Monastery Monday

Ash Wednesday

2010-02-17T14:35:00.001-08:00

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. It is the day that Catholics proceed to the altar (usually during Mass) to have ashes (in the form of a cross) placed on their foreheads while the following words are being said: "Remember, that you are dust and to dust you shall return" or "Repent, and believe the Gospel". The practice of placing ashes on the face is an ancient practice of public penitents. The ashes themselves come from the burning of the palm fronds of last Palm Sunday and are mixed with water to form a sort of paste that adhere to the forehead.

On Ash Wednesday, Catholics are to abstain from meat and to fast. Fasting means that we may eat one full meal and two smaller meals not to combine, in size, to one full meal. Elderly persons and those with medical needs may be exempt from the fast, but not the abstention from meat.

All this is part of our spiritual preparation for Easter, which I will explain in a later post.

Pope Benedict encourages priests to blog!

2010-02-07T16:20:00.000-08:00

The words that surround the main dome of St. Peter's Basilica relay the words that Christ said to Simon Peter when he gave him the "keys to the kingdom". "And I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18)

We Catholics believe that the Pope is the successor to St. Peter - the Vicar of Christ on earth. Although he does not always speak "Ex Cathedra" ("from the chair" which would mean that his teaching is infallible), we do take what he says very seriously.

Recently, Pope Benedict XVI issued a proclamation challenging priests "to proclaim the Gospel by employing the latest generation of audiovisual resources (images, videos, animated features, blogs, websites) which, alongside traditional means, can open up broad new vistas for dialogue, evangelization and catechesis."

This is not a new area for the Holy Father. Just last year he joined the you tube generation and began a you tube channel: http://www.youtube.com/vatican. He also used text messaging to reach hundreds of thousand of youth at Youth World Day 2008 in Sydney.

Although my time has been extremely limited these days, and I have missed many days of posting on Monastery Daily Photo, I am deeply encouraged by the Holy Father's support of my blogging. I hope, in the very near future, to be able to return to regular posting. Thanks for sticking with me.

Viva Papa Benedicto!

My World Tuesday - Bookstore

2010-01-26T14:39:00.000-08:00

"From early morning until evening, he expounded his position to them, bearing witness to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus from the law of Moses and the prophets."

Acts of the Apostles 28:23

referring to St. Paul

Part of my new monastery and Retreat House is a Religious Bookstore and Giftshop. There are very few Catholic book/gift stores in this area so we are quite popular, not only with our Retreatants, but also with people who come from all over the area to shop.

Besides religious books we also offer statues, rosaries, medals, music and movies, and a wide array of religious gifts. We have overgown the small space - as you can see - that's why it appears so cluttered. So, it is on my to do list to reorganize the entire shop, and perhaps, one day, to expand.

Besides our regular retreat and book/gift store visitors, we also have people coming by to obtain our oranges, avocados and lemon (for a donation). So, we have quite a bit of traffic coming through our property. This is going to take some getting used to since I have enjoyed the silence of our Northern California monastery for so many years.

For more My World Tuesday click here.

Sacred Sunday Sunset

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(view from the back of the monastery)

"Today is holy to the Lord your God. Do not be sad and do not weep" - for all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the law. He said further, "go, eat rich foods, drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared; for today is holy to our Lord. Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength".

Nehemiah 8:9-11

1st Reading of today's Mass

Oranges and snow - after the storm

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Sacred Sunday

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"My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver."

Proverbs 8:19

(road to lower parking lot amidst the orange groves)

Skywatch Friday - lone bird

2010-01-15T20:27:00.001-08:00

For more Skywatch Friday click here

"I look upon myself as a weak little bird, with only a light down as covering. I am not an eagle, but I have only an eagle's eyes and heart. In spite of my extreme littleness I still dare to gaze upon the Divine Sun, the Sun of Love, and my hear feels within it all the aspirations of an Eagle...I Divine Word! You are the Adored Eagle whom I love and who alone attracts me!...Eternal Eagle, You desire to nourish me with Your divine substance and yet I am but a poor little thing who would return to nothingness if Your divine glance did not give me life from one moment to the next."

St. Therese of Lisieux

the little flower - Carmelite Nun

Wordless Wednesday - Palms

2010-01-13T22:06:00.000-08:00

For more Wordless Wednesday click here.

My World Tuesday - dawn

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I'm still getting used to having to walk outside to get to Lauds (Morning Prayer) and Mass each morning. In my former monastery, I just walked downstairs and was near the inside entrance to the monastic church. Here, our morning services are open to the public so we use the Retreat House chapel. However, this time of year, the 6:20 a.m. walk is a pleasure because of the beauty of my favorite time of day - dawn. And it is Southern California, so, the temperature has been in the comfortable low 50's.

For more My World Tuesday click here.

View from the Retreat House

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"I lift my eyes to the mountains, from where shall come my help."

Psalm 121

My new home sits in the shadow of the San Bernardino Mountains. This time of year the mountain peaks are usually covered in snow. However, it has been in the mid-70's all week long. Therefore, very little snow. This photo shows the view from the plaza of the Retreat House where our retreatants can sit, relax and contemplate the beauty of creation. Our retreats are usually silent experiences. Silence? Because it is in the silence of the heart that we cultivate the possibility of hearing the voice of God.

Note: If you enlarge the picture you'll get a sneak preview on part of our orange groves.

A new year...a new home

2010-01-08T21:50:00.000-08:00

"For my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples."

Isaiah 56:7

Happy New Year to all my blogger friends.

I'm not quite settled, but I am moved into my new home. The picture above is our small monastery. As I mentioned in a previous post, this is a house of ministry, thus, the monastery is smaller and so is the community. At present, there are only four in the community, but we hope to have a new arrival later this summer after three of our men are ordained to the priesthood.

