Snow and Advent greenery

Br. Rob is still in California for another week. We look forward to his return home.
Br. Scott arrived this Sunday from St Benedict Priory, in Hermanus, South Africa, to visit for several weeks of winter weather. He likes cool weather. We've got it for him.
Br. Robert Leo was at Yale Divinity School for a couple of days of spiritual direction Then he headed to Cambridge, MA, to visit our Society of St John the Evangelist brothers and attend a conference in greater Boston.

At the beginning of the week, we had two days of snow that delivered a foot of accumulation. Winter storm #1; check! Our snowplowing contractor stayed on top of the situation and our driveway was quickly practicable.

First winter storm. From top left, clockwise: a moving barge on the Hudson passes two parked barges in the falling snow; soon after the snow stops falling, trees take a graphic quality because of the contrast between snow and bark; a moody morning landscape.

From Tuesday to Thursday, I visited General Theological Seminary in the New York neighborhood of Chelsea to provide spiritual direction to students and faculty. Snow had not accumulated in the city. On Tuesday evening, I went to visit a young friend from Belgium and his wife in the Upper West Side. I've known Alec since his birth (he's the eldest son of my good friend Sheila, from High School days).

Last year he married Althea who is American and is writing a PhD in ethno-musicology at Columbia. This was my first meeting with her. I'm so glad to have met the woman who swept Alec off his feet. Alec works for the Solutions Journalism Network. We shared a delicious vegan meal and had great conversations on our respective endeavors. It is a wonderful feeling to see someone you've known as a little child launching with passion into adult life and becoming so accomplished already.

On my way to visit NYC friends. From top left, clockwise: the Empire State Building seen from 23rd Street: Alec, Althea and I at their apartment.

I love vsiting New York from time to time. But I'm always delighted to get back home to my brothers and our life of worship and prayer. There is still a layer of snow on the grounds. But the Guest House is warm and cozy. Advent is discreetly visible in some pine greens around the place.

Advent greens and cozyness. From top left, clockwise: the church's backdoor is still blocked by some snow but an Advent wreath graces it alreaddy; catching a ray of afternoon sunlight in a jar of Sancta Crux incense in the sacristy; two friends rediscovering the joys of chess in Pilgrim Hall; Advent  Two lit up the second candle on the Advent wreath; St Augustine  ('s icon) got his Advent greenery too.

This Sunday morning I got to preach for Advent Two. You can check out the sermon (audio and text) on our Sermons Blog. It is now mobile phone friendly. And from a computer, you can subscribe to e-mail updates from the blog.

Blessed Advent to you.