It is a lovely sunny Sunday in the Bahamas. The doors and windows in St. Joseph Church are wide open as Mr. Cyril Baker and the choir begin a fantastic rendition of “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.” Presider Father Preston Moss begins the liturgical procession down the long aisle to the front of the church. When Fr. Moss is about halfway to the altar, the town drunk, Mr. Higgs, whom everyone knows, joins the choir in his loud, enthusiastic, and very off-pitch voice. Ushers immediately come to remove Mr. Higgs from church…and the more they try to move him, the louder Mr. Higgs sings. When Fr. Moss ..read more

Our team of writers are going to take a break for the summer. Some will be vacationing and seeing new sights; others will have leisure time with family and friends; and several will have new community roles. We hope to be personally refreshed and will be back with you in September. Psalm 37 advises us: “Trust God and do good, settle down and be at peace. Delight in the Lord, who satisfies your heart.” This is our wish for you this summer. The post Daily Meditation for May 31, 2023 appeared first on Saint Benedict's Monastery ..read more

“If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts.” Where will you hear God’s voice today? It may be in the silence of a prayer time—when you are very attentive to the Word of God. It may be in the cry of a small child, the smile of a grandparent, or words spoken to you by a friend! How will those who meet you hear God’s voice? Will it be a kind invitation to share a meal, or a word of encouragement when the person has just received some bad news? It may be your nonverbal gentleness and compassion reaching out to someone in need. This week, be aware of the messages you give to others, the ..read more

What do you think when you hear the following words: “We need to compose our lives” or “Love across differences” or  “Don’t lose a sense of wonder”? Is there really music, poetry, creativity within each of us? Is it truly possible to value what is common among us as well as value our differences? Can we see anew the beauty in a colored leaf, a friend of color, a complicated world, a seemingly unsolvable problem? Yes, to these challenges. Although it takes time and practice, if done from a stance of delight and openness, we can find the music, poetry, and creativity necessary to change and ..read more

Children are looking forward to summer vacation and will have many more hours to add vitality to the house. The Bible tells us about how Jesus enjoyed the presence of children. In this story it was evening. Jesus had been hard at work, teaching, preaching and healing all day. He sat down heavily and kicked off his sandals. Just then he heard running feet, laughter, and squealing, as a group of little kids came to share the moment. Jesus must have been an attractive, fun, person to play with. Two apostles got up to chase them away, but Jesus told them to let the children stay with him…for their ..read more

In the movie Shadowlands, C. S. Lewis asks a young student why he reads so many books. He answers, “To find out that I’m not alone.” Stories trace the joys, struggles, sorrows, and triumphs common to people in every age and place. As scientists tell us, each human has 99% of the same DNA as every other human. But a single story about human life is always only partially true. There’s that little 1% of difference and the wildly varied circumstances of our lives—geography, history, culture, personal experience—all leaving their traces on our bodies and spirits. So, when we tell our stories, we al ..read more

In a May 12, 1984, Peanuts comic strip, the dog Snoopy is seen strolling toward Charlie Brown and Sally. Snoopy gives each a warm sincere hug. Afterwards, Charlie explains their dog’s behavior to his puzzled sister saying, “You can always tell when he’s been listening to Leo Buscaglia’s tapes.” Encouraging persons to create joy for others, to bring hope to the lost and love to the lonely was at the heart of Buscaglia’s popular University of Southern California’s course titled “Love.” Perhaps this summer, when these radio meditations are not available, we might choose some ways Buscaglia sugges ..read more

The month of May has its share of performance awards. Trophies recognize athletic achievement. Certificates honor academic excellence. Being asked to be the baccalaureate speaker lifts a senior’s reputation as prized among classmates. Beyond recognition for reputable initiatives, every honor acclaims the whole person including integrated values and extraordinary service. However, some students move on without being noticed. They know that they’ve given what it takes and have dreams yet to be realized. Still, they have consistently shown kind consideration of others. They are known to be fair a ..read more

May is a time of change for many people. Graduating students and newly married couples are forming different lives. Our animal neighbors also establish themselves for the summer. Many birds are secretive, concealing their nests, although robins may treat us to witness the nesting, hatching and fledging of their young. They often nest in lower areas where one can view this process, and while enjoying these vibrant harbingers of spring, the emergence of other animals gains attention. We witness young squirrels scampering near their nest among the upper branches of a tree. Down below, watch for c ..read more

Today is the Feast of the Ascension, the day on which the apostles witnessed Jesus being taken up to Heaven. Jesus told them to stay where they were until the Spirit came. And then they should go to many places to share the story of Jesus death and resurrection. Just as they were commissioned to go out and spread the good news of Jesus, so we are also sent to spread the good news in our own lives and in the lives of others. Recall the events of Easter and Jesus’ gift to us of salvation. Take time these days to be grateful for that gift. Then reach out to others with compassion and love as Jesu ..read more