In this house we do retreat work. We have about 40 acres which holds, besides the monastery, a retreat center, a convent for the Sisters who run our kitchen and dining room, our Provincial Superior's residence and about 25 acres or orange and avocado groves. As Prior and Retreat Director I am responsible for the community and the whole property. I hope to be back to blogging regularly. So, I will show you bits and pieces as time goes by.

Feast of the Holy Innocents

2009-12-28T17:37:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Innocents. This feast remembers those infant boys who were killed to protect the throne of Herod from the newborn King of the Jews (whose birth had been announced by the magi). This feast reminds us to protect, cherish and care for human life in all stages.

Collectively, the feasts we celebrate during these days are to remind us that the observance of Christmas cannot be isolated from the rest of the Church's observance of the Paschal Mystery (the suffering, dying, and rising of Christ); this is the reason he was born in the first place.

When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet:"A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more."

Luke 2:16-18

This is the Christmas tree and statue of the Infant Jesus which is in our refectory (monastic dining room)

On another note, I would like to take this opportunity to mention that I am being transferred to another monastery, as of January 1. Although many people refer to me as a monk, technically I am not. A monk has stability to one particular monastery and it would be a rare exception that might take him away from that one monastery to another. I, on the other hand, am a friar. The word friar comes from the latin frater, which means brother. A friar is not attached to any one monastery and can be sent anywhere his Order has monasteries.

So, I have been asked to take up a new post in one of our two monasteries in Southern California. Although my responsibilities will be greater I don't foresee that it will be an obstacle from my continuing Monastery Daily Photo. So, please bear with me a few days while I spend a few days with my family and complete the transition.

In the meantime, please know that all of you, my blogger friends, go with me in my prayer.

Feast of the Holy Family

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The front door of the monastery

Closeup of the creche at the front door.

The Sunday following Christmas is celebrated as the Feast of the Holy Family. The Holy Family is comprised of Jesus, his mother, Mary and his foster-father, Joseph.

So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:3-7

St. Stephen, Deacon and Protommartyr

2009-12-26T11:03:00.000-08:00

December 26

Feast of St. Stephen

My good blogger friend, J. of Greensboro Daily Photo, asked me if I would write a little about St. Stephen, as we celebrate his feast day today. J. and her husband are the original "Sacred Sunday" bloggers. Be sure to stop by Greensboro Daily Photo every Sunday and tell them that FA sent you.

St. Stephen was one of the early deacons of the Christian Church. He became the Protomartyr (first martyr of the Church) because of his death by stoning. His crime? Blasphemy against Moses and God. His prosecutors? An angry mob led by St. Paul (although at that time he was known as Saul of Tarsus).

For more information on St. Stephen, go to the source.

Read Acts of the Apostles 6:8-10 & 7:54-59.

While most people are taking down Christmas today, the Church continues celebrating. Yesterday, Christmas day, began the Oktave of Christmas - 8 day liturgical celebration which turns Christmas day into 8 days, ending on January 1, the Solemnity of the Mother of God. After that, the Christmas season continues until the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord - this year, January 10, 2010.

So, don't take that tree down, just yet. Let's keep celebrating. And besides, isn't today the second day of Christmas? Yes, the twelve days of Christmas began yesterday and ends on January 5, the day before the Feast of the Epiphany (January 6), when the three Kings arrived in Bethlehem.

Emmanuel - God is with us!

2009-12-25T21:46:00.000-08:00

Monastic Church on Christmas morning

Detail of creche

This evening, at the start of Vespers, I had the privilege of chanting the Proclamation of the Birth of Christ. This text comes from the Roman Martyrology of December 24 and situates the birth of Christ within the context of salvation history.

In the five thousand one hundred and ninety-ninth year

of the creation of the world

from the time when God in the beginning created the heavens and the earth;
the two thousand nine hundred and fifty-seventh year after the flood;
the two thousand and fifteenth year from the birth of Abraham;
the one thousand five hundred and tenth year from Moses and the going forth of the people of Israel from Egypt;
the one thousand and thirty-second year from David's being anointed king;
in the sixty-fifth week according to the prophecy of Daniel;
in the one hundred and ninety-fourth Olympiad;
the seven hundred and fifty-second year from the foundation of the city of Rome;
the forty second year of the reign of Octavian Augustus;
the whole world being at peace,
in the sixth age of the world,
Jesus Christ the eternal God and Son of the eternal Father, desiring to sanctify the world by his most merciful coming, being conceived by the Holy Spirit, and nine months having passed since his conception,
was born in Bethlehem of Judea of the Virgin Mary, being made flesh.
The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh.

A Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!

Gloria in excelsis Deo!

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"The angel said to them, "I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. ”

Luke 2:9-19

Gospel of Midnight Mass of Christmas

A blessed Christmas to all.

O Antiphon - Day 6

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O Antiphon for December 22

O Rex Gentium (King of the Gentiles) (Hag 2: 8), Desired of all, you are the cornerstone that binds two into one (Eph 2: 20). Come, and save poor man whom you fashion out of clay (Gen 2: 7).

My World Tuesday - O Antiphons - Day 5

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O Antiphon for December 21

O Oriens (O Rising Dawn) (Zac 6: 12), Radiance of the Light eternal (Hab 3: 4) and Sun of Justice (Mal 3: 20); Come, enlighten those who sit in darkness & the shadow of death (Ps 107: 10; Lk 1: 78).

In my monastic world, we don't begin decorating the Church or the monastery until as late as possible (this year the decorating begins tomorrow). So, the beautiful 12 foot Noble Fir sits in the truck until it takes it place of honor in the Church.

For more "My World Tuesday" click here.

O Antiphons - Day 4

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Fourth Sunday of Advent

O Antiphon for December 20
O Clavis David (O Key of David) (Apoc 3: 7) Scepter of the house of Israel, you open and no man closes; you close and no man opens (Isa 22: 22). Come, and deliver him from the chains of prison who sits in darkness and in the shadow of death (Ps 107: 10).

