Summer Poetry Sale – All Collections 30% Off! Pre-Order Unquiet Vigil by Paul Qu…

Summer Poetry Sale – All Collections 30% Off! Pre-Order Unquiet Vigil by Paul Quenon, OCSO. “These poems pinpoint the tensions inherent in a spiritual life. The self must be present and yet the self must be willing to be negated. One seeks knowledge but also freedom from knowledge. One must be at home with what is said through silence. These are some of the mysteries of faith and the words of these poems invite me into them. By reading, we partake of these words and much more.” -Maurice Manning, author of The Common Man, finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in poetry
http://www.paracletepress.com/books-fictionpoetry-poetry.html

July 31 Echoes of Eternity The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I f…

July 31 Echoes of Eternity
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
Light rises in the dark places when they are opened to My presence. Light dispels the negative and gloomy thoughts and feelings, and scatters the shadows of night. I am the Daystar, the Light-giver who brings hope and gladness to your soul. Welcome Me, My child, with a wide open door—for I come bearing precious gifts. You are not called to dwell in sadness or to pine for those things that cannot be. Let their absences free you to see the wonders I have to unfold
before you, and be fully present to them. Trust Me to guide your way, to guard what you have entrusted to Me, to keep you and your loved ones safe from harm—and let My joy be your strength.

Thoughts on Giving

By Melodious Monk

This past week, I started reading Heather King’s book on St. Therese of Lisieux. I find it engaging to read, as I can relate to much of the thoughts and conversations in the writing. In the chapter subtitled, ‘on learning to serve’, I was reading along fascinated by some of the psychological insights quoted from various authors, when one simple sentence about Jesus jarred my reading to a halt. Ms King writes, “In fact, fully living his own life, and giving with no expectation of return, was the way Christ conducted all his relationships.”

I can’t even fathom this type of living. It’s easy to know Christ loves all, and all equally, but this depiction of him practically living out this love as a human, seems almost impossible. It grieves me to realize how much I’m always wanting something back from others.

Even on my best, most-giving days, somewhere inside I’m keeping track, keeping a record of what I’m doing as if I’m saving up points or tickets at an amusement park, hoping for a better prize.  Perhaps letting go of this unnecessary record is part of how Christ intended for our yokes to be easy and our burdens to be light. I put so much unnecessary thought and emotional baggage into relationships. To give, expecting a certain return, is a way of self-protection–but rather than providing safety, it puts a limit on our creative potential. Jesus taught that the measure you give is the measure you will receive. If we give without wanting back, we open ourselves to the possibility of receiving many times more then we ever could hope for.

The Community of Jesus

Jesus Creed for Children by Scot McKnight and his daughter, Laura is coming soon…

Jesus Creed for Children by Scot McKnight and his daughter, Laura is coming soon! #quot;This delightful book serves as a great resource for parents who want to show their kids what loving God and others looks like….Read it. Read it again and again.#quot; Steven Argue Pastor and Theologian-in-Residence, Mars Hill Bible Church http://www.paracletepress.com/sharing-gods-love-the-jesus-creed-for-children.html

July 30 Echoes of Eternity And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not…

July 30 Echoes of Eternity
And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. I Kings 19:12 (rsv)
I the Lord your God am with you, My child. Walk this day with Me, consciously seeking to hear and heed “the still small Voice” of My Spirit within your heart. I will speak to you and guide you. Only be careful to listen!
You cannot know the way or the path to follow on your own. Confusion is sown by the adversary to trap the unwary. But I have promised, and My promise is faithful, that I will show the path through the maze.
Your faith will be strengthened if you will be careful to heed My words. You will grow more confident in this new walk, and that is good. I want your faith to become more simple and ready to act. Are you sufficient for this? No, but remember, My child, your sufficiency will be of Me. And there is no lack there!

Boundaries

By Renaissance Girl

My dog started a fight with another dog yesterday. It was completely my fault. I was outside with some friends and took him off his leash to let him roam around while we talked. I didn’t even see the other dog coming — but he did. It happened so fast and I didn’t stand a chance of grabbing him. Eventually I did and thankfully, there were no major injuries — but my heart was pounding for a long time.

I don’t understand why my dog doesn’t like this other dog — he has no reason but their greetings are never friendly. So I Googled the question, “what makes dogs aggressive towards certain other dogs.” The first page to come up was Cesar Millan’s website. I have such respect and admiration for him, so I opened the article hopefully. Actually, he didn’t specifically address the question I asked, but this phrase caught my eye. “You need to become the dog’s pack leader and establish rules, boundaries, and limitations. You need to fulfill the dog as Nature intended him to be fulfilled.”  I don’t think about my dog being “fulfilled” but it stuck with me. In talking it through later, I realized that, similar to parents with children, I buck against boundaries myself so I don’t like to require them of my dog. But, aside from putting him and others in a dangerous situation, it also leaves him unfulfilled, worried about filling a spot that shouldn’t be his to fill.

Maybe that’s how God sees us — he gives us structures and boundaries so we are relieved of the pressure to be someone we’re not, and can simply be who we are created to be, and thus fulfilled.

The Community of Jesus

 

July 29 Echoes of Eternity And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee:…

July 29 Echoes of Eternity
And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. II Corinthians 12:9
“My grace is sufficient for you. My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Your weakness is a necessary part of our relationship, for your strength would vie with Me if I allowed it to prevail. Your weakness is a gift of safety—to keep you from veering too far from the path of My will. Yes, in years past, My child, your weakness was used to prevent your leaving here. So there is not cause for recrimination against yourself or others—but rather an inner reconciliation between the outer circumstances and inner circumstances of your life. Rejoice in My grace more and more. It is not an excuse for passivity or sin, but it is a fountain of refreshment and renewal. It is a life-giving cordial, a continuing cause of wonder and gratitude to My children. Since it is reality, it cannot lead you astray. I am the God of grace!

July 28 Echoes of Eternity The Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things…

July 28 Echoes of Eternity
The Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. I Corinthians 2:10
In your dreams I have spoken, and in dark language I have communicated with your spirit. You do not have to understand with your rational mind all that I am doing. You need only to be obedient to that which I clearly speak. There are depths in the human heart which can be plumbed only by My Spirit. The heart is a deep cavern, and there are many hiding places where sin lurks undetected. The confusions you feel come from these smelly places, and the Spirit seeks them out as you cease resisting Him. “Truth in the inward parts” comes by the Spirit of Truth occupying and enlightening those hidden places.

Gregorian Chant: The Eternal Song

By Cantor

Chant, Chant and MORE Chant!

I was in a meeting working on a very exciting possibility for another chant conference. It is simply amazing to me that the demand for teaching chant seems to be on a very quick rise.

During a lesson with Dr. Mary Berry in the summer of 2007, we were discussing the revival of Gregorian chant. What I remember is the look that came over her face as she expressed her heartfelt belief that there would be a great revival of chant. Anyone who knew her will instantly understand the following description: With eyebrows slightly furled, lips slightly pursed, eyes WIDE OPEN as she peered above her glasses, and gently but firmly stated “It will happen — it’s already beginning!”

