Doing God's Will

…he shall imitate by his actions that saying of the Lord: I have not come to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me (John 6.38). (RB 7.32)

When I was growing up our neighbors on the farm, the Wagners, were Methodists. Mrs. Wagner often sang these words of an old hymn. “And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own. And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.” I can still see her working with her flowers and singing this hymn. She was truly a holy woman and lived the words she sang. She raised six sons and a granddaughter and did the will of the God who made her.

This is what I think doing the will of God is. We walk with Him by imitating his actions. We talk with Him in unceasing prayer. We share our lives with Him, our joyful times and our sorrowful times.

Sr. Veronica, OSB

Seeking God

…the Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see whether any understand and seek God (Ps 13{14}.2)…(RB 7.27)

Hide and go seek is a favorite game of my nieces and nephews. They never seem to tire of playing it nor do they tire of changing the rules or adding new rules in the middle of the game. I think this is what we do with God sometimes—we play hide and go seek and when He gets too close we change the rules. There are times that we may or may not want to be found. But we are only fooling ourselves.

God says: “If you truly seek me, I will find you.” Seeking God is a long process of discovery but being discovered by God is truly amazing.

Sr. Veronica, OSB

Living in God's Presence

…we must believe that God is always with us…(RB 7.23)

That God is always with us reminds me of Christmas. At Christmas God sent a present into the world, the gift of a loving presence named Jesus. This Jesus taught us the real value of gift-giving. Jesus gave no material gifts to others; He gave his personal presence and treasures from the heart –forgiveness, compassion, healing, peace.

These are the gifts He wants us to give. He asks us to be Jesus to one another by our personal presence, and give these treasures from the heart -- our care and concern, our hope, our joy, our understanding and forgiveness, our kindness and our patience.

Sr. Veronica, OSB

God's Gaze

…let him recall that he is always seen by God in heaven…(RB 7.13)

My mother and dad and my teachers always seemed to have eyes in the back of their heads. How was it they could always see when I licked some frosting from the cake, left the trash on the back step, or sent a note to my boy friend during class? There were days when I wished they couldn’t see everything, just as there are days I wish God didn’t have that all-seeing eye.

But then, in retrospect, those days make me feel so loved, so precious and so safe under that all-seeing eye of God.

Sr. Veronica, OSB

A Roller-Coaster Ride

Without doubt, this descent and ascent can signify only that we descend by exaltation and ascend by humility. (RB 7.7)

Have you ever ridden a roller-coaster? Remember how the going up or ascent was unusually calm and peaceful and you found yourself quietly enjoying the sights? And remember how the coming down or descent left you breathless and exhilarated, and perhaps a little fearful, and you found yourself wildly waving your hands and screaming.

I think St. Benedict is telling us that the practice of humility is like a roller- coaster ride. Acquiring humility is like the ride to the top; it is always calm and peaceful and relaxing; it helps me face and accept the real me. Letting go of exaltation is like the ride to the bottom; it is always breath-taking and exhilarating, and fearful; I do not want to unmask and let others see the real me.

Sr. Veronica, OSB

An Upside Down World

…Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted (Luke 14:11; 18:14) (RB 7.1)

This is an upside down world. What should be up is down and the down is up! How confusing!

Humility seems to tell me that I should never think about myself or acknowledge my strengths and uniqueness. At first glance, humility is asking me to melt into the background, become invisible. An image which to me is about as appealing as luke warm dishwater. Yuck!

True humility, though, has to do with an awareness of the truth of who I really am. I know that I am not the best at everything or the worst. I am created and loved by God. I have been given many talents and abilities that I am invited to use for the sake of others.

How am I using these gifts today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Silence

…there are times when good words are to be left unsaid out of esteem for silence. (RB 6.2)

It is a long standing joke with many who know me that I probably have not been silent since the moment I learned that words and sound have meaning. I am loud, animated and pretty chatty most times. This trait is an asset since my ministry requires that I spend all working hours speaking with others.

SO, how do I reconcile my natural tendency towards sound and words with Benedict’s directive on silence? Although I seem to be very comfortable in a non-silent world, there is part of me that is drawn to silence, introspection, solitude, stillness. Both are needed in life to create a balance. It is in silence that I find the substance for the words that I will use later.

Constant chatter without silence and reflection is pretty hollow.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

True Obedience

This very obedience, however, will be acceptable to God and agreeable to men only if compliance with what is commanded is not cringing or sluggish or half-hearted, but free from any grumbling or any reaction of unwillingness. (RB 5.1)

Obedience needs to be total. I cannot fake my obedience. I am invited to not be a person who seems to follow the requirements of law while quietly sabotaging the spirit of the law, the group, or authority.

