Meditations

In the forest opposite Taizé, the forester reconstructed the meanders of the stream that used to flow through the woods, but which had been converted into a drainage channel. Even during the extreme heat we experienced, in the thick of the forest, the meanders held back some water, allowing flora and fauna to flourish. It is a beautiful example of how life can take hold where before it struggled, when we care for creation. We are also thirsting, striving to understand our deepest desires, as we

Our great diversity helps us understand what it means to journey together and to listen to Christ, who asks us "What are you seeking?" You show us that it is possible to live and pray together, even though we come from different countries, cultures and Church backgrounds. There can, of course, be misunderstandings between us, but when we gather for prayer three times a day, the Holy Spirit binds us together in one Body, one human family. We can look at one another with kindness, and, like leaven

Yesterday, we were able to see the partial solar eclipse. It was a strangely beautiful moment when we felt something of the wonder of God’s marvellous creation, of which we are a part. One of the psalms says: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Together with the shooting stars we have seen in recent days, I think many of us have felt something of this wonder. Though we are worried about climate change, the loss of biodiversity and whether an ecologic

In a few moments Pamela will speak to us about listening, but before that, I wanted to share some thoughts about the Feast of the Transfiguration, that we celebrate today. This morning I took part in the life-commitment of two sisters of the Community of Grandchamp, in Switzerland, one from Latvia and the other from Sweden, whom I had known before they became sisters. It was a great joy to witness them saying yes to Christ to live their whole lives in community. During the service I had to speak

In a moment, Ombara, who comes from Kenya and is spending a year with us, will speak. But first, some thoughts on Sunday's Gospel: Matthew's account of the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus withdraws by boat to a deserted place after learning of John the Baptist's death. He needs time alone, to pray and reflect. But when he arrives, a huge crowd is already waiting — his planned retreat is undone. How do we react when our plans are frustrated? Do we turn inward and grow disappointed, or do we a

During this week, wherever you are from, you have all come with your own challenges. I hope that the times of sharing and common prayer have helped you discover a deeper unity in the midst of your diversity. Listening to people who are different from us can be a real gift. It helps us overcome the barriers behind which we so easily hide and resist the traps of polarisation and prejudice, which promise security but ultimately bring only sadness and isolation. Are we ready for that challenge? Para

When I look at the dry meadows around us, this naturally raises questions about our concern for the care of God's creation, our common home. What steps can each one of us take in order to contribute to safeguarding the beauty of creation so that everyone can continue to enjoy it? At the same time, I wonder: are we beings of thirst? And if so, what is it that we are thirsting for? Like the earth, we too sometimes have to live in the waiting for rain. But do we dare to follow our deepest thirst? I

During these weeks, we are listening to the Gospel of Matthew, and what we have just heard (Matthew 16:5–12) is not easy to grasp. Jesus asks those who are following him to be on their guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Who were they? They represented different ways of seeking security: some through renewal involving strict religious observance, others through political or institutional power. Jesus' approach was different. Notice that Jesus' followers have not understo

Last Sunday was the feast of Pentecost, the end of the Easter season. It is the time when we celebrate the fulfilment of God’s promise to send the Holy Spirit to be present among us, so that we may be witnesses to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. We speak often of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but is not one of the greatest gifts that the Holy Spirit comes to remind us of all that Jesus said to us? That was the promise Jesus made to his friends in John 14. He also calls the Holy Spiri

Many of you have come this week, from different parts of Germany but also from several dioceses of France, as well as from Sweden and Lithuania. Other countries are also represented at Taizé, and let us not forget those who come from Africa, Asia and the Americas, particularly among the volunteers who live here for longer periods and who support the weekly meetings. Welcome to you all! In a moment, two of you will ask me a question and I will try to answer, but before that I would like to share

Welcome to all of you who have come from the four corners of Europe and beyond to share Holy Week with us here at Taizé. I extend a special greeting to the young people who have come from countries currently marked by war. Lebanese and Ukrainian young people are among us and have carried, together with young people from different continents, the icons these past days at the beginning of evening prayer. I would like to thank all our volunteers — young adults from all over — who give between one m

Thank you for being with us this week as we enter the season of Lent ! You come as the sun pierces the clouds bringing with it the hope of the beauty of springtime which is gently emerging from the long winter. This week is almost an Atlantic meeting ! Many of you come from Portugal and others have joined us from New York. A special welcome to you all. I would like to express my gratitude to all the teachers and other group leaders who have accompanied all you young Portuguese this week, and als