I will be forever grateful to have heard these words from Dr. Berry’s mouth with such a clear expression. It was as though she had a glimpse of the future and she wanted to make certain that we all knew exactly what she had seen. Such faith and awareness that this treasure of the Church would indeed return to be a blessing to all who encountered it.

Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est  (Where true love is, God Himself is there)

The Community of Jesus

Greorian Chant: The Eternal Song

By Cantor

Chant, Chant and MORE Chant!

I was in a meeting working on a very exciting possibility for another chant conference. It is simply amazing to me that the demand for teaching chant seems to be on a very quick rise.

During a lesson with Dr. Mary Berry in the summer of 2007, we were discussing the revival of Gregorian chant. What I remember is the look that came over her face as she expressed her heartfelt belief that there would be a great revival of chant. Anyone who knew her will instantly understand the following description: With eyebrows slightly furled, lips slightly pursed, eyes WIDE OPEN as she peered above her glasses, and gently but firmly stated “It will happen — it’s already beginning!”

I will be forever grateful to have heard these words from Dr. Berry’s mouth with such a clear expression. It was as though she had a glimpse of the future and she wanted to make certain that we all knew exactly what she had seen. Such faith and awareness that this treasure of the Church would indeed return to be a blessing to all who encountered it.

Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est  (Where true love is, God Himself is there)

The Community of Jesus

July 27 Echoes of Eternity For we have not an high priest which cannot be touche…

July 27 Echoes of Eternity
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15
Hidden in the mystery of My love are all the events of your life, good and bad. Have I not said, “As far as the east is from the west, so far have I removed your transgression from Me”? This is not an empty phrase. It is a proclamation of divine mercy to helpless sinners. Forgiveness is the key that unlocks My fulfillment—forgiving those who have wronged or hurt you and accepting forgiveness for the wrongs you have committed. My dear Son entered into the darkest valley of suffering to change the power of guilt into the power of forgiveness. My people know little— lmost nothing—of what He accomplished there. Enter into this truth as you have never done and invite others to venture in. In doing so, you enter further into My heart.

July 26 Echoes of Eternity I will cause the shower to come down in its season; t…

July 26 Echoes of Eternity
I will cause the shower to come down in its season; there shall be showers of blessing. Ezekiel 34:26
I shower upon you the showers of mercy. Forget not all My benefits, My child, for in forgetting you sever yourself from the life-giving water and become arid and fruitless. Abundant grace is always available to you—and remembering prompts you to take hold of it. My plans for you still move forward. You are not forgotten, and no prayer is prayed in vain when it comes from a repentant, remembering heart. So I bid you again, forget not all My benefits. They are more than the stars in heaven.

Tuscan Tomato, Bread and Herb Soup: Recipes From A Monastery Kitchen

By Gourmet Nun

Tuscan Food has grown rapidly in popularity in recent years. Since opening a new house in Barga, Italy, in the heart of Tuscany, we have become quite familiar with much of the Tuscan way of life-including foods most typical of that area. This herbed Tuscan tomato bread soup has become one of our favorites. It is delicious hot, cold, or at room temperature, and it will be even more flavorful if you use home grown garden-fresh tomatoes as they come into season.

Tuscan Tomato, Bread and Herb Soup

3 pounds of tasty, ripe tomatoes
Good extra-virgin olive oil |
2 large cloves of garlic, one whole, one finely chopped or crushed
2 medium onions, very finely chopped
3 sticks celery, very finely chopped
Pinch of salt
Black pepper
Small bunch of basil, leaves only (at least 25 leaves)
1 ½  pints chicken or vegetable broth
½ loaf Italian bread, cut into small pieces

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and turn off the heat. Put the tomatoes into the water and leave for a couple of minutes. Test with a knife tip to see if the skin peels away easily. Discard water, skin the tomatoes and finely chop.

Heat ½ cup olive oil in a large pot. Add the whole clove of garlic, the onions and celery and sauté for a few minutes, until the onion is translucent, but not browning.

Add the chopped tomatoes, a pinch of salt and some black pepper, and cook gently for a couple of minutes.

Add stock and the pieces of bread. Cook, covered, for another 20 minutes on a low flame. Add more stock or hot water if necessary.

Locate the cooked garlic and squeeze it back into the dish with a garlic press. Add the raw chopped or crushed garlic and the finely chopped basil. Taste for seasoning.

You can serve this hot, at room temperature or chilled. Serve with plenty of freshly ground black pepper and raw extra virgin olive oil to swirl on top at the table.

Serves 6

The Community of Jesus

 

Tuscan Tomato, Bread and Herb Soup: Recipes From A Monastery Kitchen

By Gourmet Nun

Tuscan Food has grown rapidly in popularity in recent years. Since opening a new house in Barga, Italy, in the heart of Tuscany, we have become quite familiar with much of the Tuscan way of life-including foods most typical of that area. This herbed Tuscan tomato bread soup has become one of our favorites. It is delicious hot, cold, or at room temperature, and it will be even more flavorful if you use home grown garden-fresh tomatoes as they come into season.

Tuscan Tomato, Bread and Herb Soup

3 pounds of tasty, ripe tomatoes
Good extra-virgin olive oil |
2 large cloves of garlic, one whole, one finely chopped or crushed
2 medium onions, very finely chopped
3 sticks celery, very finely chopped
Pinch of salt
Black pepper
Small bunch of basil, leaves only (at least 25 leaves)
1 ½  pints chicken or vegetable broth
½ loaf Italian bread, cut into small pieces

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and turn off the heat. Put the tomatoes into the water and leave for a couple of minutes. Test with a knife tip to see if the skin peels away easily. Discard water, skin the tomatoes and finely chop.

Heat ½ cup olive oil in a large pot. Add the whole clove of garlic, the onions and celery and sauté for a few minutes, until the onion is translucent, but not browning.

Add the chopped tomatoes, a pinch of salt and some black pepper, and cook gently for a couple of minutes.

Add stock and the pieces of bread. Cook, covered, for another 20 minutes on a low flame. Add more stock or hot water if necessary.

Locate the cooked garlic and squeeze it back into the dish with a garlic press. Add the raw chopped or crushed garlic and the finely chopped basil. Taste for seasoning.

You can serve this hot, at room temperature or chilled. Serve with plenty of freshly ground black pepper and raw extra virgin olive oil to swirl on top at the table.

Serves 6

The Community of Jesus

 

July 25 Echoes of Eternity The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin….

July 25 Echoes of Eternity
The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin. I John 1:7
The wounds of the soul must be cleansed before healing can take place. The cleansing process is painful for you, because the stains are the result of your sinful choices in the past. The more you are aware of this, the easier it makes your cooperation with the process. The light of truth exposes the ugliness of these sores, but the Balm of Gilead then restores lost beauty. Marvel at the goodness that directs My operation, and do not flinch at the necessary pain.