For me, I need to make sure that I don’t roll my eyes or give a dramatic sigh every time I am asked to do something that I would rather not do. I need to watch my comments to my co-workers or community members when I think that something is unfair or silly or makes no sense to me. I need to be as invested and as committed to these projects as to those that I choose to complete or that I initiate. Not only does this new attitude help make the task go quicker, I might actually end up enjoying the task after all and everyone will be much happier.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Unhesitating Obedience

The first step of humility is unhesitating obedience which comes naturally to those who cherish Christ above all. (RB 5.1-2)

Unhesitating obedience…while I don’t hesitate about many things I do like to ask at least one or two questions before heading out to complete a request. This section of chapter 5 though seems to suggest that I need to trust my superiors (whether it be my spouse, my boss, my parent, my supervisor or my prioress) enough to follow through on a task without needing to know all the information.

Sr. Catherine. OSB

Being Holy

Do not aspire to be called holy before you really are, but first be holy that you may more truly be called so. (RB 4.62)

I grew up in a family that encouraged “looking good.” If we could not be perfect and well put together, we were encouraged to at least try to look good. And I learned the skill of “looking good” well.

How does that measure up against Benedict’s invitation to first become holy rather than striving to be called holy from appearances only? Benedict seems to realize that it is much more important to be sincere and authentic in life than to “look good.” It is much tougher to be holy throughout my whole self.

I am called to strive to be who I truly am every moment of every day.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Holy Reading

Listen readily to holy reading… (RB 4.55)

How often have I heard the statement that I can easily become influenced by what I take into myself—whether it’s that extra brownie, the latest piece of gossip, the newest tech gadget that I have acquired (and of course, I really did need it for my well-being) or the current best-seller I read? I seem to gravitate towards these things.

How often do I take the time to be aware of the holy in life? Nature, friendships, scripture, conversation, prayer, these are all ways in which God speaks to me of the sacredness of life. Am I tuned in to readily listen to God’s voice?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Counter-Cultural Being

Your way of acting should be different from the world’s way; the love of Christ must come before all else. (RB 4.20-21)

How is my way of being different from the world’s/society’s way? I ask myself this question daily.

We teach our youth to stand up to peer pressure and to stick by their beliefs yet sometimes I feel as though I was much more successful at facing peer pressure as a teen than I am now as an adult. Maybe it’s that adult peer pressure is much more subtle…after all isn’t it normal to be competitive, to aim higher than the rest and to desire to achieve success? What’s wrong with wanting to be noticed and acknowledged (all the time)?

The second part of today’s quote gives me some insight. It is the love of Christ which needs to be before all else not my will and my desires.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Love of God/Love of Neighbor

First of all, love the Lord God with your whole heart, your whole soul and all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself (Matt 22.37-39; Mark 12: 30-31; Luke 10.27). (RB 4.1-2)

Love of God and love of neighbor…the two essential elements to begin our study of the tools of good works. Without love, I cannot move towards the other tools. It is love that moves me forward and love that provides the energy boost I need when everything seems overwhelming, impossible or too much effort.

This love requires all of me—my heart, my soul, my will, my strength. No room for half-hearted efforts here. I am motivated to love God and others by the love that first brought me into being. It is God’s generous and gracious love that draws me forth to love others.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

For the Good of the Whole

In the monastery no one is to follow his own heart’s desire…(RB 3.8 )

Well, that sounds like a deal-breaker! What kind of lifestyle is this?

Remembering that this admonition comes in the chapter entitled “Summoning the Community for Counsel” we keep in mind that Benedict here is writing about the community sharing advice about a decision concerning the whole community. In these circumstances, a community member is obliged to consider the good of the whole community over what her own preferences may be. That may be difficult, especially when it is something which may “hit close to home” for an individual or group within the community. For example, the community question may concern taking on a new ministry which may affect me personally. Or the question may be around remodeling the monastery and it may mean I have to give up some personal space for the good of the bigger project.

These moments of dying to oneself are difficult and do occasionally come to all living monastic life. The beauty is the moment when one understands that the “sacrifice” may just be another blessing in disguise.

Sr. Christine

Receiving Counsel

“As often as anything important is to be done in the monastery, the abbot shall call the whole community together and himself explain what the business is; and after hearing the advice of the brothers, let him ponder it and follow what he judges the wiser course, The reason why we have said all should be called for counsel is that the Lord often reveals what is better to the younger. (RB 3.1-3)

A somewhat longer quote for today’s reflection to give a flavor of what Benedict had in mind regarding the decision-making process of the community. While it is up to the leader to make the final decision, it is also necessary to receive the advice of all. As we often hear, we each hold a piece of the truth. It is in our sharing of the pieces of truth that our shared wisdom comes to bear on a decision.

Benedict’s inclusion of the youngest members in the process is quite a new idea in ancient Rome! It is often easy to forget that someone with a fresh perspective can bring us into a new way of thinking, breaking from the “we’ve always done it this way” mentality. In the verses which follow the quote above, Benedict reminds the monks that all are to speak with all humility and not to defend one’s own opinion obstinately. This, too, is a new way of doing things – even in our day!

Benedict trusts that his followers, having been formed in the monastic way, are able to speak the truth lovingly from their hearts and are able to listen and choose wisely.


