I have been reading Bonnie Thurston’s book, Shaped By the End You Live For. She quotes material from Thomas Merton that I have not read before and you will hear more of these pithy texts in a moment. I like to return to the ‘false self – true self’ dynamic that was important to Merton’s journey and to his understanding of monastic, contemplative life. Recalling our brief discussion several weeks ago I chose not to use the word ‘dichotomy’ in terms of the false self-true self relationship, so as not to give the sense that there is a split between these two realities.

Readings of the day: RB 22 Sleeping Arrangements for the CommunityMass: Ac 12:1-11; Resp Ps 34; 2 Tm 4:6-8, 17-18; Mt 16:13-19
Shroud of Turin center
But who do you say that I am?
I remember Fr Tom Royce, SJ, of blessed memory. Fr Tom was kind enough to speak about Ignatian Spirituality in a class I taught on Christian Spir

Readings of the day: RB 35:12-18Mass: Is 49:8-15; Resp Ps 145; Jn 5:17-30
I pray to you, O Lord, for a time of favor.In your great mercy, answer me, O God, with your salvation that never fails.(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)


Like all days, today is a day to call upon the Lord in times of difficulty and frustratio

Readings of the day: RB 18:7-111 P 5:1-4; Resp. Ps 23; Mt 16:13-19 The Chair of Saint Peter, BerniniBeing Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea,but the encounter with an event, a person,which gives life a new horizon and decisive direction.(Pope Benedict XVI, Encycli

In other years: Our Lady of Lourdes
Readings of the day: RB 9 The Number of Psalms at the Night OfficeMass: Lv 13:1-2, 44-46; Resp. Psalm 32; 1 Co 10:31-11:1; Mark 1:40-45
Mother Teresa ministering to the sickDo not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets;I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.(Mt 5:17