Notes, Homilies, and News
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October 16th: Last Rose of Summer
If you are getting tired of seeing roses on this News Page, fear not, because this will be the last posting of a rose for many months to come, as it is in fact the last rose of Summer (though technically is is already Autumn). We've had a very mild Autumn thus far,...
Twenty-Ninth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year A
Scripture Readings: Book of the Prophet Isaiah 45:1, 4-6; Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians 1:1-5; Gospel According to Saint Matthew 22:15-21 The first reading this Sunday, from the Old Testament Prophet Isaiah, indicates that a secular leader, in this case...
October 9th: The Best for Last
The likely final bunch of roses for decorating our church were cut in our cloister garden on October 8th. That is very late for us for having fresh flowers, especially roses. In addition, even a lingering Easter lily was found in the garden as well. We always plant...
Twenty-Eighth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year A
Scripture Readings: Book of the Prophet Isaiah 26:6-10; Saint Paul’s Letter to the Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20; Gospel According to Saint Matthew 22:1-14 Reflecting on the Gospel passage today, I would ask: who of us hasn’t been to a wedding? I think we are all...
October 1st: Mild Autumn
Autumn 2026 is now underway, but so far we have not received any early morning frost in our Chama Canyon setting. That means the roses in our cloister garden are still blooming. Abundant rainfall over the past many days has added to the longevity of the roses as well,...
Twenty-Seventh Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year A
Scripture Readings: Book of the Prophet Isaiah 5:1-7; Saint Paul’s Letter to the Philippians 4:6-9; Gospel According to Saint Matthew 21:33-43 In this Sunday’s Gospel parable, Jesus uses the imagery of growing grapes and making wine to convey an important message....
September 27th: Early Morning Mist
While enjoying rainfall over the past several days, Saturday also provided some morning mist to enhance the landscape, evident in today's photo. The recent rains have made Forest Service Road 151 leading to the Monastery wet and muddy in quite a few places. Some...
Twenty-Sixth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year A
Scripture Readings: Book of the Prophet Ezekiel 18:25-28; Saint Paul’s Letter to the Philippians 2:1-11; Gospel According to Saint Matthew 21:28-32 Here at the Monastery Autumn is definitely “in the air.” Such is the case as well in many other parts of the Northern...
September 21st: Recreation Room
Do monks recreate? In a manner of speaking, yes! As time permits, some might hike, others bike, still others might ride horses, when we have them, though at present we don't. A monastic recreation "room" is more technically a space where monks can gather for...
September 17th: Generous Rain
Rain is finally falling freely in the Chama Canyon wilderness, for which we are very grateful. New Mexico has had its driest Summer in recorded history, so any moisture is deeply appreciated. It nourishes the earth and reduces the risk of forest fires. It will take...
Twenty-Fifth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year A
Scripture Readings: Book of the Prophet Isaiah 55:6-9; Saint Paul’s Letter to the Philippians 1:20-24,27; Gospel According to Saint Matthew 20:1-16 What a powerful parable we are given for pondering this Sunday! Think about it: if I work longer than others, I should...
Twenty-Fourth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year A
Scripture Readings: Book of Sirach 27:30-28-7; Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans 14:7-9; Gospel According to Saint Matthew 18:21-35 The Gospel passage for this Sunday revolves around the question Saint Peter addresses to Jesus, “Lord, when someone wrongs me, how often...
September 11th: Guesthouse Arrivals
As indicated on the Guesthouse Reservation section of our website, we now receive guests coming here on private retreat only on Tuesday and Friday afternoons. Check in and room availability is from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Tuesdays and Fridays. The first meal available...
Twenty-Third Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year A
Scripture Readings: Ezekiel 33:7-9; Romans 13:8-10; Gospel According to Saint Matthew 18:15-20 This Sunday’s first reading from the Prophet Ezekiel and the Gospel passage both consider the difficult topic of “fraternal correction,” as it is often called; that is,...
Twenty-Second Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year A
Scripture Readings: Book of the Prophet Jeremiah 20:7-9; Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans 12:1-2; Gospel According to Saint Matthew 16:21-27 In the Gospel passage for this Sunday, Jesus states clearly that those who wish to come after him must deny their very self,...
August 25th: Refectory
For the past few months our monastic refectory has been doubling as a partial extension of our pantry, while the work of remodeling the kitchen has been going on. Thankfully, now that the kitchen is remodeled and we are slowly moving there for cooking once again, the...
August 20th: Summer Sunset
Tiny amounts of rain have touched our land, and so we continue to pray for more serious precipitation. Summer is swiftly sailing by and soon it will be Autumn, with cooler temperatures and the gradual change of leaves. "To everything there is a season," Scripture...
Twenty-First Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year A
Scripture Readings: Book of the Prophet Isaiah 22:15,19-23; Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans 11:33-36; Gospel According to Saint Matthew 16:13-20 The famous words of Jesus in the Gospel today, “Who do you say that I am?”, are addressed to his disciples and answered...
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