Thistle
It’s that time again! It is time to get into the garden. This year, I’ve got some help. Fr. Stew moved into our community last fall, and his favorite task? Pulling weeds. Weeds are a reality in every garden. My…
The Healing Power of Creativity
When I was young, if you asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up, I would tell you “an artist” which was a bit ironic because I had trouble coloring within the lines and I couldn’t draw…
The Garden of my Life
My garden, once a sanctuary, was trampled upon by those closest to me – my own family. Years of betrayal and anguish left me feeling forsaken and utterly all alone. I tried to navigate life all by myself, but I…
The Coming of the Bridegroom in the Byzantine Tradition
In the Byzantine Church during the first three days of Great and Holy Week, we celebrate a special service known as ‘Bridegroom Matins’ (morning prayer). In some churches, they celebrate this service in anticipation, meaning the night before, making the…
The Bridegroom’s Gaze of Love, Conchita and Mk 10:17-27
Mark 10:17-27 includes the beautiful comment about Jesus looking at the rich young man. “Jesus, looking at him, loved him.” We know from other instances, that Jesus’ look of love can change people. At Peter’s third denial of Christ, when…
The Poverty of Spirit of the Friend of the Divine Bridegroom
Reflection on John 3:22-30 “No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven.” “He must increase; I must decrease.” These lines from John 3:22-30 open before us the inner contours of poverty of spirit. This and the…
Is the Spirituality of Christ the Bridegroom for Men, Too?
The ministry of Hope’s Garden began as a response to the need of women who struggled to regain their trust in Jesus after experiencing dysfunctional or toxic relationships. The goal is to gradually introduce the women to the spirituality of…
The Paradox of Love
There exists a dichotomy in regard to our relationships to other persons. While we are all infinitely complex and unique, we are, simultaneously, infinitely the same. Just as we have complex lives with an incalculable number of details that only…
From the Hand of Our Lady
It was my youngest daughter’s 3rd birthday when I first learned that my husband was committing adultery. Despite the pain and horror that surrounded my family in the coming months, I was determined to fight for my marriage. I knew…
The Bridegroom Has Crushed the Power of Sin
A member of Hope’s Garden shares the experience before our Bridegroom, His love and mercy washed over me and I knew that His Presence would flow through me into the dark trail which was my past sins. In this I found great hope.
Deep Calls To Deep
“Hear, O daughter, and see; turn your ear, forget your people and your father’s house. So shall the King desire your beauty” (Ps 45, 17).” A sister from Hope’s Garden shares the Bridegroom’s wooing.
Remembering Who I Am
Into the lonely night I walk, searching for love unknown. The night, like wool, surrounds the silence of this moment. Tears unshed, fill up in me and slowly overflow. I long for love to hold me and stop the aching…
