be ready, to express our "live" testimony to Jesus Christ.

“Each one of us lives a life filled with challenges, difficulties and struggle. We live in a country which is deeply divided, with huge political uncertainty. It can make us feel insecure, worn out, even despairing. But we as Christians also have another life. A more hidden life, but one filled with power and promise.” Br. Geoffrey Tristram invites us to put our eye to the telescope and renew our vision, that our heavenly life may become powerfully real.

“What would it mean for you today to “return home” and to re-establish your identity, your purpose and your direction? Is it possible that you have strayed from the path to which you have committed yourself, and that you need to be called back? What would it look like for you to renew your purpose and to reclaim your vocation?” Br. David Vryhof considers how the example of Nehemiah, the governor, and Ezra, the priest and scribe, calling the people of Israel back to their core identity and purpose, can inspire us to do the same.

“For us, in an era when it is easy for drone-equipped nations to quite literally rain down fire from heaven on their enemies, Jesus calls on us to be vigilant, discerning, and inclined always to mercy—for he shows us a God whose power is declared “chiefly in showing mercy and pity.” Br. Sean Glenn calls us into the tension of care and mercy with those who might not honor our religious convictions.

“Worship is important because it is a sanctifying act. The word ‘sanctify’ shares the same root as the Latin word ‘Sanctus’ which means: Holy. In the experience of worship, we offer all we are, all we have, all of our blessings, and all of our sufferings and we give it to God in sacrifice asking nothing but to be sanctified and become more like God, that is: holy and fully His.” Br. Jim Woodrum encourages us all to become like angels, joining in the eternal praise of God not only in church, but as we go forth from it.

“The disciples’ confusion stems from what seems to be a clear contradiction between Jesus’ power and his powerlessness. How or why would someone who has such power and authority find himself in the position of having his life determined by others?” Br. David Vryhof invites us to join the disciples "on the way," as we learn from our weakness, failings, and misunderstandings, trusting that the risen Christ will open our eyes to see and understand.

“Vincent was by temperament a very irritable, short-tempered person. He said of himself that, except for the grace of God, he would have been 'hard and repulsive, rough and cross.' But he became tender and affectionate, very sensitive to the needs of others, and he emulated humility.” Br. Curtis Almquist honors Vincent de Paul, the "Apostle of Charity," for both his humanity and his exemplary life.

“You cannot serve God and wealth.” This is a great line from today’s Gospel lesson. In it, Jesus offers a clear and unambiguous teaching. In many contexts, you might hear the word, “wealth,” go untranslated, as “mammon.” This is sometimes accompanied by an explanation that “mammon” is an ancient pagan god. There’s no historical evidence…