Category: Liturgy

Out of the shadows.

Post author By Sr Judith
Post date 01/05/2026

Photo by D. Jameson RAGE on unsplash.com

SHADOW

Today’s Eastertide word is: SHADOW. It doesn’t comfortably sit with Eastertide, the season of light and new life. Yet, there are plenty of shadowy moments in the Easter gospel, the Acts of the Apostles and our own Eastertide experiences. The light of the risen Christ can make as even more aware of our shadows.

Today is the feast of St Joseph the worker. In many ways it’s hard to imagine a more shadowy figure. He is always in the background, supporting Mary and the child Jesus, bringing stability and respectability to difficult situation.

Yet, if we look beyond that image we find a different story. I’m reflecting on these words from a hymn for his feast:

“His love was humble, flame of God’s own fire,
A light to guide the path he trod alone;
Like Abraham, like Moses he believed,
And went in faith to find a land unknown.”

They speak of a man of great faith who is not afraid of the shadows. He allows them to guide him into God’s light following in the footsteps of his ancestors, leaving everything to follow God into the unknown. It can’t have been an easy choice, it will have required both humility and courage.

It’s impossible to think of this without reflecting on the ever-darkening shadows that overwhelm our world today. In such shadowy times St Joseph can be a valuable role model for us.

In this challenging Eastertide St Joseph reminds us that however dark shadows seem the risen will be with us, leading us into new life by the light of his love.

What are the shadows that you need the risen Christ to dispel in your life this Eastertide?

Tags #Benedictine, #challenge, #eastertide, #Eastertide2026, #gospel, #Hope, #kingdom, #KingdomValues, #lectiodivina, #love, #newlife, #RisenChrist, #Shadow, #Shadows, #Stjoseph, #StJosephTheWorker, #trust

Benedictine Spirituality Christ Divine Office Eastertide Gospel Lectio Divina Liturgy Monastic Life

In the fire of Easter Love.

Post author By Sr Judith
Post date 29/04/2026

Photo by biemme zeta on unsplash.com

LOVE

LOVE is at the heart of the gospel and the source of our Eastertide joy. I’m reflecting on it today as we celebrate the feast of St Catherine of Siena, Doctor of the Church.

A third order Dominican she was called to make the love of Christ reality in her life and for her challenging and dangerous times.

This led her to a public role in the life of the church, speaking out against schism, promoting unity and advocating for clerical reform. These words from her dialogue on Divine Revelation touched me:

“By your light you enlighten our minds… In this light I know you and I picture you to myself as the supreme good, the good beyond all good… Beauty beyond all beauty, wisdom beyond all wisdom. You are the food of angels, who gave yourself to us in the fire of your love.”

She speaks to me especially powerfully in these times when our world seems so consumed by war and suffering. In such times it can be hard to see and witness to the love of the risen Christ in our lives.

It’s easy to get discouraged, to feel swamped by sufferings we can’t alleviate and situations we can’t fix. It becomes too risky to reach out to others in love so we withdraw into ourselves becoming protectionist and isolationist.

St Catherine’s example suggests an alternative. She calls us to seek to become so connected to the risen Christ we are consumed by the fire of God’s love. Then, following his example we can reach out and share that love with all those we encounter in our challenged and war-torn world.

How does the fire of God’s love enable you to love those you encounter this Eastertide?

Tags #beauty, #Benedictine, #challenge, #Christlike, #DoctorOfTheChurch, #Dominican, #eastertide, #gospel, #Hope, #kingdom, #KingdomValues, #lectiodivina, #love, #newlife, #StCatherineOfSiena, #trust, #wisdom

Benedictine Spirituality Christ Cross Eastertide Gospel Lectio Divina Liturgy Resurrection Scripture

The feast of St George

Post author By Sr Judith
Post date 23/04/2026

Image by Andrea Don from pixabay.com

UNITY

UNITY is central to the message of Eastertide. The resurrection gospel show as the disciples drawing into a new community that supports and protects one another. This means they have to learn to let their barriers down, and risk to others.

Our challenging times incline us to build barriers that we can hide behind. They draw towards protectionism, keeping ourselves safe at the expenses of others. The example of St George, whose face we celebrate today, shows us this is not the call of the risen Christ.

