Philemon and Onesimus

Reflect on the new relationship between Philemon and Onesimus. Has everything changed? Has nothing changed?

Paul's Conversion

Reflect on Paul's conversion. Have you had a similar conversion? Maybe it was not as dramatic, but perhaps it was something that changed your life.

Divided America

Recent events have brought to the fore many issues that divide America. St. Benedict's Prep seems to be a place that avoids these types of divisions. Reflect on what it is about St. Benedict's that make this possible.

Raising the Bar

I have no problem with not killing someone (although sometimes, I admit, I am tempted.) But at times I do have trouble not getting angry at someone. It may be because I am frustrated about something, and I take it out on someone who has nothing to do with the source of my frustration. Sometimes there is a legitimate reason for my anger, but my anger can be disproportionate to the offense. Jesus asks me to love my enemies. Sometimes I find it difficult even to love my friends, if they have done something to me I disliked. How can Jesus expect me to love my enemies? To do good to those who hurt me? If I am to be a true follower of Jesus, I have to try. I have to imitate the one who even forgave his tormentors from the cross.      

The Temptation in the Desert

Jesus was tempted by Satan in the desert. Satan began by trying to get Jesus to question who he is ("If you are the Son of God . . .)  and then  suggested what the Son  of God should be able to do.  I think I often react too quickly to people who question what I am doing and who I am helping, and how I help them.  I would like to be able to snap my fingers and solve the world's problems, or even just the problems of the people with whom I interact. Often I am impatient with God. Why does He let these problems continue? Why doesn't he act now? Sometimes I say in prayer, "If you really are God . . .", but then I remember the Scripture passage, "God's ways are not our ways, God's thoughts are not our thoughts."    

Mary's Yes

Mary was about 16 years old when she was told by the Angel Gabriel that she would bear the Son of God. What must it have been like for this young girl to ponder what all of this meant? Had she been somewhat prepared for it by her life of prayer and pondering the Scriptures? She could not quite understand how it was going to happen, but she still said "Yes." Could I have said "yes" to God when I was her age? I though about the monastery when I was that age, but it would take me several yeras, and a number of by-ways, before I finally said yes and joined the monastery. Would you be able to say yes to God right now? What do you think God might ask you to do? Do you stand up for your beliefs?  

Who do you say that I am?

Who do you say that I am?

Jesus first asked his apostles, "Who do the people say I am?" This was an easy question to answer. "Some say Elijah, some John the Baptist, some one of the prophets." But then he asked a  more penetrating question: "Who do you say that I am?"

That is a question we all need to ask ourselves. Jesus has many titles. One of my favorites is "The Compassion of God." I believe in a God who loved us so much that he sent his Son to suffer and die for us.

Who do you say that Jesus is?