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What are Kingdom Antiphons for Compline?
The daily night office of compline concludes with one of four Marian antiphons. We are an ecumenical group. It will be difficult for some to have part of our prayers focused on appreciating Mary. I wondered about including a concession. One that would allow them to feel welcomed, considered, and valued by our group. I…
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Refining our Vision and Mission
We have refined the Vision and Mission of Urban Monasticism for the first time since we started in November 2019. These statements will help give us greater focus in the direction the Lord has been directing us.
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Introducing our Marian Antiphons for Compline
Throughout year of the Church there are four concluding antiphons during Compline. These are the Marian antiphons. They are wonderful celebrations of the mother of Jesus. They are placed at the conclusion of compline. That makes them the final words we might speak each day. Leaving us lingering with their words and imagery as we…
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Hallelujah! Immanuel and Christ
In the dark of night, Jesus, the light of the world, was born. Shepherds were invited into the heavenly celebration of his Birth. The first invited to gaze upon Christ. Our Lord. Our Immanuel. Hallelujah.
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Eternal Light, our Christ
Our Christ was born into a world that was far from perfect. He illuminates the darkness and stands apart in shadows. Jesus, the light eternal, come to us when our lives are far from perfect.
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Born our King and Christ
Rejoice! One is coming who is both Christ and King. Who will ascend His throne and reign forever. Let us start our pilgrimage to the gates of the Kingdom of God, and find ourselves at home with Jesus.
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Visio Divina: The Annunciation by Henry Ossawa Tanner
We invite you to do the practice of Visio Divine. This is an ancient practice of looking contemplatively at an object, photograph or work of art and allowing God to speak to us or reveal something through it. It is, in essence, a bodily prayer lead by our eyes. Sometimes, the visual is combined with…
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Carrying Christ
Mary found tremendous favor in the Lord’s eyes. Invited to carry Jesus into creation. The call to follow Christ is likewise a call to carry Him, and his kingdom within ourselves, and our world.
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Benedictus – Luke 1:68-79
Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel, who has come to set His people free. He has raised up for us a mighty savior, from the house of His servant David.
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Proclaiming the Christ
The life and words of John the Baptist proclaimed the coming of the Christ. Proclaimed the Kingdom of Heaven. He was sustained by the deep and expansive love of God – through the Holy Spirit. May the Spirit sustain us.
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The Cries of a Broken Person – Translating Psalm 88
There are many lament psalms within the Psalter. Yet, there is only one lament psalm without a positive resolution. This is that psalm. It is a complex weaving of expressions between the brokenness of their life amidst the quiet distance of God. Every word written/spoken here an act of faith, and trust in their Lord…
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An Invitation to Praise God – Translating Psalm 95
Let us sing praise. Let us respond to the invitation before us. Let us choose to Praise God with our voices, and let our hearts respond to Him who saves us. This wonderful psalm has one of the most prominent positions within the Divine Office. It is the introductory psalm which is prayed each day…