Botanically Speaking

By Sr. Nun Other

It’s sunflower season. Whether in a garden or a vase, they stand as uncomplicated and unpretentious sentinels of joy. An interesting fact about sunflowers: they turn their heads toward the sun, following its course each day. In so doing, they produce healthy fruit, tiny, edible seeds that burst with nutrients. I make life difficult and pursue joy as if I can earn it. What if I were to simply follow the Son each day, without question or resistance?

The Community of Jesus

July 24 Echoes of Eternity Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hea…

July 24 Echoes of Eternity
Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and He with me. Revelation 3:20
My dear child, why is it so hard for you to accept My words of love? Or the reality of My love for you? Have I not proved over and over that I love you with a supernatural and unfailing love? Has My care ever been lacking? Yet you draw back, frightened, guilty, defensive—even against Me. I will not force Myself beyond that inner citadel. I stand at the door and knock—for My nature is to respect what I have created and given life to. When I said “We will come in and sup with him,” I meant that a whole world of friendship awaits those who hear My voice and allow Me free entrance to the inmost recesses. It is Love that stands—that pleads. Let Me take full charge. Don’t let pride, fear, jealousy or any shame keep Me from Love’s goal. My dear child, why do you think I died for you?

Work

By Melodious Monk

Too much to do and not enough time. This seems to be modus operandi of much of our culture. We create gadgets to be more efficient, and we still find ourselves running out of time!  I find myself often bemoaning the fact that I can’t get all the “things” I’m responsible for done — the list never seems to end. It seems to grow the harder I try! The list feels like some of those trick birthday candles that never blow out no matter how much air you blow at the flame!

Do you ever ask yourself why God gives us work?  M. Basil Pennington puts forth this idea about how St. Benedict uses work to teach us lessons about God.(1) He says that having too much to do is actually a gift from God.  When we get to the end of the day, we realize we weren’t able to accomplish everything we might have wished.  And we are reminded that we are not God.  We are weak, needy people, in need of help.

Often I just get angry that I couldn’t finish everything I wanted to in the day. I try to plan better to find out how I can improve tomorrow.  But again this is a dead end.  In my own strength, I’ll still come up short. In his wisdom, Pennington is reminding me that coming up short is okay, and in fact a very good thing, even a gift from a loving God.  Why? Because it forces me to remember who God is, and allows me to choose to live in his strength, and by his grace.

[(1)  from Listen with your Heart, by M. Basil Pennigton, Ch 14]

The Community of Jesus

eBook Sale thru August 1 – Christian Classics .99 or 2.99 at ParacletePress.com…

eBook Sale thru August 1 – Christian Classics .99 or 2.99 at ParacletePress.com and at Amazon! Put some timeless wisdom on your mobile device or tablet today!
http://www.paracletepress.com/ebook-sale.html
http://www.amazon.com/Joy-Full-Surrender-Paraclete-Essentials-ebook/dp/B007BHO04C/ref=sr_1_9?s=digital-text#amp;ie=UTF8#amp;qid=1406140544#amp;sr=1-9#amp;keywords=paraclete+press

August 1 Echoes of Eternity Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden,…

August 1 Echoes of Eternity
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
I am your Father and your Savior. There is no reason to be cut off from Me. I have called you and I will sustain you to the end. O ye of little faith! How many times have I revealed My tender mercies
to you—and yet you fear! Be done with living in the shadows when My light is shining for you. I tell you again: life is to be lived, not simply endured. Do not be afraid to reach out, to share your life with others, to extend My blessing to them. I will show you and direct you as you obey. Only do live, My child, and learn to trust.

July 23 Echoes of Eternity But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross…

July 23 Echoes of Eternity
But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. Galatians 6:14
My child, I will keep you in the cross—in the life-giving sacrifice of My child on Calvary. Mercy flows even yet from that life-giving source. Your life is there, hidden in the mystery of My suffering. Let it break your stony, rebellious heart to know the price I paid for you—yes, My child, for you. These are not empty words; these are from your Father’s heart. Let the world pass by with its glory and its shame. Your life— your true life—is here, at the place of sacrifice. Bathe your spirit in the life-giving stream of mercy. Drink from the life-giving stream of mercy. Look deeply into the unfathomable depths of mercy—and let your spirit, your heart, your soul be changed.

Rainy Morning

By Renaissance Girl

I got up early this morning and walked down to the garden. I love the hush of early morning, especially after a rain. The air has that cool, fresh tang, and everything hangs with drops of water perched on the ends of branches or suspended on petals and leaves. Everything feels refreshed — which, on a Monday morning, is much needed.

Perhaps a reminder for me that no matter where else I look for refreshment, the real Source is not the amount of sleep I get, or the moments I can steal for myself — but the Sender of Rain who knows just what to send, and when.

rose

 

 

July 22 Echoes of Eternity They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. Psalm 126:5…

July 22 Echoes of Eternity
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. Psalm 126:5
The early rain and the latter rain—tears given to water the dry ground of your soul. The early rains were the tears that came in your youth, though you were embarrassed by them and did not understand what they were doing. But they opened the ground of your soul to receive impressions of My Spirit and the seed of My Word to grow silently therein. The latter rain is your present gift, again to enable your soul to receive My life-giving Word. Do not despise the tears, and do not try to delve into secrets hidden from you. Let My word grow to bring forth an abundant harvest.

July 22 Echoes of Eternity They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. Psalm 126:5…

July 22 Echoes of Eternity
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. Psalm 126:5
The early rain and the latter rain—tears given to water the dry ground of your soul. The early rains were the tears that came in your youth, though you were embarrassed by them and did not understand what they were doing. But they opened the ground of your soul to receive impressions of My Spirit and the seed of My Word to grow silently therein. The latter rain is your present gift, again to enable your soul to receive My life-giving Word. Do not despise the tears, and do not try to delve into secrets hidden from you. Let My word grow to bring forth an abundant harvest.

July 21 Echoes of Eternity Let us lift up our hearts with our hands unto God in…

July 21 Echoes of Eternity
Let us lift up our hearts with our hands unto God in the heavens. Lamentations 3:41
Lift up your heart! Look to Me and for Me throughout this day. My love does not waver or vacillate. Through the darkest times, My light does not diminish or go out. Only your perception of it changes. Lift up your heart! Be of good cheer, and do not fear the future. By faith embrace the future as I unfold it. Leave to Me what I design to accomplish with the circumstances you dread. Leave it to Me to turn evil to good. Learn, learn, learn that most important clue to uniting with Me when your understanding is failing you miserably. I will meet you there, and together we will walk through the hard places. Lift up your heart and be of good cheer. My yoke is still easy and My burden is still light.

Gregorian Chant: The Eternal Song

By Cantor

The Universal Language

For many years, music has been referred to as the “Universal Language” — speaking from “heart to heart.” Chant certainly has that quality.

On a recent trip to Italy, I found myself meeting delightful people–their personality simply gleamed through their smile or handshake. Yet, we had no pathway to communicate verbally. I only speak a few words of Italian, and the people I met, for the most part, spoke no English. However, part of that trip included chanting both the midday Divine Office and Compline. Many of those same people attended those services, along with our group from the United States.

