Beginning anew. A Farewell

A Farewell and a poem

Friends and fellow pilgrims,

Two days ago we arrived at Saint Benedict’s monastery, MN for a writing retreat. When walking to prayer every day in our monastic community we were greeted by the nativity scene in the gathering space before the prayer hall. It sits in front of three huge evergreens, welcoming us with their aromatic scent every day.

On Epiphany the incense of frankincense and myrrh filled the space marking the celebratory end to a long journey. It also marks the end of our journey together, having joined the wise (wo)men on their search for the Divine child. And like the wise (wo)men, as you (and we) travel home again from this Christmas season, we are sure it will need to be by “a different way.”

Looking back on the travel

Whoever has been traveling with us through the 12 Days of Christmas has probably experienced it. The Christmas story is a story of travel. And as daily travel tires you out, and makes your feet hurt and your mind wander, so too does journeying into the Chri…