SSJE

“I’m sure many of us have felt, or maybe are feeling even now, a sense of despair—that we are going down a road with no return, that there will be something about who we are that is irrevocably broken. Here in the US, our major party candidates promise two very different visions of tomorrow—you may despair that the other side may win, or you may despair that neither vision

“When things do not go the way we want them to go, it can feel like our life is on pause or on some never-ending detour that will never match up to our original route. It’s hard to be a servant of God when we think this way. No matter what we do, we will keep thinking of what could have been instead of focusing on what God is providing right in front of us. Dare I say that God

“We don’t know if Job’s friends ever came to see how their belief system was preventing them from acknowledging the truth of Job’s innocence. But we can certainly take a lesson from them as we examine the pre-conceived notions, systems of belief, or profound prejudices that may be keeping us from recognizing or embracing the truth.” As election season looms, Br. David Vry

“We each are called to make a whole-self-offering to God. In the example of Mary, we are assured that, though it might not be an easy offering, it won’t be a lonely one. And we are assured that in bearing that offering to God, we too will be blessed.” Pondering a line from the Gospel of Luke, Br. Lain Wilson considers the meaning of Mary's – and our – whole self-offering.

“What I believe we can cling to with absolute confidence is Saint Paul’s conviction that nothing, absolutely nothing can separate us from God’s love. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” he asks. It may seem like a rhetorical question. It’s actually Saint Paul’s memoir.” Br. Curtis Almquist looks at the life of Saint Pau as revealed in his letters, and m

“For us who believe in Jesus, the Cross is surely where we get our strength. It is our hope and our anchor. If you are feeling overwhelmed with the sorrows of our world, if your heart is filled with compassion for all who are suffering, in the Middle East and beyond, bring your sorrow, your love and your prayers to the foot of the cross, and allow Jesus to bear them and offer the

“For your own discernment in life, pray for revelation that you will recognize and trust. Use your mind, to be sure, but keep in mind that God is bigger than your mind. God is with you. Pray you will have the clarity to know how to know what you need to know, and the freedom to say “yes.”” Looking to Mary, Br. Curtis Almquist celebrates those ways of knowing that are beyond

“Jesus knew motivation. He knew how hungry people are for something energizing. He knew how much people want to be a part of something bigger than themselves, something meaningful, something true, something they can give their lives to. ” Br. Jack Crowley ponders how, in our day-to-day life as Christians, we are called to adapt to the changing circumstances of our life, and ev

“Whatever this season of life is bringing you; whatever challenges it puts before you; whatever God is asking of you now – God is with you; God’s power is available to you; God has promised to do God’s work in and through you. Keep in mind that the work is God’s.” Br. David Vryhof looks to the witness of Scripture for the comforting reminder that no matter how daunting

“Who have you seen live this way? Acting peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy. Might they also acknowledge their own need, ask for help, and be vulnerable? Perhaps elders, a parental figure or teacher. How about a child? Peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, dependent, asking for help, vulnerable.” In a competitive world, Br. Luke Ditewig reminds us of Jesus' atten