What happened next amazed me. We opened our mouths to chant the Office, and suddenly we were speaking the same language and we actually knew what each other was saying. The week leading to these services had been both exciting and tiring, in part because daily communication posed problems that one never even considers at home. Yet, we were united in the same language of prayer and it seemed that for those minutes we chanted, we were united through the same language and music.

This is a very important aspect of Gregorian chant and one which, if we give ourselves to it, will lift us from our daily routine and bring us together with God through sung prayer.

chant july 17

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit for photo

www.travel.justmarvelousworld.com

 

July 20 Echoes of Eternity Honor and majesty are before Him: strength and beauty…

July 20 Echoes of Eternity
Honor and majesty are before Him: strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. Psalm 96:6 (rsv)
The riches of My Word are hidden from the natural eye. It sees the outer “shell” and may even admire what it sees. But to those who are willing to ask, to seek and to knock, My treasury unlocks its greater beauty. Here the soul feasts, and here it finds joys which it cannot describe. Truly, My child, those who find these riches can say, “The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places. I have a goodly heritage.” The beauty of holiness is seen and experienced in the garden of love. The glimpses you are given of My beauty and glory are gifts to help you through your hard times. Treasure them and do not forget them.

July 19 Echoes of Eternity Great peace have they which love Thy law; and they sh…

July 19 Echoes of Eternity
Great peace have they which love Thy law; and they shall have no stumbling block. Psalm 119:165
It is good to wait in My presence. You are being blessed and fed by My Spirit, even when you hear no words. It is good to keep trusting when your prayers are delayed. You have been long in coming to this place, and there is still much ground to reclaim. You have built a fortress around your mind, and trusted in your own thoughts and opinions rather than on Me. They failed you when great need arose, and you were faced with their inability to help. I have not failed you, but you forfeited much peace by your choices. It is good to wait in My presence. This, too, is part of My work to help you regain and reclaim lost ground.

July 19 Echoes of Eternity Great peace have they which love Thy law; and they sh…

July 19 Echoes of Eternity
Great peace have they which love Thy law; and they shall have no stumbling block. Psalm 119:165
It is good to wait in My presence. You are being blessed and fed by My Spirit, even when you hear no words. It is good to keep trusting when your prayers are delayed. You have been long in coming to this place, and there is still much ground to reclaim. You have built a fortress around your mind, and trusted in your own thoughts and opinions rather than on Me. They failed you when great need arose, and you were faced with their inability to help. I have not failed you, but you forfeited much peace by your choices. It is good to wait in My presence. This, too, is part of My work to help you regain and reclaim lost ground.

Pepperoni Parmesan Croutons: Recipes From A Monastery Kitchen

By Gourmet Nun

This is the season for salad lovers, and we have been enjoying lots of salads at the convent with the daily fresh picked lettuce, herbs, and cucumbers from our gardens.

To add interest to them I’ve come up with my own croutons. If you like crisp and crunch, and you savor the flavor of Parmesan and pepperoni you’re sure to like these.

They are simple, quick and easy to make, add great taste to your salads, and served as snacks, they disappear in no time.

Pepperoni Parmesan Croutons
4 cups of torn Italian bread about 1/2 of a loaf
¾ teaspoon mixed Italian seasonings
¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
½  cup torn pepperoni

Tear bread into bite sized pieces to equal about 4 cups. Toss with seasonings. Spread out on 9 x 13 pan. Sprinkle with cheese and torn pepperoni.  Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes or until golden all over. Cool and break into pieces.

pepperoni parmesan croutons

 

 

July 18 Echoes of Eternity I have set before you life and death, blessing and cu…

July 18 Echoes of Eternity
I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live. Deuteronomy 30:19
It is all in My hands—your welfare and your future. You are right to rejoice in My mercy, for My mercy is from everlasting to everlasting. Those who taste My mercy have reason to rejoice with
exceeding great joy. My heart is made glad when you begin to move from low thoughts and desires and yearn for heavenly things. I will not force this move on you or anyone, because I have created you with the gift of choice. Choose life, My child, choose life. Choose the higher
life—the life I offer you each day, instead of groveling in your own thoughts and desires. Your welfare and your future are in My hands if you leave them there. That is your “door of hope” in the valley of Achor—an open door. Come through it.

July 17 Echoes of Eternity For all people will walk every one in the name of his…

July 17 Echoes of Eternity
For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever. Micah 4:5
Walk in the light that you have, My child, and do not let the darkness draw you away from Me. The way is still narrow and the darkness is still great, but there is light enough on your path. Day will come, but for this time, these shadows remain. Quit you like a man, and strive against the enemy and his forces—they war for your soul. You do not have to be strong, but you must stay in the path of light to be safe.

Thoughts of Visions

By Melodious Monk

Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Word and Revelation of the Eternal Father.
Come, we pray, and take possession of our hearts.
Cleanse us from all that would make us deaf to your call or slow to obey it.
Fill our minds with the thought and our imaginations with the vision of your love,
that there may remain in us no room for any desire that is not in accord with your holy will;
For with the Father and the Holy Spirit, you are blessed for ever. Amen.
William Temple

I like this prayer. I like its hope, and its challenge. I try to imagine what it would be like to only think and be aware of God’s love. If I took the best moments I’ve ever known, the times I felt most alive, most full of purpose, most loved – can you imagine that being every moment? I find it takes courage to hang on to visions of God’s love. God’s necessary “cleansing” involves suffering and the need for faith to grow. It is far too easy, and much less work to be fearful, negative and cynical in this life. But it is also lonely and un-rewarding. I want, and need, to spend more time filling my thoughts with visions of his love.

 

July 16 Echoes of Eternity And He said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes…

July 16 Echoes of Eternity
And He said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Exodus 3:5
In the midst of trouble and uncertainty, I am still your peace. This is the peace that passes all understanding, because it is not tied to nor dependent on the pleasantness of the circumstances of your life. I know the situation you face. I am still Lord of it. What I ask of you is to draw near to Me and stay near to Me “until this storm be overpast.” Have I not promised to be with you in trouble? Is My arm shortened that it cannot save? Turn from the fear and unbelief
that arise in your heart at the first sign of trouble. Call upon Me and I will answer you. Learn, learn, learn to trust Me—and go forward with Me. Today’s Scripture is not there by accident or “coincidence.” “Take your shoes off your feet, for the ground on which you stand is holy.” That means the foundation on which you stand in Me is holy ground. Believe it and do not fear!

