Angels played an important role as messengers in the sacred scriptures. They announced new life to Sarah and Abraham, Elizabeth and Zachariah, Mary and Joseph. In the Magnificat, or Canticle of Mary (Luke 1: 46-49, NRSVCE), we are reminded: "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me."

Every November, we have a special day set aside to be thankful. Our tradition is rooted in the tradition and practice of ancient Israel, where gratitude was not once a year, but a part of daily life. Many of the psalms we pray today show the people’s remembrance of God’s blessings not only in their own lives, but also throughout creation and in the lives of their ancestors who had come before them. They remembered God’s action and presence in their lives and all the gifts they had by God’s grace and love.

As the warm green season of summer blends into a cooler, golden autumn, the frosty winter lays ahead of us. Here in Minnesota, black bears have long been preparing for the cold months of winter. As early as  midsummer, bears begin digging holes for a den or searching out a small cave or hollow tree trunk. Bears may spend up to twenty hours a day eating and gaining weight for nourishment during the coming winter months.

Say what? Alleluia in September and it’s not even the Easter Season. As the Monastery continues to navigate the pandemic and Say what? Alleluia in September and it’s not even the Easter Season. As the Monastery continues to navigate the pandemic and challenge our norms, we move forward and enter what some call a “new norm.”