A Parable of Crisis

In the gospel text of today we have a parable and several sayings all put together in one unit.  I like to focus my reflections on the beginning parable, which is truly a puzzle.
This beginning pericope has been named by some NT commentators as 'the parable of the unjust steward'; others have called it a 'parable of crisis' which is probably truer to Jesus' intention in telling this parable.  Jesus is less concerned with the unjust actions of the steward.

If a poet or an artist returns to the mirror to see if she ‘is there’, what about us who live monastic life, a life where we strive to be open to the flow of grace, to the Spirit who forms us into a new creation?  Returning to the mirror to see if I am there, to see if I am myself…to see who or what I am serving.

Radical Self HonestyOne of the primary ways we deepen our relationship with God, and how our humanity grows into the freedom and fullness of life it is called to, is through ‘self-knowledge.’  Perhaps it is even more far-reaching to say that it is through the path of conversion, which is the main thrust of our vow of ‘conversatio’.  In one of my recent chapter talks I noted the desert story of Abba Poeman where it is said that ‘every day he made a new beginning.’  We begin the new

St Bernard on Capax Dei “As I have said, the soul’s greatness is measured by its capacity. What hope of salvation could there be for one who had no capacity for receiving it?” (Sermon #80, Song of Songs, p.149). In these words St. Bernard is giving us a very profound insight into the nature of the human person created by God. Do we realize all that is being said here? The measure of the soul’s greatness is its capacity to receive: to receive salvation, to receive grace, to receive God’s love.

This summer Redwoods Monastery hosted a weekend geared especially for young women (ages 18-40) who were interested in learning more about monasticism and contemplative prayer. 6 women attended – most in their early twenties. Some were interested in a religious vocation but most came just to experience a deeper level of prayer. This was the second year we hosted this event and we now hope to ma