Fear Not

By Renaissance Girl

Gloriae Dei Cantores gave two concerts this past weekend.  The closing piece was Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem.  It is an incredibly stirring piece — first performed in 1936. Vaughan Williams, having seen first-hand the horrors of WWI, and already feeling the tensions that would lead to WWII, set texts from scripture and the expressive poetry of Walt Whitman. The full orchestra undergirds the choir’s cries for peace and laments over the relentlessness of war.  At one point, having reached a peak with a cry of “Is there no balm in Gilead?” the music takes a sudden turn with the baritone solo coming in with the words “Oh man, greatly beloved, fear not.  Peace be unto you.”  It’s as though the tired, ragged and spent body of the pray-er is suddenly breathed over and touched by the hand of God himself.  I was surprised to learn the text is from the book of Daniel.  Daniel has just seen a vision of the destruction of his people and says literally, “My strength is gone and I can hardly breathe because of the vision.” The vision before him is of a man who touches him and says the words that Vaughn Williams set — and “he was strengthened.”  It caught me that in our brokenness and exhaustion, if we can simply turn our face to God, all it takes is a word from him to strengthen us.  In international war, or our own internal battles day after day — God calls us “greatly beloved” and bids us “Fear not.”

angel2

 

 

 

 

 

Photo By Kate Shannon

July 15 Echoes of Eternity And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due sea…

July 15 Echoes of Eternity
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9
My dear child, wait awhile. Do not be impatient when you do not see an immediate answer to your prayers. Waiting is an important part of the prayer process. It is a great separator of the trivial from the heartfelt request. It is a time for refining of motives in asking. It is an active time, not merely an unwanted delay. Wait awhile. My ears are open to your needs and the needs of those you hold before Me. No prayer is wasted. In My love, I take them into account and turn them to good effect, even when the answer is not what you hoped or wanted. Knowing that secret, pray
on—and wait awhile. You will have ample cause to rejoice.

July 14 Echoes of Eternity The pride of thy heart hath deceived thee. Obadiah vs…

July 14 Echoes of Eternity
The pride of thy heart hath deceived thee. Obadiah vs. 3
I the Lord your God am speaking to you. Heaven and earth shall
pass away—but My love is eternal. My child, you still have far to go
and much to receive before the fullness of this truth is in you. You
still operate on the basis of merit and punishment—of being good
and being bad. You still take pride in the works of My grace, and
do not pay the fullness of tribute to Me. The momentary lift you get
from such pride comes with a high price. It damages your soul and delays your progress toward maturity. Learn to recognize these feelings and quickly bring them to Me before great damage is done, and you find yourself in enemy territory. It can be done. It is not without hope of change, even though your nature is badly bent in this pattern. Credit and glory are not the true fulfillment you have thought them to be. They are chains that bind you to a changing, dying, fickle world. But you can break the chains!

"Look no further, this is both a beautiful edition, as well as an excellent tran…

#quot;Look no further, this is both a beautiful edition, as well as an excellent translation…#quot; from a recent review. Learn more about the man and the saint. http://ow.ly/z6298


Francis of Assisi in His Own Words: The Essential Writings
www.paracletepress.com
Francis of Assisi in His Own Words: The Essential Writings – Reading Francis writings is like being on the road with him 800 years ago…

Gregorian Chant: The Eternal Song

By Cantor

“But I don’t know any chant!”

Whether I’m conducting a chant training session for choir members of parish churches, choir directors, or organists, or even doing a choral anthem workshop, inevitably, someone raises their hand and states with considerable firmness and clarity, “I don’t know any chant!”  Frankly, I’m glad for the honesty because it bursts open a grand opportunity to point out to people just how much chant they “know but didn’t know.”

For instance, open the hymnal in your church pew – in ANY church and go to the Advent and Christmas hymns. Most likely, one of the first hymns you will find is O Come, O Come Emmanuel. Instantly, your participants will probably express a certain amount of joy in that “certainly, we know this.” Then, they know a chant. Keep going through the hymnal and they will continue to be surprised by just how much chant they have been singing their entire life and did not realize that it was a chant.

However, it does not stop there. Point out the fact that Hollywood is no stranger to Gregorian chant. Movies such as The Name of the Rose, The Hunchback of Notre Dame or even The Matrix employ Gregorian chant to evoke a certain mood or frame of mind.

We hear and experience chant in both its original context and unexpected places. Sometimes it takes a moment of thought and realization – better known as an “aha moment” – to understand that whether we know it or not, we are influenced by chant in whatever context it may be found. But, we do know some chant!

Chant Blog.June12.2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit for Image:http://library.umkc.edu/spec-col/chantbook/antiphon.htm

 

July 13 Echoes of Eternity Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the da…

July 13 Echoes of Eternity
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
Psalm 23:6
I have magnified My mercy and will magnify it again. Goodness and mercy have followed you all the days of your life, and they shall follow you to the end. But do not presume, My child, on My mercy. Keep watch on the wayward side of your nature which the adversary is ever ready to exploit for his purposes. I do not want to see you hurt by any foolish choice, so My warning is against letting your joy in My mercy make you careless in this area. Being attentive to My presence is your safeguard.

July 12 Echoes of Eternity And be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgivi…

July 12 Echoes of Eternity
And be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:32
Come to Me with all your hurts and pain. Know that I the Lord am with you and know each one. You can deal with them in self-pity, deceiving yourself—or you can choose to let them crucify
the self-love that demands to be understood and agreed with. Stop defending yourself. As soon as you feel misunderstood—stop. Take a breath and pray to see—really see—the reality of the situation. Whether you are “factually” right or not is not the important thing. The crucial point is to see into the situation and take the other’s point of view seriously. You often misread this and provoke more conflict and more pain. I will help you, but you must be willing to pay the price—and for you, that is a costly one! But be of good cheer. The end is better than the beginning.
My child, do not fret over the circumstances around you. Do not allow the sin of others to draw you into judgment and self-righteousness. Have mercy on them, as I have had mercy on you. Remember the story of the servant who was forgiven a great debt, but acted unmercifully toward a fellow-servant who owed him a small one. Do not magnify the sin of others in your own mind, but “remember the rock from which you were hewn and the pit from which you were digged.” That will enable you to “speak the truth in love” at the appointed time.

Baked Chicken Nuggets: Recipes From A Monastery Kitchen

By Gourmet Nun

For years I have been making what I called crispy chicken strips, the result of an idea that came to me out of the blue and one that was very successful after simply trying it out on my own without any recipe.

I used them a lot as appetizers along with chutney or sweet and sour sauce. Sometimes I top a salad with them for a nice lunch, and often I add Italian spices and grated Parmesan cheese to the crumbs and serve them with a favorite pasta and sauce for a main meal.

I liked my original idea and have been quite pleased with myself for having come up with something that tasted so good and was exclusively mine or so I thought . . . until a while ago when flipping through a friend’s recipe book and look what I found:

“Baked Chicken Nuggets” – almost identical to what I’d been making, only using bread crumbs instead.

7-8 boneless chicken breasts, uncooked
Onion salt
1 cup butter, melted
2 cups crushed saltines
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional
2 Tablespoons mixed Italian spices, optional

Cut chicken into 1½ inch pieces. Season well with onion salt. Dip chicken in butter, then in crumb mixture, adding in optional Italian spices and Parmesan cheese for a Mediterranean accent if desired. Place on baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes – just until golden but still plump and juicy – not dry.

Makes 14-16.

P.S. Saltines give a much crispier crust than bread crumbs.

