Elena Ainley's Clothing January 13, 2018

On January 13 Elena Ainley was clothed as a novice and was given the name of Sr. Mechtilde, after the great 13th century Benedictine saint. Sr. Mechtilde studied video game design and was working as a graphic artist when she decided to attend a Monastic Experience Weekend with us last year. After one month's observership with the community, she entered as a postulant on July 1, 2017.

The cold of the January day contrasted with the warmth and joy in our church as she pronounced her commitment to continue her discernment of her vocation with us. Please pray for her.

Feast of the Epiphany, Year B

"The star came to rest above the place where the child was. At the sight of it the wise men were filled with great joy” and that great joy should fill our hearts as well. It is the same as the joy the shepherds received from the glad tidings brought by the angels.

Let us join the wise men in worship and the shepherds in giving glory to God. Let us dance with the angels and sing: “To us is born this day a savior who is Christ the Lord. The Lord is God and he has appeared to us,” not as God which would have terrified us in our weakness, but as a slave in order to free those living in slavery....

Stars cross the sky, wise men journey from pagan lands, earth receives its savior in a cave. Let there be no one without a gift to offer, no one without gratitude as we celebrate the salvation of the world, the birthday of the human race. Now it is no longer, Dust you are and to dust you shall return, but “You are joined to heaven and into heaven you shall be taken up."

From a homily by Saint Basil the Great

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  Adoration of the Magi. Panel from 4th century AD Roman sarcophagus, cemetery of St. Agnes in Rome.