Parables of Community

10.5.24 In Search of Resurrection

A discussion of Saturday's gospel leads community members to search for Resurrection.

9.28.24 Becoming the "Bene Dicere"

How can poverty, hunger, and mourning be considered "blessed?" Father Nicolai looks at the Beatitudes through the lens of the community, revealing the "Good Word," "Bene Dicere," or "Blessing" that is poured out in and through someone with a sincere heart.

9.22.24 Mercy That is Deeper than the Depths of the Sea

In this Sunday's gospel, Jesus provides an abundance of life out of the abyss. The plentiful fish are a testimony of the authority that He has over the living and the dead, revealing that His mercy is deeper than the heart of the sea.

9.15.24 Singing and Silence at the Cross

The church is called today to care for life, to offer an open space where the soul of man can pray and sing, and have an encounter with Christ, who listens to us from the cross.

Some New Stories from the Mission

Brother Luke shares some new stories from the mission.

6.20.24 Notes from the Community

Brother Luke shares a collection of recent interactions and experiences from within the community.

7.13.24 Angels, Flowers, and the Light of the Resurrection

Father Nicolai reflects on recent hopeful learnings in the community.

7.7.24 Glimpses of God at Work

Notes from the community that offer a peek at how the community members are seeing God at work in and through each other.

6.23.24 Communion Inspires Unity

Through Matthew's arrival at the community this week, we learn that communion makes us look for the one that is lost: Through the wounds of the poor, Christ pours out His grace.

6.16.24 The Faith of a Heart that Never Heals

Fr. Nicolaie tells how the faith of people who saw (and see) evil in the face of war is a faith that can guide those of us who live in a society tempted by the illusion of death.

6.9.24 Our Hope of Restoration

Father Nicolae writes about how both the blind man in the Gospel reading, and Angela (a member of the community) have been changed by Christ to such an extent that they are nearly unrecognizable. This gives all of us hope of restoration through Christ.

5.26.24 Stirred Waters for the Healing of the Whole Community

Healing happens within the community in different ways, and at times it is given to us to witness little miracles. In the end it heals us all, in our heart. And this is the real miracle.

Reflections on Holy Week in the Community

Brother Luke reflects on Holy Week experiences in the community.

Scenes from Everyday Life at the Mission

Brother Luke reflects on some scenes from every day at the mission.

4.14.24 Seizures, Eclipses, and the Gospel Story of the Young Man Who was Possessed

A community member and Father Nicolaie each reflect on their experience with an aspect of the Gospel story of the young man who was possessed.

4.7.24 Giving of Ourselves Changes Us

It is always better to give than to receive. When we try to help other people, we tend to forget their need to also be able to give.

3.31.24 Forgiveness, Attentiveness, and Serving Christ

St. Gregory Palamas believed in beholding through prayer the uncreated energies of God. A young volunteer reveals to the community that this is not one quick event that pierces the soul. It is rather an encounter for the whole day.

3.28.24 Isaac's Passing (And How Mishaps Extend Community)

Frank (or Isaac, in the Church), a regular member of the community, passed away suddenly near the end of March. A mixup with his phone provided the community with the chance to learn of his passing, and opened the door for his daughter to share her grief with others who also loved her father.

3.20.24 Who are the Least of These?

A question recently posed at the mission caused Fr. Nicolaie to recall an experience he had when he was a teacher in Romania; and to reflect on how we each have our very own occasional "Emmaus" roads.

More Notes from the Underground

Brother Luke shares a collection of interactions and experiences from within the community.

3.3.24 Prayer, the Turning Point for Prodigals

In the heart of every prodigal son, at the time of prayer, God prepares a real place ready to offer hospitality to the one that is wounded.

2.18.24 The Faith of a Dog

Members of the community interact with the story of the Canaanite woman's faith, sharing their crumbs of wisdom.

March 3, 2024: Luke 15:11-32, Read for Older Children

2.11.24 Goodness on the Streets

Most servants are faithful with the talents entrusted to them. Even though broken and poor, they keep nothing for themselves. This is the reality of the gospel that we see within the community: there is an abundance of good done by the people.

People Look for Those Who Listen

When someone is in need, they seek to be listened to, to be heard by a heart that cares about their story and about the injustice done.

The Gift of Unity is Greater than the Gift of Healing

In today's generation, we do better to remain poor and in need of healing, but together in Christ; than to be healed alone and segregated through disunity. The community is learning this while walking with people like Judy.

Joys and Struggles at the Margins

Members of the community reflect on the margins of our existence; where seemingly-forgotten people dwell; and yet, in the margins is where they find their faith strengthening...

Theophany Brings New Life and Communion

The dynamis of Theophany is towards new life and communion. We see this in the community, as God is bringing healing to Jacob, while also opposing the flattening (or "alienation of the spirit") that so often happens in modern culture.

Creativity and Community on the Path to Holiness

Both Hector and Mohamed share their wisdom, encouraging each person to use their God-given creativity and humbly open their hearts, in order to build community and open the door to holiness.

Silence at Nativity

The silence of God at Nativity invites the caring community to action and change.