IMG_Baked Chicken Nuggets

July 11 Echoes of Eternity One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I see…

July 11 Echoes of Eternity
One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.
Psalm 27:4
Out of the deep you have called Me, and out of the deep I have answered you. Deep calleth unto deep. This is where I commune with you, when you turn and truly seek Me. You shall seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. Deep unto deep. Yes, you enter into the mystery of the ages, the communion of saints, the anteroom of heaven, when you seek and find Me here. You know the secret joy and strength which they found who have peopled these courts. A day in My courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. It matters not what the outward surroundings are or were— palace or prison, temple or tabernacle. When My presence is truly
sought and found, My glory fills the heart and that is enough.

July 10 Echoes of Eternity They looked unto Him, and were lightened; and their f…

July 10 Echoes of Eternity
They looked unto Him, and were lightened; and their faces were not ashamed.
Psalm 34:5
My child, do not hurry. Wait for Me. Let the natural impatience of your soul be put to death by My delay. I know your need. You need not distress yourself. I always come on time. You will learn that if you will continue to wait on Me. I come laden with the gifts you need. Before you call, I am prepared with My answer. Yet your call is necessary, because you need to become needy in your own eyes. Take your eyes off the circumstances that cause inner turmoil. Leave them to Me. Let My Spirit convict and convert your heart—not out of fear of what others may think or say or do—but in holy sorrow and compunction of heart toward Me. You have yet much to learn about true conviction, deep repentance, and the peace that forgiveness brings.

July 10 Echoes of Eternity They looked unto Him, and were lightened; and their f…

July 10 Echoes of Eternity
They looked unto Him, and were lightened; and their faces were not ashamed.
Psalm 34:5
My child, do not hurry. Wait for Me. Let the natural impatience of your soul be put to death by My delay. I know your need. You need not distress yourself. I always come on time. You will learn that if you will continue to wait on Me. I come laden with the gifts you need. Before you call, I am prepared with My answer. Yet your call is necessary, because you need to become needy in your own eyes. Take your eyes off the circumstances that cause inner turmoil. Leave them to Me. Let My Spirit convict and convert your heart—not out of fear of what others may think or say or do—but in holy sorrow and compunction of heart toward Me. You have yet much to learn about true conviction, deep repentance, and the peace that forgiveness brings.

Peace

By Melodious Monk

This week, we are preparing to perform Vaughn Williams beautiful and heart-wrenching work, Dona Nobis Pacem. Using Walt Whitman poetry as the primary source of text, Vaughn Williams wrote the work just before WWII as an outcry begging the world not to enter another world war. The piece takes the listener on a journey through all sorts of human emotions about life and war. There’s an outcry for peace, followed by a ruthless depiction of the sheer horror and un-humanness of war. Next comes a beautiful portrayal of the hope of reconciliation, followed by a martial and respectful, but sorrow-filled movement titled Dirge for Two Veterans. In the fifth movement the ensemble reaches its height of anguish, crying out to the heavens asking why? Why all this death, turmoil and suffering? Echoing the prophets of the Old and New Testament, the work closes with a triumphal hymn reassuring us that God will have the last word. The work is set down quietly with one last plea for peace.

In the fourth movement in particular, Vaughn Williams is juxtaposing the inexplicable horror and gut-wrenching sadness of war with the dignity and respect of human life. The music sounds triumphant and victorious as the poetry is depicting a tragic scene of a father and son killed together on the front lines.

It’s the same 2 measures in this movement that put a lump in my throat every-time we sing them. The poet has just explained that he can see and hear a sad funeral procession approaching. As it arrives the listener is quickly swept from seeing a sad procession into the grandest and noblest British-sounding march with all the pomp and circumstance the orchestra, organ and choir can muster. It is a triumphal and victorious moment, thrust in among deep anguish. I know this moment is coming in the work, but each time I’m caught by surprise in the sweep of majesty and glory. Vaughn Williams captures this essence. As the created beings in God’s image, we need to be reminded that all human life deserves the utmost respect.

water

 

July 9 Echoes of Eternity And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in th…

July 9 Echoes of Eternity
And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day; and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.
Genesis 3:8
Again I tell you, I am the Lord who healeth thee. My promises are still in effect. I see your motions vacillate between hope and despair. Your fear is your enemy. Remember, My child, perfect love casts out fear. There is no fear in love. I have not forgotten to be gracious. My heart is open to you. Your fear closes your heart to Me. You shall yet see the wonder of My grace. I have promised and I will be faithful. I have spoken and I will perform. It is not up to you to bring it about. This is My concern. Only believe! Only trust! Only confess your fear and flee to the Rock!

July 9 Echoes of Eternity And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in th…

July 9 Echoes of Eternity
And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day; and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.
Genesis 3:8
Again I tell you, I am the Lord who healeth thee. My promises are still in effect. I see your motions vacillate between hope and despair. Your fear is your enemy. Remember, My child, perfect love casts out fear. There is no fear in love. I have not forgotten to be gracious. My heart is open to you. Your fear closes your heart to Me. You shall yet see the wonder of My grace. I have promised and I will be faithful. I have spoken and I will perform. It is not up to you to bring it about. This is My concern. Only believe! Only trust! Only confess your fear and flee to the Rock!

Sunset

By Renaissance Girl

I visited my grandmother yesterday for her 95th birthday.  It’s been a while since I’ve seen her.  She was in her bed by the window, mint green sweat suit with embroidered flowers peeking out from under the covers, hair in wild curls against the pillow.  I gave her a hug and kiss and said “Wow, Grandma, 95 – Happy Birthday!”  She smiled and answered “I know….., I don’t know what’s next from here.”  The comment caught me off guard.  It wasn’t depressed or negative, really just a musing but so much was held in those words.

We sat together and ate the pepperoni pizza that was her birthday request.  We talked about family and birds and books and food, and we talked about giving up her apartment and giving away her things and the fact that she might not actually be able to walk again.  The time went by fast and when it was time to go, I wanted to take her with me – to whisk her away from those sterile halls and build her a room full of color, surrounded by trees that birds could sing in. As I headed home, I pondered how our perspective changes from childhood to adulthood – how the things that seemed important as a kid, like who gave the best Christmas presents, which grandparent was the most “fun,” who let you eat candy – are along the way rendered irrelevant by a new awareness.  Here was a woman who suffered and kept going, who loved her husband and watched him die first, who raised her children with the best she could instill in them, who made mistakes and picked back up, and who loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with all her heart and now is graciously awaiting “what’s next from here.” Somehow I feel that, on her birthday, I got a gift too.

sunset

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo By Kate Shannon

 

July 8 Echoes of Eternity That they might be unto me for a people, and for a nam…

July 8 Echoes of Eternity
That they might be unto me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory. . . .
Jeremiah 13:11
Praise is My gift to you. As you lift your heart and voice to join the throngs of the ages, I give back to you far and above anything you can offer to Me. It is part of My sovereign plan that My children are blessed in blessing. When the whole creation shall praise its Creator and Redeemer, healing streams will flow through its veins, to keep it in perpetual health. There can be no more healing prayer than praise—praise of the whole heart and soul. Praise of the body and voice. You are created as a whole person—and your praise must include body, soul, and spirit if it is to be complete. “Out of the mouths of babes Thou hast perfected praise”—why? Because in the simplicity of childhood, they hold nothing back out of “dignity” or “decorum.” My child, learn to praise Me more wholly. Praise is My gift to you.