O Antiphons - Day 3

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O Antiphon for December 19

O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse), you stand for the ensign of all mankind (Isa 11: 10); before you kings shall keep silence and to you all nations shall have recourse (Isa 52: 15). Come, save us, and do not delay (Hab 2: 3).

Please note that in the above picture the child Jesus statue is absent from the creche. We place him in the scene on Christmas eve.

Advent Skywatch

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December 18 is day two of the Christmas novena. The "O" Antiphon for today is:

O Adonai or O Lord and Ruler (Exod 6: 13) and Ruler of the house of Israel (Matt 2: 6), you appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush (Exod 3: 2), and on Mount Sinai gave him your Law (Exod 20). Come, and with outstretched arm redeem us (Jer 32: 21).

For more Skywatch Friday click here.

Christmas Novena

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December 17 is the first day of the Christmas Novena. Each member of the community takes a Day of Recollection (Retreat Day) during the nine days before Christmas. On the night before his Day of Recollection, the community processes to his cell, with lighted candles, singing "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" and the Prior presents him with a statue of the infant Jesus.

Every evening during the Christmas novena the "O" Antiphons are sung at Vespers. These antiphons address Christ with seven Messianic titles, based on the Old Testament prophecies and types of Christ.

"O" Antiphon for December 17

O Wisdom (in latin: O Sapientia) (Eccl 24: 5), you came forth from the mouth of the Most High (Sir 24: 30), and reaching from beginning to end, you ordered all things mightily and sweetly (Wis 8: 1). Come, and teach us the way of prudence (Isa 40: 14).

Wordless Wednesday - Rosary

2009-12-16T13:44:00.001-08:00

For more Wordless Wednesday click here.

My World Tuesday - Cloister

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In a monastery, the basic living quarters of the building and property is reserved for the private use of the monastic community (monks, friars, nuns, etc.). Unless they are providing a service to the community, lay (secular) people are not usually permitted in this area, which is called "the cloister". The cloister enables the monastic community to maintain silence and to focus on the presence of God. To quote a Sister in the movie "Trouble With Angels", "cloister is not always a place"....indeed, something to think about.

For more "My World Tuesday" click here.

By the way, my world is still experiencing internet trouble (sigh).

Sacred Sunday - Gaudete

2009-12-13T13:32:00.000-08:00

Christ is the light in our darkness. Rejoice!

Today is the 3rd Sunday of Advent - also known as Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is latin for rejoice (from Gaudere). The liturgy on this day takes on a tone of rejoicing as we are called to anticipate the coming of Christ in the Nativity and His coming again at the end of the world. In the darkness of Advent, we light the third candle of the Advent Wreath, which is rose colored and the priest wears rose colored vestments in order to offer encouragement to continue our spiritual preparation - especially prayer and fasting for Christmas.

Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Phillipians 4:4-7

2nd Reading for Mass on Gaudete Sunday

The photo is a glimpse into the beautiful skies we have seen in Northern California for the last few days.

Skywatch Friday - Looking out

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A consecrated man living in a monastery must be detached from many "earthly" things. Two of these things should be the computer and the internet. However, I discovered this week that I'm more attached to these two things than I care to admit. Our internet connection has been down all this week and it's not been easy. Perhaps I'm just thinking about the business email that has been piling up, along with all the prayer requests that comes with that, and I even had to call in payroll (I was at a loss)...or perhaps I'm just missing the opportunity to catch up on all my favorite blogs. In any case, I stopped by a coffee shop today to post my Skywatch...and also to catch up on the "all important" email.

"If you do not learn to deny yourself, you can make no progress in perfection."

Our Holy Father, St. John of the Cross

Discalced Carmelite

Feastday: December 14

Happy Hanukkah to my dear Jewish friends, especially Dina and Lori Lynn!

For more Skywatch click here.

Three

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The term Trinity describes the central doctrine of Christianity - in God there are three distinct persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Athanasian creed (in use since the sixth century) describes it in this way:
"the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God, and yet there are not three Gods but one God."

Happy Second Sunday of Advent

Skywatch Friday - Full moon

2009-12-04T16:04:00.001-08:00

"It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as the faithful witness in the sky."

Psalm 89:37

For more Skywatch from around the world click here.

Wordless Wednesday - Advent

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For more Wordless Wednesday click here.

1st Sunday of Advent

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O come, O come, Emmanuel,

and ransom captive Israel,

that mourns in lonely exile here

until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Today, the First Sunday of Advent, begins the new Liturgical Year and the season of Advent. The word advent in latin means "coming". So, Advent is the preparation time for the coming of the Lord at Christmas. Although Christ came, historically, two thousand years ago, He come again to us, mystically, at Christmas. And He will come again in the Second Coming where He will judge the living and the dead.

Advent is a time of joy and hope, tinged with a touch of penance so that we may be spiritually prepared to receive Him at Christmas. This is all symbolized in the Advent wreath whereby we have the four candles (one for each Sunday). The evergreens symbolize life in the midst of winter; the candles symbolize the light of Christ in the darkness (the pink one for the 3rd Sunday represents joy); and the purple (color of the season) represents the penitential flavor of the season.

Thanksgiving

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When most of America was feasting on God's bounty, it's important to remember that there are many people, even in our own towns and cities, who went without an abundant Thanksgiving meal. It's our tradition, on the day after Thanksgiving, to pack up our leftovers and clean out our pantry and deliver if to the local food bank. So, please join us, on this day after, in a prayer to end world hunger.

UPDATE: My friend, Dina, at Jerusalem Hills Daily Photo, reminded me about a great organization that works to end hunger. See her comment about Heifer International in the comment section.

Thanksgiving Day

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"I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus, that in him you were enriched in every way, with all discourse and all knowledge, as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you, so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift."

