Homily for Sunday 29C, 16 October 2022: Exodus 17:8-13; Luke 18:1-8

Jesus told his disciples a parable about the need to pray constantly and never lose heart. Today’s Gospel offers us a strong lesson about prayer, especially the prayer of petition for what we want, or need. Don’t be discouraged! Don’t lose faith! Don’t give up! The Lord wants to be asked; he hears; he responds; he is generous in giving.

Homily for the 8 o’clock Mass, Sunday 26C, 25 September 2022, Luke 16:19-31

The parable of the rich man and Lazarus is proper to St. Luke. Like other parables proper to this Gospel - for example the Prodigal Son, or the Good Samaritan, or the Pharisee and the Publican - this one very much fits with Luke’s typical emphases. St. Luke, more than any other evangelist, wants to show how Jesus made himself one with the poor: from the poverty of the stable in Bethlehem, to the poverty of the Cross.

Vestment making re-launched at Pluscarden

Among his many other tasks in the monastery, Pluscarden's Junior Br. Patrick has been studying the art of sewing. Already he has made or repaired many habits, scapulars, work smocks, cowls and cloaks for the brethren. More recently he has been working to enhance his sewing skills, so that he can repair or make liturgical vestments.