|
The Christmas Myth: Christmas 2009
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus. At every Christmas we retell the story of His birth into our world, and open ourselves to His birth into our life. It is the celebration of the Christmas Myth that speaks deeply to every human heart that takes the time to really listen.
One of the first books I read about Jesus was, “The Jesus Myth,” by Andrew Greeley. I saw it in a bookstore on a college campus, and picked it up because the name of Jesus was so prominent in the title. As someone who ultimately converted to Roman Catholicism it now strikes me as ironic that a Catholic priest wrote it. Read More...
 Holy Is His Name
Probably one of the more popular sings I have written is Holy Is His Name, a song of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Since we believe that Jesus is fully human and fully divine, we sometimes call her the Theotokos in Greek, or the "bearer" or Mother of God in English. He is Son of God and Son of Man, Son of God, and Son of Mary. This is a great Mystery.
Many think that I composed this song in some great contemplative setting. Not so. I actually wrote it while sitting at the busy family breakfast table at one of my friend's house in Los Angeles. Read More...
December 8 - The Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Advent 2009
Another liturgical year is over, and a new one is beginning! Advent is the beginning of the new liturgical year, even though our secular calendar does not begin a new year until January. For the secular world December is the winding down of the old year. It is an ending. For Liturgical Christians it is the beginning of a new year. It is a time for new resolutions, and beginnings. It is not the end. It is a new beginning!
Read More...
 Troubadour is happy to announce the release of John Michael's newest book, "Reflections on St. Francis," published by Liturgical Press.
John Michael's Reflections on St. Francis offers readers an accessible entrance into the Rule and Testament of St. Francis of Assisi. Talbot's reflections shed light on Francis as a saint, a founder, and a reformer. Drawing on his own experience as the founder of The Brothers and Sisters of Charity at Little Portion Hermitage, an integrated monastic community of celibates, singles, and families, Talbot provides unique observations on how Francis's life and the Franciscan tradition can be a source of inspiration for those of all states of life even today. These meditations allow readers to contemplate the ways in which prayer, community, and simplicity can be integrated into their own lives while also giving readers Talbot's distinct interpretation of Francis's work.
Order Reflections on St. Francis now, or take advantage of our pre-Christmas special - Get Reflections on St. Francis, JMT's Living Water CD, and the "Concert Songs" download gift card!
Click Here for the Latest Photos and News
on the Rebuilding of Little Portion Hermitage
|
|
New Itinerant Ministries Planned
In the fall of 2009 we began an exciting new direction in JMT ministry! We are returning to my radical gospel roots. I am very enthused by the fruit we are seeing from this already. We are experiencing a fresh and powerful new wind of the Spirit in my ministry and community. I want to share that enthusiasm and joy with you!
Specifically this means that we are going to local regions and staying there for several weeks doing many events throughout the area. These events range from a single evening of Music, Teaching, and Contemplation, to three night missions, retreats, and teachings in a parish. The beauty of the three day ministry is that excitement builds from night to night, and more and more people come each night as the word spreads from person to person.
Our biblical model for this is St. Paul, who went to a local area a stayed there evangelizing and building up the local community before moving on to another region. The more primary model is from Jesus himself, who went from village to village in spiritual simplicity to preach the Good News to all God’s people. Of course, the example of the saints like St. Francis of Assisi and the early Franciscan preachers is also a great inspiration for this ministry. They went in gospel simplicity from village to village and church to church, preaching the Gospel of Jesus using music, art, and proclaimed words.
This model allows me to bring the full spectrum of my music and teaching ministry gifts to a local area. Often in the past, audiences may have only seen the music and more meditational aspect of my ministry. But I have also written numerous books and fulfilled a daily teaching role as Spiritual Father of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity. As well as leading musical worship, this ranges from teaching to leading seated meditation. National audiences now get an opportunity to experience this aspect of my ministry. I am thrilled at this opportunity.
We are also using free-will offerings to financially support the ministry. This is in radical contrast to the ticketed events of the past. In past years of national prosperity ticketed events worked well for our ministry and sponsoring churches alike. But with the recent recession I want to offer these concerts and teachings to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. This way all can come to an event that presents the gospel of Jesus Christ as a free gift. It also allows those who are able to give a little more. Between these two we are walking by faith that God will take care of our legitimate ministry needs. So far we have not been disappointed, though we are certainly not getting rich!
So we need your help! We need you to support these events by coming when we are in your area. We also need you to get the word out when we are close by. Lastly, we are open to ministering in your church. Ask your pastor to sponsor a John Michael Talbot ministry in your local area. We are excited about what God is doing in our midst! We want to share it with you!
In Jesus,
John Michael Talbot
Founder and Spiritual Father
The Brothers and Sisters of Charity at Little Portion Hermitage
Construction Update from JMT
Peace and Good in Christ!
The most recent aerial photo of the New Monastery. You can now see the shape of the building. The white ICF exterior is filled with almost a one foot thick concrete, and will be covered with thick permacrete. It will be painted light beige. It will look like a Franciscan Mission. The arches are going up on the porches in the weeks ahead, as is the chapel floor and roof. More photos as things develop.
In Jesus,
John Michael Talbot
Founder, and Spiritual Father
The Brothers and Sisters of Charity at Little Portion Hermitage
Pentecost 2009
An Easter Manifesto 2009
Index of JMT Reflections
|
Read about Little Portion's 25th Anniversary celebration
and the groundbreaking for the new monastery!
We have been blessed by donations and coverage to allow us to build the new monastery, but we still need money to furnish it properly. This primarily includes the seating for the new church. We need good congregational seating, and a monastic choir. Simple, yet comfortable enough to allow elderly to stay during the three daily services. These will be made of quality wood in order to survive their rugged use through the upcoming years.
We also will need help with the initial landscaping costs to heal the wound of, both the fire, and the building process. What is planned is simple, but beautiful. We want to provide a restful environment for residents and guests.
Please consider helping generously with these needs. We really want to build something that all our friends and supporters will be proud of, and will want to visit in order to pray, worship, and fellowship with us at the Hermitage.
- John Michael Talbot
Listen to JMT's Newest CD
The Troubadour Years
A Double-CD compilation of the best from John Michael's own
Troubadour for the Lord record label. 34 songs in all!
Listen to sound clips now,
Questions about sponsoring a concert?
A NEW WAY TO DONATE JUST BY SURFING THE WEB!
We're listed on GoodSearch - Now you can make a big difference by using the GoodSearch search page powered by Yahoo, and the GoodShop family of online stores like Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and more!
Click here for details!
NOTE: When you're asked whether you wish to Open or Save, choose "Save" and save it on your computer to the location you would like to store your tunes (ex: "My Music" folder under "My Documents"). After your songs have downloaded, you can close the download window.
Selected photos courtesy of Hunter Darrouzet Photography, Dallas TX
|