1 Corinthians 1:4-7

I pray that each of you have a blessed and joyous Thanksgiving. May your tables be filled with the bounty of the Lord and may your hearts be filled with His love and peace.

Wordless Wednesday - Turkeys

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For more Wordless Wednesday click here

My World Tuesday - music

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This is my view of the "world" 5 to 7 times each day. As the principal organist for the monastery I plan all our major liturgies, choose the music for every Mass and prayer time, and accompany the singing on the organ....and I love every minute of it!

For more "My World Tuesday" click here

Sacred Sunday - Christ the King

2009-11-22T20:34:00.000-08:00

Crown Him with many crowns, the Lamb upon His throne.

Hark! How the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own.

Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee,

And hail Him as thy matchless King through all eternity.

Matthew Bridges (1800-1894)

Today is the Solemnity of Christ the King. Christ the King Sunday celebrates the all-embracing authority of Christ as King and Lord of the cosmos. As the last Sunday of the liturgical calendar, it emphasizes the end times and the second coming of Christ.

Next Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent and begins a new liturgical year.

Wordless Wednesday - Stella

2009-11-18T09:02:00.001-08:00

For more Wordless Wednesday click here

Office Door

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This is my world on a daily basis. I go in and out of my office door at least ten times each day.

For more My World Tuesday click here

Sacred Sunday

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Christ has no body on earth but yours;

no hands but yours; no feet but yours.

Yours are the eyes through which he is to look out-

Christ's compassion to the world.

Yours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good.

Yours are the hands with which he is to bless others now.

OHM, St. Teresa of Jesus (of Avila)

Wordless Wednesday

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For more wordless photos click here for Wordless Wednesday

My World Tuesday - Deer

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There are many wonderful advantages to living in a monastery situated in a rural area. This is one of them. Last week I looked out my office window and there was this beautiful creature. As I opened the window to get a picture this fawn turned and looked right at me. The older deer will usually run pretty quickly. But, not this young one. He/she stayed and let me click away.

May God be praised for all His creatures, great and small.

For more My World Tuesday click here

Thanks to Dina at Jerusalem Hills Daily Photo for introducing me to My World Tuesday!

Altar of Sacrifice

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The word altar appears twenty-four times in the New Testament. In Hebrews 13:10, St. Paul speaks of Christians having an altar where those who did not believe in Jesus could not partake. The Eucharist which happens on the altar, refers to the eternal, once-for all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which is made "present again". It is a re-presentation of the one sacrifice made by Jesus Christ.

There is fixed altar in every church, since it more clearly and permanently signifies Christ as the living stone (1 Peter 2:4; Ephesians 2:20). The reason an altar is called 'fixed' is because it attached to the floor so as to be irremovable.

Roman Catholicism requires that there be only one altar in a newly built church, and that it be made of stone, ideally made of natural stone, such as granite or marble, as the altar symbolises Christ who is regarded as being the cornerstone of the Church. In practice, however, solid and well-crafted wood is often used, due to the expense of stone. It is still customary to place relics of saints, specifically those of martyrs, under the altar (as Mass in early Christianity was customarily celebrated above tombs of martyrs ).

Because the altar represents Christ, only what is required for the celebration of the Mass may be placed on the mensa (the flat, horizontal surface of the altar). Candles, which are required at every Catholic liturgical service, are placed either on or around the altar in a way suited to the design of the altar and the sanctuary. Catholics also place a cross, or crucifix (a cross with the figure of Christ), on the altar or near the altar, where it is clearly visible to the congregation.

General Instruction from the Roman Missal

Happy Sacred Sunday

Skywatch over downtown

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O most High, almighty, good Lord God,
to you belong praise, glory, honor, and all blessing!

Praised be my Lord God with all creatures;
and especially our brother the sun,
which brings us the day and the light;
fair is he, and shining with a very great splendor:
O Lord, he signifies you to us!

Praised be my Lord for our sister the moon,
and for the stars,
which God has set clear and lovely in heaven.

Praised be my Lord for our brother the wind,
and for air and cloud, calms and all weather,
by which you uphold in life all creatures.

an excerpt from the Canticle of the Sun

St. Francis of Assisi

For more Skywatch click here

Wordless Wednesday - Halloween

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For more Wordless Wednesday click here

November 2 - All Soul's Day

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This morning after Mass, we processed to the cemetary while the monastery bell rang the "death toll" (the toll that is rung when a brother dies). At the cemetary, at the graves of our deceased brothers, we sang the In Paradisum from the Requiem Mass, and prayed for their souls.

May the Angels lead you into paradise;

may the martyrs greet you at your arrival

and lead you into the holy city, Jerusalem.

May the choir of Angels greet you and like Lazarus,

who once was a poor man, may you have eternal rest.

Today is All Soul's Day. It is the day we remember our faithful departed who are in purgatory (in other words, they have not reached heaven, nor have they gone to hell). Catholics believe that purgatory is a state of purification for the soul that is not properly disposed to be in the presence of God. This is called the Church Suffering. We, the Church Militant (the living), have the responsibility to pray for those in purgatory so that they may become the Church Triumphant (those is heaven).

In Latin countries, November 2 is also know as Dia de los muertos.

Today is my first time at My World Tuesday. Check it out!

Sacred Sunday - Lake Tahoe

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This photo and text was chosen for Skywatch Friday. However, travelling, lack of internet connection and some touble with Blogger prevented my posting it. So, I offer it, today, for Sacred Sunday.

In our encounter with Christ

it is not enough to contemplate Him

as the historical person revealed in the Gospels.

Nor is it enough to contemplate Him

in the encounter of faith through grace

by which we become united with Him and others

in the mystical body.

We must also be able to meet Christ in the

divine, continual act of creation, redemption and sanctification of the total universe.

Sr. Ilia Delio, O.S.F.

