Rockdale Citizen

JAMES BEHRENS: We are not the source of our salvation -- we need God

His name was Freddie Grunfelder. He was an old man who had problems and used to come by the rectory disheveled, unbidden and always desperate.

JAMES BEHRENS: Keep an open heart, and God will reveal Himself to you

The question raised by Jesus, "Who do people say that I am?" has moved men and women through the ages to seek a definitive answer.

JAMES BEHRENS: God gives us everything we need to get through life and come out shining

JAMES BEHRENS: God gives us everything we need to get through life and come out shining.

JAMES BEHRENS: Life is delicate, fragile for all, not just the 'elderly'

I have long been a creature of habit. I think monastic living has reinforced that trait even more.This life is one of routine.

JAMES BEHRENS: Prophets still live among us, fighting for justice, equality

The claim of Jesus that everyone in His midst were and are his brothers and sisters is a statement that can be taken as one of the most potentially explosive in the gospels.

JAMES BEHRENS: Centenarian archbishop played vital role in church history with his can-do attitude

Recently, my brother emailed me a link to an article from the New Jersey Star-Ledger.

JAMES BEHRENS: Stability, kindness go a long way to helping us help others

In early June, our abbot, Francis Michael, asked me to accompany him on a trip to our sisters' monastery in Humocaro, Venezuela.

JAMES BEHRENS: Take time to stop and ponder God

I met a man on retreat here a few weeks ago. His name is Mike. He has been here often and told me that he loves it here at the monastery. He seems to love everything about this place -- the monks, the rhythms of the daily chanting of the

JAMES BEHRENS: God gave us body language to communicate our love for one another

Not long ago, we participated in a three-day workshop here. Sister Lynn Levo, a specialist in human relationships, walked us through the highs and lows of human relationships.

JAMES BEHRENS: Like the different grasses, we are asked to grow, flourish in one field by God

Scriptures reveal ample evidence of the traces of God and His ways, as these are found in the most commonplace things. Jesus often spoke of harvests and seeds, pearls and trees, the birds of the air, wineskins and more to share with his hearers what God is like, what He

JAMES BEHRENS: God's hope lives even in those who deny Him

I suppose it is a deep seated wish that when we choose a life's path -- or we sense that we are called or invited to do so -- we hope that it is a good choice.

JAMES BEHRENS: Allow the flame of God's love to clear away all that is not divine

Some years back, our pine board monastery was hit by a bolt of lightning and burned to the ground. No one was in the building at the time.

JAMES BEHRENS: God quietly enters our lives through good conversation over an evening meal

I usually share dinner with Father Anthony in our retreat house. Anthony says grace for our guests, and then we head to the kitchen and sit together and share a meal.. Often there are friends at the table -- Anne, who sets out the food, and Rocky, a mutual friend

JAMES BEHRENS: It's never too late to rekindle old friendships

A letter arrived recently in the mail. I looked at the return name and address and immediately recognized the sender. His name is Tim and he now lives in Arizona.