by Br. Michael, ofm

There is an interesting line in the gospel of Mark in which Jesus says: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Mark 13.31). We can often focus on the endings of things or the uncertainty around us but Jesus reminds us to focus on his words which are everlasting. As we continue to navigate the challenges of our times let us be reminded of some of his life-giving words.

Do not be afraid. (Luke 12)

Peace I give you. (John 20)

I am the bread of life, living water, good shepherd, gate. (John 6, John 4, John 10)

I am the vine you are the branches. (John 15)

I am the way, the truth and the life. (John 14)

Blessed are the children of God. (Matthew 5)

Love God and love neighbour. (Mark 12)

Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there. (Matthew 18)

Our Father.. your kingdom come… your will be done.. give us this day our daily bread…forgive us… (Luke 11)

We need to be reminded of these words and how they are infused into our living. It seems to me that the words of Jesus offer us hope for our time and encouragement for the challenges we face. It seems to me that Jesus assures us with his words that he will indeed “be with us until the end of the ages” (Matthew 28.20). It seems to me that when we feel discouraged or fear tries to creep in, we are offered courage, light and peace for the journey.

Wherever we are right now on the journey; whether it is joy-filled, burdensome, draining, or content, Jesus is right here with us and is constantly speaking his words of life to us.

Are we listening? It’s easy to be distracted. Maybe it’s time to put down the phone, turn off the television and stop doing so we can hear his voice.

Which words of Jesus are speaking to you this day? Spend some time with these words (read the passage once, sit with it for several minutes, pray with it – there are countless ways) let them be nourishment and life for the days ahead. They are meant for us, for our well-being, soul health and our life. The best part is they will remain always.

Photo Credit: Priscilla du Preez

Mount Saint Francis Retreat Centre

Invites You to Register for any of these

Upcoming Advent Retreats…

Advent is a time for us to review our journey, renew our vision and return to the message of love and hope woven in our heart. At Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre, we provide space for you to come and be, for prayer, for peace and for healing during this season. We invite you to register for any of these Advent Retreats by contacting

403-932-2012 Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm.

It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken

in all of us memories of goodness and

thus to open doors of hope.

– Pope Benedict XVI

Advent Twilight –

“Prepare Your Heart”

Tuesday, November 30                               $30

Registration at 6:00 pm Supper at 6:30 pm

A delicious homecooked supper followed by a guided reflection to help you enter into the season of Advent, time for quiet and moments of shared prayer to close off the evening.

Consider gifting this Twilight Retreat to a friend or family member.

Advent Retreat –

“Prophets, Mystics & Storytellers”

December 3-5                                  $195

with Pastor Matt and Br. Michael

God is the great storyteller; history has proved this and our place in history continues to show how God is still writing the message of Good News for all people.

The Advent Season is filled with great stories and great people from scripture. It also invokes in us our stories and often brings to mind the people who we have journeyed with and those we share the journey with now.

Register with Linda and Russ Nicol           403-932-1804 lindamnicol50@gmail.com

Day Away – “Living the Resurrected Life”

December 8      9:00 am – 3:00 pm

$30        ($40 for private room)

This Day Away is part of the monthly series for the year.

Winter Stillness Retreat

Friday, December 10 – Sunday, December 12     $195

A quiet weekend entering into Advent silence. Come and rest.

Delicious meals to nourish your body, quiet and nature to nourish your soul.

Advent Twilight

– “In Thy Dark Streets”

Wednesday, December 15                                        $30

Registration at 6:00 pm      Supper at 6:30 pm

As we enter these final Advent days enjoy a hearty homecooked meal

followed by a guided reflection, time for quiet and moments of shared prayer.

Consider attending as a family (ages 12+)

Greccio: A St. Francis Christmas Pageant

December 12, Sunday, 2021 – Virtual Event

 St. Francis of Assisi started the popular tradition of re-enacting the Christmas story in Greccio, Italy. Mount St. Francis has held the Greccio Christmas pageant since 2006, to continue this tradition,                                                                       this year we again offer a virtual event.

               Check our website beginning December 12.

               Please consider making a donation to a local food bank.

– Br. Michael, ofm

The autumn sun is the perfect hue of yellow masked gently by a whisp of clouds. I slide into my long-time favorite handmade shades of brown and taupe sweater and my pull on a simple grey toque. I step out into the autumn morning.

The air is cool but not cold. It has that perfect tinge of alertness and that freshness that reminds me of hanging the quilt out to be refreshed. The air has no movement yet it envelopes me like a gentle hug. As I take my first steps for a morning walk, I notice the deepness of the browns of the leaves and the roughness of the bare branches of the trees which have shed their summer beauty. This only seems to highlight the boldness of the mighty evergreens. I also notice the faint sounds of a busy town already a hum with the day. This is not a distraction from the beauty of this moment rather it serves as a reminder of the fullness of life.

I continue on my walk across the grass, noticing it’s varying shades of still summer green to dull winter yellow.  I notice the gentle blue of the sky and the whisp of a few more clouds. I come back to noticing the air around me – it is gentle, present and holding me. As I look up from my steps, I notice a deer on the path ahead gazing at me. Our eyes meet. Her bright eyes alive with wonder, her brown coat almost hidden amongst the trees and grass. Quickly she dashes off into the safety of these trees. I continue on my walk making my way back to the house aware of my steps upon the earth and this moment. My heart filled with gratitude whispers “this is a “perfect” moment.” I realize for these moments that I am present; this is what it must mean to simply be. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow” crosses my lips, I look up to the heavens and smile.

As I settle back inside and enjoy a warm cup of spiced tea; sipping from my favorite mug, I realize my breathing is even and relaxed, my energy restored as I step into the calls of this day knowing that the “steadfast love of the Lord is present and in this I place my hope” (Psalm 33).

As we continue on into autumn, I pray that you will find the time and make the time to step into the gift of creation. Allow our sister Mother Earth to fill your mind, your heart and your soul with a “perfect” God moment to simply be.

Continued Autumn Blessings.