Wordless Wednesday - Lake Tahoe edition

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For more Wordless Wednesday click here

Lake Tahoe, Nevada

2009-10-26T21:20:00.001-07:00

I'm on the road again. This time at a meeting in beautiful Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Our meeting place is right on the lake with spectacular views of the water and mountains - it is God's glory as revealed in His creation.

Lake Tahoe

Prayer spot on the water

The Lodge

Close of day

Bless the LORD, my soul! LORD, my God, you are great indeed! You are clothed with majesty and glory,robed in light as with a cloak. You spread out the heavens like a tent; you raised your palace upon the waters. You make the clouds your chariot; you travel on the wings of the wind. You make the winds your messengers; flaming fire, your ministers. You fixed the earth on its foundation, never to be moved. The ocean covered it like a garment; above the mountains stood the waters. At your roar they took flight; at the sound of your thunder they fled. They rushed up the mountains, down the valleys to the place you had fixed for them.

Psalm 104:1-8

St. Elijah icon

2009-10-25T21:14:00.000-07:00

St. Elijah, leader and father of Carmelites,

interceed for us and the whole world.

The LORD then said to Elijah: "Leave here, go east and hide in the Wadi Cherith, east of the Jordan. You shall drink of the stream, and I have commanded ravens to feed you there." So he left and did as the LORD had commanded. He went and remained by the Wadi Cherith, east of the Jordan. Ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the stream.

1Kings 17:2-6

Happy Sacred Sunday

Skywatch Friday Clouds

2009-10-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore, console one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:17

For more great sky watching click here

Persimmons

2009-10-22T20:21:00.000-07:00

For the fruit of all creation, thanks be to God.

Gifts bestowed on every nation, thanks be to God.

For the plowing, sowing, reaping, silent growth while we are sleeping,

future needs in earth's safekeeping, thanks be to God.

In the just reward of labor, God's will is done.

In the help we give our neighbor, God's will is done.

In our worldwide task of caring for the hungry and despairing,

in the harvests we are sharing, God's will is done.

For the harvests of the Spirit, thanks be to God.

For the good we all inherit, thanks be to God.

For the wonders that astound us, for the truths that still confound us,

most of all that love has found us, thanks be to God.

Fred Pratt Green

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

For more Wordless Wednesday click here

Sacraments

2009-10-20T14:08:00.000-07:00

Sacraments confer grace based on the belief of ex opere operato / ex opere operatus, which means they work by the very grace of God and are not dependent upon the worthiness of the minister or the recipient. By the very fact that a priest or person intends to do what the Church intends means the sacraments work. For a sacrament to be considered "valid and licit" two things must be present. The proper matter and form need be used. If the proper matter is not used, the sacrament is invalid. If the proper form is not used, the sacrament is illicit. The sacraments also need to be performed by the proper minister with the faculties to perform it. In some situations, others, including in some cases, the laity, may be given permission to act as extraordinary ministers of the sacraments. The matter, simply put, is the material used for the sacrament, for example, water for baptism. It is the sensible, visible part of the sacrament. The form or formula is the prayer that goes with the sacrament, for example, "I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

The seven sacraments are Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Order and Anointing of the Sick.

Stairs to.....

2009-10-17T15:39:00.000-07:00

So I will allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak to her heart.

Hosea 2:16

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-14T21:15:00.000-07:00

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California Storm

2009-10-13T21:37:00.000-07:00

"One day he got into a boat with his disciples and said to them, "Let us cross to the other side of the lake." So they set sail, and while they were sailing he fell a sleep. A squall blew over the lake, and they were taking in water and were in danger. They came and woke him saying, "Master, master, we are perishing!" He awakened, rebuked the wind and the waves, and they subsided and there was a calm. Then he asked them, "Where is your faith?" But they were filled with awe and amazed and said to one another, "Who then is this, who commands even the winds and the sea, and they obey him?"

Luke 8:22-25

My friend, Dina at Jerusalem Hills Daily Photo, kindly asked how we at the monastery fared the "biggest October storm in 47 years", as described by the San Jose Mercury News. She had heard about the storm all the way in Jerusalem. Thanks for your concern, Dina.

We are fine, although Stella the dog has been wet all day. Fortunately, in spite of the high winds (which continued from 3:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) we never lost electricity. We did lose a lot of big branches and noticed one hanging on an electrical wire - we'll call the electric company tomorrow.

The storm is now headed for Southern California. With all the recent fires there is big concern for mudslides. Please join us in praying for our neighbors to the south.

Sacred Sunday

2009-10-11T11:29:00.000-07:00

"Remember to keep holy the sabbath day. Six days you may labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD, your God. No work may be done then either by you, or your son or daughter, or your male or female slave, or your beast, or by the alien who lives with you.

Exodus 20:8-10

"Sunday is the property of our good God; it is His own day, the Lord's day. He made all the days of the week: He might have kept them all; He has given you six, and has reserved only the seventh for Himself. What right have you to meddle with what does not belong to you? You know very well that stolen goods never bring any profit. Nor will the day that you steal from Our Lord profit you either. I know two very certain ways of becoming poor: they are working on Sunday and taking other people's property."

St. Jean Marie Vianney

in a homily to his congregation

October - Cancer Awareness

2009-10-09T07:15:00.000-07:00

On my last night in Denver, while driving down I-25, I was reminded that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Let's remember to pray, daily, for our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, and friends who have suffered with this horrible disease...and let's also pray for a cure.

"They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles' wings; They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint."

Isaiah 40:31

It's Skywatch Friday - click here to see Skywatch from around the world!

Vocation Event #2

2009-10-07T16:00:00.000-07:00

Over three days, we saw over twelve hundred 6th graders and over two hundred high school Juniors to talk about Religious Vocations. What a blessing!

This is the Good Shepherd stained glass window from the "mega" Church that I wrote about in my last post. "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young."