As a Syrian in the Roman army who is patron saint of at least England, Russia, Ethiopia and Georgia St George offers us the opportunity to expand our horizons. He reminds us that our common humanity extends beyond borders and nationalities. He shows us that our hope lies in breaking down barriers, reaching out to the stranger, not in building them higher and excluding people.

He had the courage to stand up to the evil of his day, slaying the “dragons” of his times wherever he could. This offers us courage and hope. In our own times we face plenty of “dragons” unleashed the wars, migration, economic, social and political challenges.

It’s not call without risks. In his second letter to Timothy St Paul writes:

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

As we celebrate the feast of St George it seems to me that we are called risk persecution to reach out others, seeking unity and reconciliation wherever we can.

Where is the risen Christ calling you to risk seeking unity today?

Tags #Benedictine, #challenge, #courage, #eastertide, #Eastertide2026, #gospel, #Hope, #kingdom, #KingdomValues, #lectiodivina, #love, #newlife, #reconciliation, #RisenChrist, #StGeorge, #trust, #unity

Benedictine Spirituality Discernment Eastertide Gospel Lectio Divina Liturgy Resurrection Scripture

With Fears Calmed

Post author By Sr Judith
Post date 18/04/2026

Photo by Giulia Veneziano on unsplash.com

FEAR

FEAR is another word we don’t often connect with Eastertide. Yet there is a plenty of fear in the resurrection gospels as the disciples try to process all that has gone on. Today’s gospel reflects the disruption of that time. Our own stormy times make it easier to identify with the disciples response to the unexpected storm that threatens them.

I imagine them longing for rest and the opportunity to process some of the strange events they’ve witnessed over the previous days. As darkness falls and they climb into the boat they must have been hoping for a quiet, peaceful crossing to Capernaum.

It wasn’t to be, as they get further from the shore the wind and the waves get stronger and a storm blows up. They find themselves buffeted on all sides as wave after wave threatens to overwhelm their small boat.

Struggling to control the boat they see Jesus walking towards them across the water. Initially his appearance seems to do little to help their situation. The strange sight of him walking towards them over the stormy lake only increases their already mounting fear. Then Jesus speaks to them, and everything changes:

“It is I, do not be afraid.”

His words offer them consolation and calms their fears and they reach the shore safely. As we face our own stormy times we too need to hear Christ’s voice calming our fears and assuring us that, with his grace we will come through our storms.

Where do you need to hear the risen Christ calming your fears this Eastertide?

Tags #Benedictine, #calm, #calmingthestorm, #challenge, #Disciples, #eastertide, #Eastertide2026, #Fear, #gospel, #Hope, #kingdom, #KingdomValues, #lectiodivina, #love, #newlife, #storm, #trust

Benedictine Spirituality Christ Discernment Eastertide Gospel Holy Spirit Lectio Divina Liturgy Scripture

Called to Action

Post author By Sr Judith
Post date 13/04/2026

Photo by Belinda Fewings on unsplash.com

ACTION

ACTION is at the heart of Eastertide. It starts with the women stepping out in the dark to anoint the body of Jesus and carries on to the proclamation of the Good News at Pentecost.

The message is clear Eastertide is a dynamic time, full new discoveries and developments. That can give it a real buzz. It can seem attractive and exciting, with the potential to change the world.

Yet, living in busy, frenetic times likes ours, I’m aware that “action” can be double edged. We know all to well that it can lead to a restless busyiness than can leave us feeling rootless and unfocussed. That is not the “action” that the resurrection calls us to embrace.

The “action” that Eastertide calls us to embrace is grounded in the recognition of the risen Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit. This action has an inner and outer aspect. The disciples’ actions grew from a whole range of experiences.

They’ve faced the failure of having run away, having cowered in locked rooms, doubted one another and even their own experience. Having faced this mixed bag of experiences Peter and John are able to return to the community from prison. Then having prayed together they are able to see how to act:

“They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to proclaim the word of God boldly.”

Our world desperately needs us to take action that will bring the light of the risen Christ to the people and situations we encounter. It’s action that needs to be grounded in, but not stop with, prayer.

What action is the risen Christ calling you to this Eastertide?

Tags #Action, #ActsOfTheApostles, #Benedictine, #challenge, #eastertide, #Eastertide2026, #GoodNews, #gospel, #Hope, #kingdom, #KingdomValues, #lectiodivina, #love, #newlife, #RisenChrist, #trust, #Vocabulary

Benedictine Spirituality Christ Eastertide Gospel Lectio Divina Liturgy Prayer Resurrection Rule of St Benedict Scripture

An Eastertide Vocabulary.

