In anticipation of Christmas, the monastic community begins to review its vision of Jesus by chanting ancient prayers known now as “The O Antiphons.” Each of these chants recalls a different aspect of the Christ-life to which we are called.
December 17
“O Wisdom” the community prays today in its anticipation of new grace in life. It’s important to realize that wisdom and education are not the same thing. Education provides the experiences we need in order to manage our lives. Wisdom, on the other hand, is what we learn as a result of the experiences we have.
December 18
“O Adonai,” the community sings today. “O God of All,” we chant. When we build a vision of life it is necessary to realize that Jesus must be the center of it–not our institutions, good as they may be, not our plans or personal talents, necessary as they are.
December 19
“O Root of Jesse,” the community remembers today. It takes generations to build the Christ-vision in the world, just as it took generations after Jesse to prepare for the coming of the Christ. It is our task to root ideas now that will bring the next generation to wholeness.
December 20
“O Key of David,” we say at Vespers today. We’re all looking for the keys to life– the key to success, the key to happiness, the key to serenity. And we’re always looking for it somewhere else. The problem is that we already have it and don’t recognize it. What key in your present life are you avoiding, resisting, overlooking, rejecting?
December 21
“O Radiant Dawn,” we chant today. We look for light everywhere. But it was night when Benedict saw the vision of his life. That’s what usually happens to us, too. Just when we think that light will never come into our lives again, we begin to see a whole new world around us.
December 22
“O God of All the Earth,” we pray today. We get a chance today to realize that we are not the beginning and the end of the universe. We are part of a vision of humankind, seen in Jesus, but yet to be achieved in us–a vision of global sharing, universal peace and individual security. If we all want it so much, what is delaying its coming? I’m serious. What is it?
December 23
“O Emmanuel,” we sing tonight, not so much in hope as in recognition. After all, Jesus—Emmanuel—has already come. It is not a matter now of Christ’s being where we are; it is a matter of our being in the consciousness of where Christ is in life. And where He is not as well. Where is Christ for you this Christmas? And is there a place in your life that you know down deep is not in the spirit of Christ at all?
Third Sunday of Advent, December 15, 2024 – Zep 3:14-18a; Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6.; Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18
John the Baptist is the messenger who prepares for the day of the coming of the Lord Jesus, the Messiah: “…Someone is coming, someone who is more powerful than I am” (Lk 3: 16). Do we want Christ in our hearts, do we believe that God is more powerful than us?
Every year for Advent, I try to watch “A Christmas Carol.” There are different versions, but the movie always helps me to take an inventory of my soul, and how I must change the negative feelings and with the grace of God to be more compassionate to myself, God, and others. I have what I need in the monastery, but it is so easy to focus on other items that would make me selfish, proud, and even egotistical. Yes, nuns are human beings, but it is important to remember our mission of prayer and how that affects our monastic way of life. On this Third Sunday of Advent, I hope we are joyful to receive Jesus Christ in our hearts, and not a “Bah, humbug,” of a Christmas. God bless you, SK
NEW NOVICE – After one year of Aspirancy and one year of Postulancy, Irene Olotch became a Novice today, November 19, 2024, and will be in the Novitiate for two years studying the monastic way of life and vows to include the Rule of St. Benedict. During the ceremony Irene responded to Prioress Hilda that she requested the mercy of God and a sharing in our monastic life. After Irene received the scapular and veil, Prioress Hilda prayed: “Lord Jesus, now as always, you call disciples to follow you. We pray for Sister Irene Olotch. May the bond of our love support her, may she live this life with us in single-hearted love, in simplicity and in peace, and day by day recognize your call as expressing your love, for you live and reign forever. Amen.”
Handmade Religious Wooden Icon
The icon “Theotokos Hodegetria” or “Our Lady Who Shows the Way,”
describes the gesture of Our Lady’s right hand pointing to
Christ, her Son, as the Way.
By the hand of Sister Elizabeth Tran, OSB
Details: Size is 14 inches x 20 inches, 24k Italian gold oil gilding background on wooden board carved in a special shape, handwritten using a traditional Byzantine technique of egg tempera.
FREE SHIPPING
$1,400.00
Online Retreats – The Benedictine Nuns of Jamberoo offering online retreats. For more information, please click “Retreats” at Jamberoo Abbey.
Pope Francis’ prayer intentions for December 2024: For pilgrims of hope: We pray that this Jubilee Year strengthen our faith, helping us to recognize the Risen Christ in our daily lives, and that it may transform us into pilgrims of Christian hope.
Sacra Mysteria Venerari (Click for more information)
An apostolic exhortation on the Eucharist by Bishop James S. Wall, Bishop of the Gallup Diocese.
MISSION STATEMENT –The Monastery of Our Lady of the Desert is a monastic community of women in the Benedictine tradition. We profess vows of stability, conversion of life and obedience. Our primary mission, is to seek God through a life of prayer, silence and solitude. Our way of life frees us to give glory and praise to God, intercede through prayer for the needs of the world and hospitality.