Isaiah 40:11

Mile High City

2009-10-05T16:54:00.001-07:00

The retreat in Boise went well and now I am switching hats and promoting religious vocations in Denver, Colorado. This is a three day event which brings all the 6th & 11th graders of the Archdiocesan Catholic schools to one location to learn more about priesthood and consecrated life. The days include worship and praise, Holy Mass, panel discussions, question and answer periods, exploring the religious vocations exhibit area, a scavenger hunt and lunch.

The location of this event is being held at a Denver Church that can only be described as the "mega" Catholic Chuch of the 21st century. It is a recently remodeled church that boasts a membership of over 21,000 members. The main body of the church contains a state of the art audio-visual system, great lighting, exquisite furniture and beautiful sacred art.

Lourdes Shrine

2009-10-03T12:17:00.001-07:00

I'm preaching a retreat in Idaho and ran across this devotional shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes.

In 1858, the Blessed Mother of Jesus, appeared to the French shepherd girl, St. Bernadette Soubirous, to ask the world to pray for the conversion of sinners. This is typical of Mary's mission to draw attention to her Son and to bring souls to Him.

Although these apparitions have been approved by the Roman Catholic Church, they are not an article of faith. In other words, Catholics may believe in the apparitions, but are not bound to.

Sky Watch Friday

2009-10-02T07:36:00.000-07:00

After Jesus was baptized, He came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

Matthew 3:16-17

For more Skywatch from around the world click here

Location: sky over Boise, Idaho

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-30T21:07:00.000-07:00

For more Wordless Wednesday click here.

A prayerful wish for my Jewish friends

2009-09-28T13:39:00.000-07:00

A blessed Yom Kippur to my dear Jewish friends,

especially Lori Lynn and Dina.

The LORD said to Moses, "The tenth of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement, when you shall hold a sacred assembly and mortify yourselves and offer an oblation to the LORD. On this day you shall not do any work, because it is the Day of Atonement, when atonement is made for you before the LORD, your God. Anyone who does not mortify himself on this day shall be cut off from his people, and if anyone does any work on this day, I will remove him from the midst of his people. This is a perpetual statute for you and your descendants wherever you dwell: you shall do no work, but shall keep a sabbath of complete rest and mortify yourselves. Beginning on the evening of the ninth of the month, you shall keep this sabbath of yours from evening to evening."

Leviticus 23:26-32

Sacred Sunday

2009-09-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

A friar in prayer

"Prayer is an act of love, words are not needed. Even if sickness distracts from thoughts, all that is needed is the will to love...For mental prayer in my opinion is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us. The important thing is not to think much but to love much and so do that which best stirs you to love. Love is not great delight but desire to please God in everything."

St. Teresa of Jesus (of Avila)

Location: Carmelite Monastery, San Francisco

Skywatch Friday

2009-09-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

From the monastery hilltop looking south.

The Silicon Valley covered in morning fog.

Today's Skywatch Friday post was inspired by San Pedro Daily Photo's recent "FOGGY" post. Click here to see it.

For Skywatch from around the world click here.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-23T05:55:00.001-07:00

Location: Franciscan University

For more Wordless Wednesday click here

Steubenville, Ohio

2009-09-22T15:17:00.001-07:00

Tomb of the Unborn Child

Franciscan University

Latrobe, Pennsylvania

2009-09-21T11:46:00.000-07:00

I had the blessing of visiting St. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. It is the first Benedictine monastery in the United States, with beginnings as far back as 1790. Today, it comprises the Basilica Church, the Archabbey/monastery, a seminary, a college and a retreat house.

Sacred Sunday

2009-09-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

The stained glass window depecting Mary with the Christ child surrounded by a choir of angels at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Francis, Sylvania, Ohio.

Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand;

Ponder nothing earthly minded, for with blessing in His hand,

Christ our God to earth descendeth, our full homage to demand.

King of kings, yet born of Mary, as of old on earth He stood,

Lord of lords, in human vesture, in the body and the blood;

He will give to all the faithful His own self for heavenly food.

Rank on rank the host of heaven; spreads its vanguard on the way,

As the Light of light descendeth from the realms of endless day,

That the powers of hell may vanish as the darkness clears away.

At His feet the six wingèd seraph, Cherubim with sleepless eye,

veil their faces to the presence, as with ceaseless voice they cry:

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Lord Most High!

Text of the hymn: Let All Mortal Flesh Take Silence
An ancient chant of Eucharistic devotion based on the verses taken from Habakkuk 2:20

Dont' forget to visit Sacred Sunday at Greensboro Daily Photo

and for further inspiration go to Jerusalem Daily Photo

Skywatch Friday

2009-09-18T19:20:00.000-07:00

Franciscan University

I was blessed to participate in a Vocation Fair, today, at the Franciscan University. There were over 100 Religious Orders and Dioceses represented. There were plenty of young men and women who were interested in learning about Religious Life and I was very happy to share ours with them.

For more Skywatch Friday click here

Portiuncula

2009-09-17T04:59:00.000-07:00

As part of my work for my religious community I serve as Vocation Director (which in the secular world is basically a "recruiter"). So, on occasion, this puts me on the road. At present, I am in Ohio and had the opportunity of visiting one of my favorite seminary Professors at Lourdes College and Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Francis (her home in Sylvania, Ohio).

Sister gave me the grand tour of their 89 acre property. One of the highlights was the Portiuncula Shrine. This is a replica of the original Portiuncula in Umbria where, in 1208, St. Francis had the mystical vision of Christ who told him, "Francis, Francis, go and repair my house which, as you can see, is falling into ruins". Francis mistakingly understood this to mean the material rebuilding of the little ruined church in which he was praying.

This is the original Portiuncula in which the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli has been built around it. It sits about 4 kilometers from Assisi (in the Umbria region of Italy).