July 7 Echoes of Eternity For the Lord thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a…

July 7 Echoes of Eternity
For the Lord thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills.
Deuteronomy 8:7
Drink at the fountain of My love. Long your soul has dwelt in a dry and thirsty land. Drink and be renewed here where living water flows. I am the water of life, the living water that enlivens your dying soul. There can be no life apart from this living water. I look for abundant growth. I see a soul still shrivelled and dry. I look for abundant fruit. I see but little, and the harvest is nigh. The need is great and the supply is unlimited. The day is still at hand, but night comes, when no man can work. Drink deeply, My child, at the fountain of My love––that your soul may be healed and your fruit may remain.

Gregorian Chant: The Eternal Song

By Cantor

Chant “back then”

Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of traveling to the city of Barga located in the northern part of Italy. As part of that travel, our chant schola chanted the midday office and compline in a church which was constructed and then added to over the course of several centuries. Towering above us in this church was a 12th century wooden statue of St. Christopher, still bearing its own wounds from centuries of war and unrest made visible in the arrowheads still in its torso.

As we chanted, I was struck by the thought that when that statue and that church were new, it is quite likely that chants we were praying were also relatively new. We were actually chanting in the surroundings in which these chants first came to life! Listening in this extraordinary building, the acoustic “told us” the tempo to take, allowed us to hear and experience the building of harmonies which hung in the air like incense, and gave us a sense that this chant had been heard in this room many thousands of times. The span of centuries was instantly crossed as we joined our voices with those voices of chant from “back then” – when the voice of the church was much younger and yet full of all the years that it would carry through. It made me realize again that we have the privilege every time we chant, of joining instantly with all of those centuries of prayer.

013-chants-of-the-priest.july 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

www.sanctamissa.org384 × 307

 

 

July 6 Echos of Eternity Incline your ear and come unto me: hear and your soul s…

July 6 Echos of Eternity
Incline your ear and come unto me: hear and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.
Isaiah 55:3
Call upon Me and I will answer you. I have said this to you many times. It is enough that I have said it. You can build on that simple word. Call on Me and I will answer you. No one ever called
on Me in vain. Do not fear to come to Me in any condition. Do not let your sin deter your coming. I wait to be merciful. I am the Lord who forgives and heals. Do you not know that I know the condition in which you turn to Me? I read the thoughts and intentions of the heart. So do not be afraid of offending Me. Your separation from Me is more harmful than any sin you bring with repentance. Your safety is in staying close to Me.

July 5 Echoes of Eternity For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of…

July 5 Echoes of Eternity
For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
Malachi 3:6
I am with you today, My child, and you have nothing to fear. Go forth in the joy and anticipation of My blessing. Put aside needless worries and thoughts of what might be. They only tangle and crowd the path laid out before you. Be confident and of good courage, for the cause is Mine, not yours. I have promised and I will keep. There is not variableness or changing in Me. You shall yet see My hand at work to bring about My design and desire—so be prepared. Faith is the necessary key to unlock the treasury I have in store. I will help your unbelief if you will stay close to Me in your need.

Italian Strawberry Crostata: Recipes From A Monastery Kitchen

By Gourmet Nun

We’ve been cooking up lots of strawberry jam for Christmas gifts with this summer’s bountiful crop of berries from our garden.  One of our sisters has been dying to make a strawberry tart with it and today she did.

I loved the looks of it when it came out of the oven. I loved the taste of it even more, as did some of the other kitchen sisters who sampled it. The unusual flavor of fresh lemon zested crust was a taste treat in itself even without the filling.

“Leave it right here”, I said “I’ll be back in a minute to take a picture. This has to be a blog!”  Locating the camera as quickly as possible I returned to take this photo…..

strawberry tart

 

 

 

 

 

“A picture is worth a  thousand words.” photo by Sr. Clare

Italian Strawberry Crostata

The pastry for this simple jam tart is made with olive oil and flavored with vanilla, lemon rind and a little alcohol, which makes it tender. It is an easy, smooth dough to handle and does not go hard when stored in the fridge.

4 cups plain flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
pinch salt
3 large eggs
2/3 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Tablespoons vodka or other alcohol
finely grated rind of 1 lemon
3/4 cup strawberry jam

Heat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt on a clean surface. Lightly beat together eggs, oil, vanilla, alcohol and rind. Make a well in the dry ingredients and add the egg mixture.

Using your hands, work the flour in gradually to form a dough. Work dough lightly until it comes together into a smooth ball.

Divide dough into 3 pieces.  Roll out all pieces to about 1/2 inch thickness. Press 2 of them into the base of  9-10 inch sallow baking pans. Spread each generously with jam.

Cut remaining piece of dough into very thin long strips. Form a ring around edge of dough and make a criss-cross pattern on top of the tarts. Cut tiny diamonds of leftover dough and place into the center of each criss-cross.

Bake for 30 minutes, until lightly golden.

P.S. We added a few fresh berries on top of the jam the second time we tried it, and felt it added yet another dimension of wonderful flavor.

Italian Strawberry Crostata: Recipes From A Monastery Kitchen

By Gourmet Nun

We’ve been cooking up lots of strawberry jam for Christmas gifts with this summer’s bountiful crop of berries from our garden.  One of our sisters has been dying to make a strawberry tart with it and today she did.

I loved the looks of it when it came out of the oven. I loved the taste of it even more, as did some of the other kitchen sisters who sampled it. The unusual flavor of fresh lemon zested crust was a taste treat in itself even without the filling.

“Leave it right here”, I said “I’ll be back in a minute to take a picture. This has to be a blog!”  Locating the camera as quickly as possible I returned to take this photo…..

strawberry tart

 

 

 

 

 

“A picture is worth a  thousand words.” photo by Sr. Clare

Italian Strawberry Crostata

The pastry for this simple jam tart is made with olive oil and flavored with vanilla, lemon rind and a little alcohol, which makes it tender. It is an easy, smooth dough to handle and does not go hard when stored in the fridge.

4 cups plain flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
pinch salt
3 large eggs
2/3 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Tablespoons vodka or other alcohol
finely grated rind of 1 lemon
3/4 cup strawberry jam

Heat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt on a clean surface. Lightly beat together eggs, oil, vanilla, alcohol and rind. Make a well in the dry ingredients and add the egg mixture.

Using your hands, work the flour in gradually to form a dough. Work dough lightly until it comes together into a smooth ball.

Divide dough into 3 pieces.  Roll out all pieces to about 1/2 inch thickness. Press 2 of them into the base of  9-10 inch sallow baking pans. Spread each generously with jam.

Cut remaining piece of dough into very thin long strips. Form a ring around edge of dough and make a criss-cross pattern on top of the tarts. Cut tiny diamonds of leftover dough and place into the center of each criss-cross.

Bake for 30 minutes, until lightly golden.

P.S. We added a few fresh berries on top of the jam the second time we tried it, and felt it added yet another dimension of wonderful flavor.

