Summer Happenings
Fr. Stephen Ryan, OP came recently to offer us a series of lectures on prayer in the Old Testament prophetic literature, focusing particularly on the prayers offered by the prophets themselves. Fr. Ryan is a professor of Sacred Scripture at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC, and among other projects, is currently working on a critical edition of the Hebrew text of 1 and 2 Kings for the German Bible Society’s Biblia Hebraica Quinta. His excellent lectures covered many of the canticles which we pray in the Divine Office. We greatly appreciated Father’s contemplative insights. While he was here, he also offered some classes on Hebrew and Greek to the Sisters who were interested.
Our constitutions state that study “is a fruitful preparation for lectio divina and an aid to human maturity.” It “not only nourishes contemplation, but also removes the impediments which arise through ignorance and informs the practical judgment.” We are grateful for our Dominican friars who come to offer us lectures to nourish our life of prayer and contemplation!
Meanwhile, we enjoyed our celebration of the 4th of July, with unusually nice weather. The usual work times in our schedule are free on the 4th of July, and this year a group went on a nature walk outside, while others played pickleball. At the close of evening recreation, we stand and sing the National Anthem, and after Compline, some of the Sisters go up on the roof where we have an excellent view of the Summit fireworks show. We give thanks to God for our country, and pray that He will lead and guide us in righteousness and truth.
