“Using startling images and seemingly contradictory metaphors, Traherne expressed the cohabitation of the sacred and what is not called sacred, all of which is to be claimed. Why? Because of God’s reclaiming creation in the birth and life of God’s Son, Jesus.” Br. Curtis Almquist celebrates the life and insights of Thomas Traherne, the great English poet.

“We remember St. Matthew, one whom Jesus selected, shaped, and sent with love. Following, we continue to learn mercy.” Br. Luke Ditweig considers the experience of Matthew for a lesson in learning mercy.

“We are God’s co-creators. All of life teems with God’s presence and creativity. Hildegard said, 'God made [us] mirrors of all heaven’s graces.' We should use all God’s gifts entrusted to us. God’s gifts are to be shared, not squandered, and not denied.” On Hildegard of Bingen's feast day, Br. Curtis Almquist invites us to take inspiration on how to live today from this incredible, creative woman born over 900 years ago.

“It is not our work or strength that will make us whole; no program will lift us to that place from which we finally lose our tiny, creaturely perspective. The only thing that can restore our vision is the mercy of God—an encounter with Jesus, the shepherd who has left all to “tramp the hills” in search of you and me. Our invitation as God’s people is not to pretend to be good, or pious or saintly; it is to open ourselves to the searching, active mercy of God.” Br. Sean Glenn tackles some tough words of Scripture as he confronts our human tendency toward self-delusion, only to reveal the tremendous, redemptive power of God's mercy.

“Surrender your life, surrender your destiny, and take Jesus at his word: that life for you will come out of death. Your dying is the gateway to real life.” On Holy Cross Day, Br. Curtis Almquist points us to the miraculous, real, amazing, constant promise of the cross: that life comes out of death.

“Every day, every moment is an invitation for us to give thanks, to remember the miracle of our birth, our aliveness in God’s likeness, clothed in the Light of creation, and in that very same moment give birth to Christ in our hearts, rejoicing in Christ’s radiance. Every moment can be our birthday and Christmas, all at the same time, and good news just doesn’t get better than that.” On the feast of Mary's Nativity, Br. Nicholas Bartoli skirts theological rabbit holes, to instead marvel at the miracle of our lives.

“Do you sometimes cast an eye on those who deal unscrupulously and yet prosper, or those who act immorally and yet are rewarded with success and power? The road to wealth and power and success can be tempting, and it’s easy to justify the moral compromises that help us achieve our goal a little faster.” Br. David Vryhof dives deep into the Psalms and places before us the age-old choice God offers: "I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life…"

“ It is the particularity of a life of fidelity that makes it a life of freedom and liberation. To be so known, and yet still loved by another, is nothing less than an experience of God.” As the Brothers celebrate two friends' twentieth wedding anniversary, Br. James Koester considers the commonalities between monastic and married life, particularly the challenges and graces of fidelity.

“Through the centuries Gregory’s words ring out with the same conviction and point to each one of us, and ask us, 'Where were you silent when you saw injustice being done? When were you silent when you heard others saying things which you knew were untrue – gossip or cruel words? When were you silent because, well, I just don’t want to get involved? And so you said nothing.'” Br. Geoffrey Tristram encourages us to model ourselves on Gregory the Great, a true servant of God, who spoke the truth without fear or favor.

“Endure with patience. Give thanks with joy. And know the full measure of your soul’s wingspan – the largeness of soul that liberates from all bondage.” Reading the letter to the Colossians, Br. Keith Nelson urges us to silence the powers of darkness by claiming our already-bestowed inheritance: the glorious power of the One who is everything and is in everything.