July 4 Echoes of Eternity So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth:…

July 4 Echoes of Eternity
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
Isaiah 55:11
I am the Bread of life. My very life is sustenance for your soul. I break the bread of My word, giving you your daily portion, sustaining you in your earthly journey. As the Israelites needed their daily supply of manna, so you need My freshly broken Bread. My word does not return to Me empty. It produces the fruit of the Spirit in your soul. Bury it deeply by faith, so that its fruit may be abundant. I want your life to bear an abundant harvest. Remember, My child, that harvest comes toward the end of the year, and do not mourn that you will not see it all. Trust it to Me, and keep listening for My freshly broken word of life to you. That is more than enough.

In The Present And Accounted For

By Sr. Nun Other

I visited someone this week, two years younger, who embraces life with enthusiasm. She’s an artist, loves to travel, and is a natural teacher who uses her gifts to help others. This time, she spoke of growing old and not handling it well. High blood pressure, a sudden onset of eye floaters, and a back-related fall recently required medical assistance. All of the medical personnel she encountered were young and used the phrase “this is quite common in a woman your age.” Ouch. Then information from Medicaid arrived in my mail. I understand her struggle. I went (go) through it myself. While singing the Wednesday’s morning office, I encountered these encouraging words: They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green. Psalm 92:13,14

To all of us of a certain age – isn’t a sunset every bit as beautiful as a sunrise and just as essential?

IMG_0264

 

 

 

 

 

Photo By Sr. Huai-Kuang Miao

In The Present And Accounted For

By Sr. Nun Other

I visited someone this week, two years younger, who embraces life with enthusiasm. She’s an artist, loves to travel, and is a natural teacher who uses her gifts to help others. This time, she spoke of growing old and not handling it well. High blood pressure, a sudden onset of eye floaters, and a back-related fall recently required medical assistance. All of the medical personnel she encountered were young and used the phrase “this is quite common in a woman your age.” Ouch. Then information from Medicaid arrived in my mail. I understand her struggle. I went (go) through it myself. While singing the Wednesday’s morning office, I encountered these encouraging words: They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green. Psalm 92:13,14

To all of us of a certain age – isn’t a sunset every bit as beautiful as a sunrise and just as essential?

IMG_0264

 

 

 

 

 

Photo By Sr. Huai-Kuang Miao

July 3 Echoes of Eternity According as He hath chosen us in Him before the found…

July 3 Echoes of Eternity
According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.
Ephesians 1:4
My dear child, I speak to you in love. Your fear of what I might say grows out of an old, sick, and distorted view of Me and My relation to My children. You never ceased to love your own children, and you had no desire that fear of you would remain in that relationship. In like manner, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, but “perfect love casts out fear.” That means that as you
mature, your only fear is that of offending or grieving My love—not the self-oriented fear of what I might do to you. I speak to you in love because that is the essence of our relationship, from My perspective. I know that you still have far to go, but I do not despise you nor condemn you for it. Keep growing!

Common Sense

By Melodious Monk

This morning I was reading about Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, a 20th century Italian priest from a farming town in southern Italy, more well known as Padre Pio. He gave this advice: “Whatever can I say in order to stop the multitude of your thoughts? Don’t try, excessively, to heal your heart, as your efforts would only make it more infirm. Don’t make too great an effort to overcome your temptations, as this violence would only make them stronger. Despise them and don’t dwell on them too much.”

I smiled while reading this, as it reminded me of conversations I frequently have with one of the long standing brothers at our community. He often tells me to try not thinking so much. Because put simply, “How do you expect to hear God’s voice with so many thoughts and voices of your own to drown His out? It’s just common sense!”

rossa

July 2 Echoes of Eternity They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thithe…

July 2 Echoes of Eternity
They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, “Come, and let us join ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten.”
Jeremiah 50:5
My glory is seen in the mundane—the ordinary paths of the day. Look for Me more faithfully, My child, and you will surely meet Me there. Hidden from your eyes, I watch over you. Unseen, I protect and provide manifold blessings. Unthanked, I still provide. You would be greatly blessed if you would cultivate and practice My presence more faithfully. My presence is there—with you. Did I not promise? “Lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” That was not spoken just to the disciples on the Mount where I left them. It was My word to My people—those who come to Me and follow Me in their hearts. It is for you, My child, it is for you! How weak and foolish you are not to let Me be your constant Companion! My glory can be seen in the ordinary paths. Will you look more faithfully?

July 2 Echoes of Eternity They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thithe…

July 2 Echoes of Eternity
They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, “Come, and let us join ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten.”
Jeremiah 50:5
My glory is seen in the mundane—the ordinary paths of the day. Look for Me more faithfully, My child, and you will surely meet Me there. Hidden from your eyes, I watch over you. Unseen, I protect and provide manifold blessings. Unthanked, I still provide. You would be greatly blessed if you would cultivate and practice My presence more faithfully. My presence is there—with you. Did I not promise? “Lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” That was not spoken just to the disciples on the Mount where I left them. It was My word to My people—those who come to Me and follow Me in their hearts. It is for you, My child, it is for you! How weak and foolish you are not to let Me be your constant Companion! My glory can be seen in the ordinary paths. Will you look more faithfully?

Thirst

By Renaissance Girl

My soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1

The scripture from today’s devotional caught my attention with its translation “my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” It’s a strong image of your body longing for God. And hard to imagine in a “land” abundant with water.

I thought about my day yesterday, a series of events – cleaning jobs, rehearsals, gardening – darting from one thing to the next trying to stay on schedule. And realizing around 5:00 that my head was splitting and my mouth parched – I hadn’t stopped to take a drink and I could feel the effects. In that moment, I poured a big glass of water and drank it down. But what if there had been none? What if there was no relief? And this was just after a couple of hours! The Psalmist is describing a land of no water. Multiply my little headache by days of dryness. This is how he longs for God. Do I consider God as essential to me as water? Or, do I charge through my agenda for the day and only realize I need him when I’m parched?

harbor1

 

Good Summer Reads eBook sale! Lauren Winner, Joy Jordan-Lake, Jane Reiss, Heathe…

Good Summer Reads eBook sale! Lauren Winner, Joy Jordan-Lake, Jane Reiss, Heather King, St. Therese of Liseux and others- 2.99 thru July 8. At http://www.paracletepress.com/ebook-sale.html and at Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Generous-Faith-Stories-Inspire-Abundant-ebook/dp/B00DNJHV7A/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8#amp;sr=1-1#amp;qid=1404246819

July 1 Echoes of Eternity For my people have committed two evils: they have fors…

July 1 Echoes of Eternity
For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.
Jeremiah 2:13
My dear child, be content with My love. I see your heart still searching for others to love and respect you. Each time you go on such a search you are seeking vanity—emptiness. Do you not know that yet? It grieves My heart to see My children, to whom I have revealed My mercy and lovingkindness so powerfully and clearly, still go “whoring” after emptiness. And so I ask you again, My child, be content with My love. It is enough, and you will come to see that it is more than you can ask or think. But it is seen and felt in its fullness only when you abandon the useless search for that which can never satisfy.