For today's blog, we're catching up on two recent writings within a Lenten series from Fr. Michael Schleupner. Fr. Michael is a favorite retreat presenter and spiritual director here at the Center and we really appreciate how he shares his writing with our blog audience! We hope that you're blessed from his words of inspiration during this sacred season of Lent. Lent Musings - 2 Dear Friends, My March 13 'Temptation' blog concluded with my saying that fasting from food…
Today we continue our Black History Month poetry series with inspiring pieces from the beloved Maya Angelou. She was not only an incredibly gifted writer, but a civil rights activist too. "Equality" was written in 1990, yet that the dream of equality is still yet to be fully achieved. The 2nd poem we're highlighting was written in 1995, entitled "Touched by An Angel" and focuses on something that can make her vision of equality possible, love. We hope you enjoy…
First Coming Madeleine L’Engle He did not wait till the world was ready, till men and nations were at peace. He came when the Heavens were unsteady, and prisoners cried out for release. He did not wait for the perfect time. He came when the need was deep and great. He dined with sinners in all their grime, turned water into wine. He did not wait till hearts were pure. In joy he came to a tarnished world of sin…
We Greet Your Coming People in Nativity Scene Costumes We greet your coming, God, with wonder: You come to be with us; yet you remain far greater than we can imagine. You are near; yet your wisdom sets you apart from us. You appear among us; yet we cannot describe your glory. We greet your coming, God, with repentance: We are more or less satisfied with ourselves; but your presence exposes our sin and failure. We are self-confident; but you…
On this last Sunday of Advent, we offer another important lesson from Fr. Michael Schleupner's 'Getting Ready' series. Although this was presented for the 3rd week of Advent, it can lead us right into today's focus on love as well. Let us know your thoughts as you reflect on the hope, peace, joy and love of the season. The week has arrived! Jesus is coming soon! Getting Ready - 3 Dear Friends, Last week I recommended that we get in…
Advent Oratorio Paul Spicer & N.T. Wright Come, Lord, and cleanse us from our sin; Your new, glad work in us begin. Remove our idols from our sight; Let us in you alone delight. Prepare us for your coming reign By washing us from every stain; Make known to us your holy Name; Let us no more turn back to shame. Call us to you from every land, And guide us with your powerful hand; Show us the path that…
Our faithful friend of the blog, Fr. Michael Schleupner, offered this homily a few weeks ago. It gives his personal reflection about his relationship with Jesus, providing a beautiful way to embrace our connection to Jesus too. Let's take a few quiet moments to prayerfully read and reflect on our own journeys with God. Who do you say that Jesus is? Mark 8:27-35 Peter declares that Jesus is the Christ, and Jesus teaches that those who would follow him must…
Let's take a few moments to center ourselves with prayer and a (virtual) walk through the forest. Many of the scenes in this beautiful video could be from the woods around our Center. May you have a deeper appreciation for the simple vine wrapping around a tree in the sunlight or the diligent ant making it's journey home on your next walk in nature. Pray with us. Creation Prayer God our Father, you created the world and sent your own…
For Courage to Do Justice O Lord, open my eyes that I may see the needs of others Open my ears that I may hear their cries; Open my heart so that they need not be without succor; Let me not be afraid to defend the weak because of the anger of the strong, Nor afraid to defend the poor because of the anger of the rich. Show me where love and hope and faith are needed, And use me…
Sr. Ji Choi is a Novice with the Sisters of Bon Secours and is working within our retreat ministry. She is offering several retreats in the coming months around this year's theme of "The Heart of St. Joseph" (You can read about the next one by clicking here). Let's read her thoughts about today's feast day. Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. This solemnity encourages us to devote ourselves to the love of the…
