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Matins reading from Maximus the Great, Jan. 21

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  A timeless message from St. Maximus the Great whom we remember on January 21st. The icon was a gift to the community from the iconographer Robert Lentz, OFM. Matins reading from Maximus the Great, Jan. 21 The Lord reminds us in the gospels, “Whoever loves me will keep my commandments. And this is my commandment: that you love one another.” So, those who do not love their neighbor do not obey God’s command. But those who do not obey this command cannot love God. People are blest if they can love everyone equally. Moreover, if they truly love God, they must love their neighbor absolutely. Such people cannot hoard their wealth. Rather, like God, they generously give from their own resources to each according to their needs. Since they imitate God’s generosity, the only distinction God draws is the person’s need. God does not distinguish between a good person and a bad one, a just person and one who is unjust. Yet God’s own goodness of will makes God prefer the person who strives aft...
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The Path and the Destination

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  by Brother Luke Sometimes when I set out for a walk with my dogs, I do not have a particular route in mind. Usually, they are resting in their crates in our “mud room,” which exits our building behind the Bell Tower. That is the quickest way out and often the most efficient. But if I want them to get water before we go, I have to go out the back door past other dogs in their crates. That’s more of a challenge and may affect my choice of routes outside. Once outside, I have many options. Which one to choose? Does it matter? To me, maybe, but not to my dogs. They will enjoy their romp in the woods no matter what the season or which trail I pick. So, I pick the trail and they go with it. Dogs operate in nature as they are designed to do, and they are not troubled by the need to wrestle with choices of right or wrong. It’s not exactly autopilot; they do have to operate within their framework. Bark, growl, or bite may be determined by circumstances, training, or temperament, but whate...
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Ordinary Chosen for Extraordinary

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Our Lady of the Sign by Ida Williams with gratitude to Sister Cecelia for her insights Our Lady of the Sign — Patroness of the Nuns of New Skete As we enter the season of Christmas, when we reflect on God choosing to come among us in the most humble and unexpected way, it feels fitting to remember that the nuns’ monastery is dedicated to  Our Lady of the Sign —the icon that proclaims that very mystery. This image of Mary shows her with hands raised in prayer, the Christ Child revealed within a radiant circle over her heart. The sisters place their life and work under her protection and patronage, trusting her to guide the community and intercede for all who come here. The icon expresses the heart of the Incarnation— God with us —and reminds us that New Skete is meant to be a place of prayer, peace, and hospitality offered in Christ’s name. Just as Christmas celebrates God entering the world quietly and lovingly, the icon of the Sign reveals God dwelling within the ordinary, held in...
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The Blessing of the Blessing of the Animals

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  By Carl Patka Every autumn, I have the privilege of volunteering at the St. Francis Day Animal Blessing hosted by the Monks and Nuns of New Skete. The tradition of the Blessing of the Animals originates from St. Francis of Assisi, a 12th-century friar known for his love and respect for all of God’s creations, particularly animals. St. Francis is a cross-over saint, loved and respected by Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox alike. Dog owners from near and far drove up to New Skete on October 4, 2025, to a beautiful fall day for this year’s Blessing of the Animals. They came to have their best friends blessed in an outdoor ceremony that calls on God and St. Francis to bless every creature that breathes—including the dogs and their owners—with a little sprinkling of holy water. We have been blessed with good weather almost every year; one year, we had to move inside the church because of rain, and it was lovely having nearly 100 dogs (and a small goat) inside for the service....
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Memory or Communion Eternal? Part 2

  By Ralph Karow   Before continuing my article we’ll need to recall my thoughts on eternal life being a deeper immersion in the perichoresis of perfectible harmony; otherwise known as the mystical Body of Christ. It’s only one’s spiritual nature that enters the mystical body, yet one’s spirit must be somehow bounded if we are to remain our individual selves. And here’s another reason I prefer the analogy of cells in a body to stones in a building: cells contain a nucleus and organelles within the bounds of a permeable membrane. When we enter into eternity, is our soul with its organelles of rationality, heart, eye, and ear encompassed by a mystical membrane so that it may adhere to and interact with the other cells in Christ’s body? And what other than love could be the force of adhesion? Not just any love, but the threefold love of self, God, and neighbor. When I was with my father at the nursing home, we didn’t talk much, but we certainly shared a heartfelt silent love...
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Rejoice and be glad! (Psalm 118)

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  By Sister Cecelia There is a saying that things come in threes.   Not long ago, Sr. Patricia and I were involved in a car accident. We were not hurt, but the vehicle was totaled. When I learned that two of our parishioners had also had their cars hit quite recently, we could all sympathize with one another. In theory we know we can die at any moment, but this accident made me realize just how vulnerable we all are. What goes through our minds at the time and in the days that follow? For me, I felt exceptionally blessed, not just because neither we nor the other driver were physically hurt, but that many people came to our aid in whatever way they could. I know that not everyone has the same experience. So, what enables some to be so giving and others to seem to turn a blind eye, so to speak, to the needs of others? Haven’t we all been given some abilities to be able to love others, to freely give of ourselves? When the scribe or lawyer asked Jesus what he needed to do ...
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A Look at the 2025 Pilgrimage

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  By Karen Gladstone   Whether it was your 20th New Skete Pilgrimage or your first, everyone was welcomed! For many, this annual event is a tradition that gives individuals and families the opportunity to come together from near and far to share in a special day of community.      It was perfect August weather: warm, dry, and not a cloud in the sky. The thin breeze barely shook the pop-up tents that dotted the circular drive surrounding the Transfiguration Chapel. Their shade provided welcome cover for volunteers, guests, and baked goods alike.     The hot sun shone on the procession of pilgrims, clergy, and choir members as they made their way from the lush meditation garden to the coolness of the Holy Wisdom church for Liturgy.   A common sentiment heard throughout this day was “Being at New Skete brings me such peace…as soon as I start the drive up the road, I feel a calmness.”   It’s as if New Skete itself is granting permission...
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