Post author By Sr Judith
Post date 13/04/2026
Sticky post

Photo by Emmanuel Phaeton on unsplash.com

One of the most helpful books I’ve read is “Amazing Grace, a vocabulary of faith.” By Kathleen Norris. She describes it as “an exploration and record of some of the words in the Christian lexicon that most trouble and attract me.”

The book reminded me of an important Benedictine principle, that words matter. They shape us, form us, challenge us and help us grow.

Last year I made a Lent lexicon. This year I’m aiming to make an Eastertide one. I’ve chosen words that attract and sometimes scare me. They also both shape and challenge my experience of Eastertide.

I’m including words that are particularly connected to Eastertide, and words that, though they’re connected to other seasons might have a different resonance in this Eastertide.

Tags #Benedictine, #BenedictineSpirituality, #challenge, #eastertide, #Eastertide2026, #EastertideLexicon, #gospel, #Grace, #Hope, #kingdom, #KingdomValues, #lectiodivina, #love, #newlife, #resurrection, #trust, #Vocabulary

Benedictine Spirituality Christ Divine Office Eastertide Gospel Lectio Divina Liturgy Resurrection Scripture

Believe and Doubt

Post author By Sr Judith
Post date 12/04/2026

Photo by sayrmund (aka Oleg Cloes) on unsplash.com

All week we’ve seen the risen Christ appear to the disciples in slightly different way. Each appearance is tailored in some way to touch the heart of a particular disciple, and this gives them their deeply personal and intimate quality. Today’s appearance to Thomas follows the same pattern.

He comes to his encounter with the risen Christ after what I imagine was a hard week. There’s nothing worse than being the one person in a group who missed a significant event.

It must have left Thomas feeling isolated and on the fringes. His directness and honesty prevent him from taking their account on trust. He knows himself well enough to know that he needs to see this for himself, saying to the disciples:

“Unless I see the holes that the nails made in his hands and can put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe.”

I’m touched by how open and vulnerable Thomas is prepared to be about this need. Jesus’ response when he appears to Thomas is focussed on giving Thomas what he needs.

He doesn’t judge or criticise, instead he invites Thomas to reach out and touch him in exactly the way Thomas said he needed:

“Put your finger here; look, here are my hands. Give me your hand; put it into my side. Doubt no longer, but believe.”

Jesus’ acceptance of Thomas with all his doubts and uncertainties leads him to the light of truth, freeing him to make his profession of faith, acknowledging Jesus as the Christ:

“My Lord and my God!”

What would help you to recognise the presence of the risen Christ in your life today?

Tags #Belief, #Benedictine, #challenge, #Disciples, #doubts, #eastertide, #gospel, #Hope, #kingdom, #KingdomValues, #lectiodivina, #love, #newlife, #resurrection, #RisenChrist, #Thomas, #trust

Benedictine Spirituality Christ Eastertide Eucharist Gospel Lectio Divina Liturgy Prophetic voices Resurrection Scripture

With hearts aflame.

Post author By Sr Judith
Post date 08/04/2026

BACKGROUND READING LUKE 24: 13-35

Mary is the wife of Cleopas. A follower of Jesus, she witnessed his death. After the crucifixion, she sets out with her husband to return to Emmaus. They feel so heartbroken and hopeless that they can barely drag themselves along the road.

Before they felt they’d heard the other women’s story of the empty tomb. Initially it rekindled Mary’s hope, but it died again when they saw nothing had changed in the world around them.

As they walk along, Mary reflects on how her expectations of Jesus turned out to be so different to what happened. As she argues with Clopas about all that has happened a stranger joins them and asks what they are talking about.

They pour their hearts out to him, sharing their pain and disappointment. His response begins to heal their hearts, allowing hope to be rekindled:

“He told my story – all my hopes and my dreams – in the words of scripture. My heart leapt and burnt within me.”

As they approach their village and the stranger makes to leave them, Mary realises that she wants him to stay:

“All of a sudden, I couldn’t bear the thought that this stranger might leave us. It seemed that Cleopas felt the same, and so we begged and cajoled, pleaded and persuaded him to eat with him.”