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-15T19:55:00.000-07:00

For more wordless photos click here

Sacred Sunday

2009-09-13T15:25:00.000-07:00

"Prayer is the mortar which keeps our monasteries together."

St. Teresa of Avila

2009-09-12T21:55:00.000-07:00

"It is written," he said to them, "'My house will be a house of prayer".

Luke 19:46

Today, Feast of the Holy Name of Mary, our community celebrated the 50th Anniversary of our foundation. The local bishop was here to celebrate with us, as well as Fathers and Brothers from our other communities in Arizona, Southern California, Oregon and Washington, as well as 250 friends and benefactors.

The photo shows the proclamation of the Gospel during the Mass.

Skywatch Friday - Turkey Hawks

2009-09-11T07:51:00.000-07:00

There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate.

Isaiah 34:15

For more Skywatch Friday click here

More monastic neighbors

2009-09-10T14:20:00.000-07:00

My blogger friend, texasnascarcowgirl at NASCAR and horses posted a great picture for me today. For a good laugh go to NASCAR and horses.

Here's looking at you texasnascarcowgirl. My post shows some of my favorite neighbors as seen from our deck on the southwest side of the monastery hill.

Happy Birthday Mary, Blessed Mother

2009-09-08T07:13:00.001-07:00

In the past few months I have shown pictures of three of the four main stained glass windows in the monastic church - this is the fourth. It depicts Mary, (Mother of Jesus and Our Lady of Mount Carmel) watching over her Carmelites from heaven (St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila can be seen at the bottom of the window).

September 8 is the day the Church has set to celebrate the birth of Mary. It is a long tradition of Carmelites to make their Profession of Vows (Poverty, Chastity and Obedience) on this day. We have one Brother making his Profession today and it is the 11th anniversary of my own Profession day.

Sacred Sunday

2009-09-06T13:03:00.000-07:00

As Carmelites, our liturgies are usually simple. However, on Sundays and other Solemnities we enhance our liturgies with more singing, chanting and other ritual.

Every Sunday evening we chant Vespers, with the Blessed Sacrament exposed on the altar, and end with Benediction.

Skywatch Friday - Twilight

2009-09-04T06:01:00.001-07:00

Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace, Your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace, Be there at our homing, and give us, we pray, Your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day.

Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm, Whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm, Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray, Your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.

From the hymn "Lord of all Hopefulness"

sung to the melody of an Irish folksong "Slane"

lyrics by Jan Struthers

For great Skywatching around the world click here

Book stall

2009-09-03T21:29:00.001-07:00

Part of our ministry is to promote the spiritual life; in particular, Carmelite spirituality. We have a rich tradition of spiritual writers and we make those books available to those who visit our monastery.

Supper

2009-09-01T20:31:00.000-07:00

Although I don't get it to do it very often I do enjoy cooking. One night last week I had the opportunity to cook the evening meal. The community asked for Mexican food since we don't get it too often. I prepared my mom's recipe of Chile Verde (a pork stew made with tomatillos and jalapenos). It's pretty spicy! I served it with refried beans, Mexican rice, hot tortillas and homemade salsa.

Angles

2009-08-31T11:53:00.000-07:00

Good Shepherd icon

2009-08-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

This icon of the Good Shepherd was written by one of the Brethren. It was a gift to our Provincial Superior in honor of the building of our House of Studies. The icon shows the Good Shepherd holding the House in His hands.

"The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. In green pastures you let me graze; to safe waters you lead me; you restore my strength. You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name. Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage. You set a table before me as my enemies watch; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come."

Psalm 23

Skywatch Friday

2009-08-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

"His dynasty will continue forever, his throne, like the sun before me. Like the moon it will stand eternal, forever firm like the sky!"

Psalm 89:37-38

For more Skywatch click here

"Who me?"

2009-08-27T13:18:00.000-07:00

refrigerators

2009-08-25T09:30:00.000-07:00

We have several communication centers (bulletin boards) and several refrigerators (as well as a walk-in) in the monastery. But, the two refrigerators in our kitchen probably look pretty much like any refrigerator in a single family household. It has family pictures, magnets and reminders.

The Lord's Day

2009-08-23T12:50:00.001-07:00

"The Lord's Day — as Sunday was called from Apostolic times — has always been accorded special attention in the history of the Church because of its close connection with the very core of the Christian mystery. In fact, in the weekly reckoning of time Sunday recalls the day of Christ's Resurrection. It is Easter which returns week by week, celebrating Christ's victory over sin and death, the fulfilment in him of the first creation and the dawn of "the new creation" (cf. 2 Cor 5:17). It is the day which recalls in grateful adoration the world's first day and looks forward in active hope to "the last day", when Christ will come in glory (cf. Acts 1:11; 1 Th 4:13-17) and all things will be made new (cf. Rev 21:5)."

Dies Domini

The Lord's Day

Pope John Paul II

Naked ladies

2009-08-22T21:19:00.000-07:00

WHAT? Naked ladies in a men's monastery? Yes, we see these naked ladies every year. Naked ladies are also known as Amaryllis and Belladonna Lily. They are beautiful flowers.

Our internet connection has been down the last few days...hence, the lack of posts. But, we're up and running again. Unless I get shut down for searching "naked ladies" on the internet.

Garden statues

2009-08-19T13:58:00.001-07:00

A recent post of "Our Lady's Garden" raised a couple of questions. Texasnascarcowgirl asked for a closeup picture of the statue and Dina and J. Evan Kreider asked about the smaller statue.

This is St. Michael the Archangel, the field commander of the army of God and patron saint of warriors. He is often portrayed as crushing the head of Satan - the force of evil.

Prayer to St. Michael

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host -by the Divine Power of God -cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits, who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen

The larger statue is the "Immaculate Conception" to whom the garden is dedicated and named. The Immaculate Conception is a name given to Mary, the mother of Jesus, in deference to her own conception in the womb of her mother, St. Anne, without the stain of orignal sin. This was a special gift to Mary in preparation for her carrying of the Savior of the world.

