November 7, 2013
November 4, 2013
Dear Friends,
If you remember, last year about this time a large flock of sparrows descended upon us and remained until spring; they are back. They congregate around the tree wells filled with water. They and the ravens get along well. The ravens get along well with the dog too. We have two pecan trees, and the ravens adore pecans. They either pick them off the tree or eat those fallen to the ground or both. The other day they were pecking around under the tree that is in the dog’s yard, and the dog was ignoring them from about ten feet away.
When the sparrows fly together, they are like a snow storm sweeping across the land.
It is deer hunting season. The first week is for bow and arrow, and then shooting is legal. So the deer come and live with us because they can’t be killed on our property. We “have” a mother with two little ones, and what seems to be a herd with a buck. They too get along with the ravens.
Do you know anyone with depression problems? Advise them to look around for some ravens.
We have maybe a dozen deciduous trees. I know that the New England blaze is incomparable, but when all you have is a dozen yellow trees, you really appreciate them individually. They are various shade of yellow and the leaves have various shapes. It is all too glorious.
We have finished our annual retreat, and Dom Brendan has remained with us for another two weeks. Our Father Immediate has come to get to know us and to keep Brendan entertained. They are best buddies from way back. I hope they will drop in now and then for R and R. Brendan is the appointed superior for our monastery in Utah, which is gradually fading out.
Thank God for the World Series. If ever the Sox were a gift to Boston it was now, after the Marathon Massacre. It was so beautiful to see them lay the trophy and the jersey on the place of the bombing. Boston Strong.
Advent is coming. The shepherds are tending their sheep. They do not know what is in store for them. Meanwhile, the leaves are celebrating. and we are making your Hosts. Remember your sisters at the Eucharist, as we remember you at work and always…
We will have a priest from Snowmass for Christmas through New Years. Snowmass being the site of our new Father Immediate. A beautiful site in Colorado.
Dom Joseph brought a fim about Thomas Keating, founder of Contemplative Outreach. He was abbot of Spencer and Father Immediate of the Sisters’ monastery of Wrentham all the time I was there, so I had many memories. The film is chiefly about his spiritual doctrine and Centering Prayer. But I remember so much of his wit and his gigantic talent at telling a story. Especially, we heard such wonderful accounts over the years of monks who died.
There will be more coming soon, when I get more pictures. You would love to see the ravens, wouldn’t you?