Category Archives: Jesus

Trinity & Saccidananda

The Benedictine ashram in South India, where I spent many long retreats over a period of twenty years, is usually called Shantivanam, “forest of peace,” but it is also the Ashram of the Trinity, and the first founder, Father Jules … Continue reading

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Ascent to the depths

“Ascent to the depths of the heart”: this phrase is the title of the published diaries of the monk Henri Le Saux, who in India was known as Swami Abhishiktananda. Actually, the English translation of the book says “depth” in … Continue reading

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A few words on Day One: “God” is not an individual

Before Vatican II, the Catholic Liturgy on January 1st was called the Feast of the Circumcision. It offered midnight revelers the shortest gospel reading of the liturgical year, one verse from Luke: “On the eighth day, Jesus was circumcised.” Period. … Continue reading

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Spending more time at New Camaldoli Hermitage

I have been feeling more strongly drawn back to the Hermitage in Big Sur, where I originally made monastic vows. I have continued with the Order, by God’s grace, and on June 19, 2014, I celebrated there, together with fellow … Continue reading

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A dream of Debussy / India and other passions

I seem to remember: in the past few days I briefly dreamed of meeting Claude Debussy. India is a great passion, in the best sense: that is, as an energy that brings forth an appetite deep in the soul. There … Continue reading

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On “Christ the King” Sunday, but is He?

Here are some words I shared with our friends at Incarnation Monastery in Berkeley today. When we read “Christ,” we usually understand the word to be a name. That is not a misunderstanding. As a title, in its literal usage, … Continue reading

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Creating a disturbance in the temple

Another talk I gave last Sunday, on the gospel story about Jesus chasing merchants and moneychangers out of the temple (John 2:13-25). I’d like to begin with the gospel acclamation: “God loved the world so much, he gave his only … Continue reading

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Transfiguration

Thoughts I shared today with friends gathered to worship at Incarnation Monastery in Berkeley. Our gospel reading today (Mark 9:2-10) shows us Jesus transfigured, talking with the prophets Elijah and Moses, that is, a prophet of Spirit and a prophet … Continue reading

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