Prayer to the Immaculate Conception

O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son, we beseech You that, as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son, You did preserve Her from all stain, so too You would permit us, purified through Her intercession, to come unto You. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end.

Amen

2009-08-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

As the deer yearns for running streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When can I go and see the face of God?

Psalm 42:2-3

This time of year, our resident deer are constantly in search of something green to eat. They even venture closer to the monastery than they usually do. We're hoping that they don't figure out how to jump over the fence of our new garden.

Our Lady's Garden

2009-08-16T08:10:00.001-07:00

"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now."

Phillipians 1:3-5

Our monastery has a big contingent of friends and benafactors who enjoy helping out around the monastery. This particular project, Our Lady's Garden, was a total volunteer effort (from idea to completed garden).

There are many ways of being a "partner in the gospel". Even getting one's hands dirty to bring glory to God by creating a new "prayer spot".

Wild turkeys

2009-08-15T13:53:00.000-07:00

I have long waited to get a picture of our resident turkeys (this is about half the family). I was able to sneak up on them from above. But, as soon as they heard the camera they flew over the side of hill. Yes, flying turkeys are an amazing sight.

Sunset

2009-08-14T08:42:00.000-07:00

Just another beautiful California sunset.

For more Skywatch from around the world click here

Pipe Organ

2009-08-13T12:56:00.000-07:00

This is my usual view of the chapel.

"In the Latin Church the pipe organ is to be held in high esteem, for it is the traditional musical instrument which adds a wonderful splendor to the Church's ceremonies and powerfully lifts up man's mind to God and to higher things."

Sacrosanctum Concilium 120

Document of Vatican Council II

Doing dishes

2009-08-10T13:14:00.001-07:00

"The Lord walks among the pots and pans."

OHM, St. Teresa of Jesus (aka Teresa of Avila)

Eating three meals together means a lot of dishes, especially without a dishwasher. So, we do it the old fashioned way - by hand. Fortunately, as the saying goes, "many hands makes light work". So, we get the job done quickly so we can move on to "recreation" (the time we spend together to relax and have some fun). I'll post on "recreation" at a later date.

Holy water font

2009-08-09T12:39:00.001-07:00

At each door of the monastic Church there is a holy water font where we dip our fingers and then make the sign of the cross over ourselves. Holy water is clean, fresh water which has been blessed by a priest or bishop especially for use at baptism of new members. However, all Catholics use it as a reminder of their own baptism where they were admitted into the Christian Church.

The plaque over the font says "Ave Maria". This is latin for "Hail Mary" which is the first line of the Hail Mary prayer. This is a reminder of the greeting which St. Elizabeth proclaimed when she greeted her cousin and recognized that Mary was carrying the Messiah in her womb.

Skywatch Friday

2009-08-07T11:03:00.001-07:00

It's been said that we must eat well, sleep well, and reacreate well in order to serve God well.

For more skywatch from around the world click here

Interior Castle window

2009-08-05T16:31:00.000-07:00

Directly across from the "Living Flame of Love" window is the "Interior Castle" window. This window is an artist rendition of St. Teresa of Avila's spiritual classic the "Interior Castle". St. Teresa of Avila, whom we consider our Holy Mother, reformed the Carmelite Order in the 16th century. The Interior Castle was one of several written works, which are considered spiritual classics in mystical theology, by this Doctor of the Church.

In the Interior Castle, St. Teresa guides souls to spiritual perfection in describing much of what she has experienced. St. Teresa envisioned the soul like a "castle made of a single diamond...in which there are many rooms, just as in heaven there are many mansions". She describes the 7 rooms that a soul must pass to experience suffering, strife and purgation in order to reach the inner chamber where perfect union with God exists.

In the window you will notice seven rings of which each pertains to the first through seventh mansions. The center of the mansions shows a triangle, which represents the Most Holy Trinity in the inner chamber.

Living Flame window reflection #2

2009-08-03T15:27:00.000-07:00

The late afternoon and evening light in the monastic Church can change during the different seasons of the year and even different times of the day. Because of the way the sun pours in from different angles, we often get movable light shows.

As I was leaving after Vespers last night, I noticed that the same reflection that was on the marble floor just 5 hours earlier (see yesterday's post) was now now hitting the organ pipe chamber; as the sun was lower the reflection was higher!

Living Flame of Love

2009-08-02T08:16:00.000-07:00

My friends at Greensboro Daily Photo requested a photo of the stained glass window that was seen from the outside in an earlier post. This window is an artist rendition of St. John of the Cross' classic spiritual poem "The Living Flame of Love".

Don't forget to visit Greensboro Daily Photo every Sunday for "Sacred Sunday.

In the Living Flame of Love St. John of the Cross is putting into words the state of the soul that has reached the state of transformation which is the highest state attainable on earth, it is equivalent to what he frequently calls the spiritual marriage.

The Living Flame of Love

St. John of the Cross, Discalced Carmelite
Stanzas the Soul Recites in Intimate Union With God

O living flame of love

That tenderly wounds my soul

In its deepest center! Since

now you are not oppressive,

Now consummate! if it be your will

Tear through the veil of this sweet encounter!

O sweet cautery,

O delightful wound!

O gentle hand! O delicate touch

That tastes of eternal life

And pays every debt!

In killing you changed death to life.

O lamps of fire!

in whose splendors

The deep caverns of feeling,

Once obscure and blind,

Now give forth, so rarely, so exquisitely,

Both warmth and light to their Beloved.

How gently and lovingly

You wake in my heart,

Where in secret you dwell alone;

And in your sweet breathing,

Filled with good and glory,

How tenderly You swell my heart with love.

The relflection of the Living Flame window on the marble floor