When he takes the bread and blesses it, as he’d done day in day out on their travels, she recognises him and her world is transformed.

The sadness and hopelessness vanish. Their tiredness disappears, and they practically fly back to Jerusalem to share this great news with the others.

However hopeless life might feel the risen Christ walks alongside us. He is always looking for an opening to help us discover our own story in the scriptures.

Where are you aware of the risen Christ walking alongside you this Eastertide?

You can listen to Mary’s story here:

Tags #Benedictine, #challenge, #EasterOctave, #EasterWednesday, #Emmaus, #Eucharist, #gospel, #Hope, #kingdom, #KingdomValues, #lectiodivina, #love, #newlife, #resurrection, #RisenChrist, #Scripture, #trust

Benedictine Spirituality Christ Discernment Easter Sunday Eastertide Gospel Lectio Divina Liturgy Resurrection Scripture

Space for Christ

Post author By Sr Judith
Post date 07/04/2026

Image Photo by Ryan Byrne on unsplash.com

By Easter Tuesday the mixture of adrenalin and energy that carried me through the Easter Vigil is waning, and I start to feel the need to slow things down. It’s rightly an energetic season, full of rejoicing, celebration and proclamation. While that delights me, I’m also aware that I need space in the midst of it all to pause and reflect.

In Christmastide we have the example of Virgin Mary taking space to ponder the events in her heart. She reminds us that we too need time to reflect on our encounters with God. We need a similar model in Eastertide, someone who will remind us to slow down, to allow the momentous event that is resurrection to really sink in.

Listening to today’s gospel, the appearance to Mary Magdalene, I noticed a stillness in the account that I’ve missed on other occasions. After her journey through the dark and the rush to find the disciples Mary is left alone. She stops and is still, waiting in her grief for something she can’t possibly understand. It is in this moment of stillness that she encounters the risen Christ. It brings to mind part of my favourite hymn:

“She awaits a new creation in the shadow of the tomb. Hope and trust and expectation, from it will a vision come.”

Pondering this I realise that I too need a still, quiet moment to encounter the risen Christ as she did in the garden, remaining alone and quiet in his presence, allowing the new creation to take root in my heart.

Where are you finding space to encounter the risen Christ in the depth of your heart?

Tags #challenge, #eastertide, #Encounter, #gospel, #Hope, #kingdom, #KingdomValues, #lectiodivina, #love, #newlife, #ponder, #Reflect, #rejoice, #resurrection, #RisenChrist, #StMaryMagdalene, #trust

Benedictine Spirituality Christ Divine Office Easter Sunday Easter Vigil Eastertide Good Shepherd Gospel Lectio Divina Liturgy Resurrection Scripture

Called And Named

Post author By Sr Judith
Post date 05/04/2026

BACKGROUND READING JOHN 20: 1-18
AND JOHN 10 1-6

Mary’s story is about being lost and found. She met Jesus when she was completely lost. “Possessed by evil spirits” she was wandering the countryside, too disturbed to be still.

When she heard Jesus teaching by the lake, a wave of peace washed over her. he became his follower. She sat at his feet with the other disciples, listening, learning and being changed by his words.

The crucifixion was another overwhelming loss. She tried to get the disciples to come and anoint Jesus’ body, but found them too devasted and scared to leave their rooms.

She gathered the other women to help her instead. When they arrived at the tomb, they found the stone rolled away and a young man waiting inside. They dropped everything and ran away.

Mary went back to the other disciples, telling them that, on top of everything else, Jesus’ body had been taken. Peter and John ran with her to the tomb to see for themselves. She arrived after they left, and stood weeping by the empty tomb, overwhelmed again by the loss.

Initially mistaking him for the gardener she recognised Jesus when he called her by name. It’s a moment that takes her back to the first story she heard him tell, the good shepherd:

“The good shepherd had called my name, and I knew his voice with every fibre of my being.”

In our lost times we too need to hear the risen Christ, calling us home to live in the light of his love.

Where do you hear the risen Christ calling you to live in his love this Easter morning?

You can hear Mary’s story here:

Tags #Benedictine, #Called, #challenge, #EasterEve, #goodshepherd, #gospel, #Hope, #kingdom, #KingdomValues, #lectiodivina, #love, #MaryMagdalene, #newlife, #Recognition, #resurrection, #RisenChrist, #trust