Sr. Christine, OSB

Living in God's Presence

“…’Those who fear him lack nothing’ (Ps 33(34).10).” (RB2.36)

The emotion of fear is all consuming when it appears. The psalmist and Benedict aren’t merely focusing on the emotion. However, for a thought today – imagine being as consumed with a mindfulness of Jesus as our fears consume us. It is totally new way of seeing that we lack nothing -- living in His presence.

Sr. Barbara, OSB

Dwindling Spirit

“He must so accommodate and adapt himself to each one’s character and intelligence that he will not only keep the flock entrusted to his care from dwindling but will rejoice in the increase of a good flock.” RB2.32

We all know what a “dwindling spirit” feels like, don’t we? Thanks be to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit at work in the whole community that allows the monastic leader to turn (adapt and accommodate) for the sake of each person. Have you ever been surprised by a goodness from within in response to the presence of a caring person? May that Goodness abound in you today!

Sr. Barbara, OSB

Good Works and Humility

“Only in this are we distinguished in his sight: if we are found better than others in good works and in humility.” (RB 2.21)

So, St. Benedict understands competition as a part of human nature and so do we. He is brilliant here as he calls us to good works and humility. The paradox and internal reality of this challenge is outlined in the coming chapters of the Rule. Good works and humility draw us deeply into the love of God which surpasses all we might have “expected” of ourselves and others.

Sr. Barbara, OSB

Living the "Good News"

“…he must point out to them all that is good and holy more by example than by words,…” (RB 2.12)

You’ve no doubt heard this saying, “You may be the only Gospel that some people ever read”. We are all called to holiness as baptized members of the Body of Christ. Living the “Good News” what does that mean in your life?

Sr. Barbara, OSB

Lens of Patience

“Let the abbot always remember that at the fearful judgment of God, not only his teaching but also his disciples’ obedience will come under scrutiny.” (RB 2.6)

How do you experience God’s scrutiny? St. Benedict sees it through the lens of patience, loving kindness and the ability to forgive and be forgiven. How amazingly difficult it is for us to allow God to be God in our lives!

Sr. Barbara, OSB

Leadership

“To be worthy of the task of governing a monastery, the abbot must always remember what his title signifies and act as a superior should.” (RB 2.1)

Expectations of others and from others can set us up for problems in our individual relationships and in work environments, families and in intentional communities like the monastery. Benedict’s guidelines, for the one elected as the leader, direct that person into a way of being that turns expectations into trust. It is Christ Jesus that leads us in this journey of transformation. The leader learns from each member and circumstance of the community how to balance weaknesses and strengths. The goal is unity in God’s grace which manifests itself through a leader and a community whose vision is peace.

Sr. Barbara, OSB

Meet the Community

Living Community One Day at a Time

Sister Christine--Our Prioress

Sharing a Good Story

The Strong Kind of Monk

“Let us pass them by, then, and with the help of the Lord, proceed to draw up a plan for the strong kind, the cenobites.” (RB 1.13)



Living with others can be one of the challenging parts of our lives, yet also one of the most life-giving aspects. We all share the experience of living in “communities” of sorts. Whether it’s a family, a college dorm, a club, an office or a religious community, we all have the experience of living with and working with others.


For me, the challenge comes in learning to deal with all of the personalities and eccentricities of others. (Not that I would ever have some quirks of my own.) I am constantly called to have the same patience with others as I would like for them to have with me. It’s in learning to deal with my co-workers excessive need for organization and their being patient with my non-stop motion and chatter that we both grow in our ability to see beauty, uniqueness, strength and, yes, even God in the other.


Sr. Catherine, OSB

School of the Lord's Service

“Therefore, we intend to establish a school for the Lord’s service.” (RB Pro. 45)

When Sister Jacinta was the formation director for our community, she was known to tell her postulants and novices that initial formation is not “the Girl Scouts.” In saying this she was reminding the young person that this life would require a different type of commitment and strength than their former life had. This selection from the Prologue of the Rule of Benedict is similar in that although it speaks of establishing a school (a concept that most recognize) there is also a hint that this type of school might be different from our former academic experiences.

Wonder what lessons are awaiting us in this school?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Profit Forever

“…we must run and do now what will profit us forever.” (RB Pro. 44)

Benedict’s way of life is starting to sound a little like an investment plan—a guide for the present and an investment plan for the future. Benedict proposes that by putting my whole heart and energy into this new way of life it will not only benefit me today but in the future also. He is proposing the road to well-being and to ultimate happiness.

Since I tend to be a person who throws myself whole-heartedly into everything I do anyway, this concept appeals to me. I can live life fully today and know that I am doing what will bring about my ultimate good in the future if I follow this simple plan for life. What more could I want?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

The Patience of God

“..the Lord waits for us daily to translate into action, as we should, his holy teachings.” (RB Pro. 35)

I am not good at waiting for anything. I get impatient when meetings don’t start on time. I rip open birthday presents as soon as I receive them whether it’s on my actual birthday or a month before. I like to act on things as soon as I decide. Patience is just not my thing.

But God waits for us—not just once or sometimes, but every single day. God waits for us to be ready to accept his teachings, to follow his way. God waits daily and never tires of the waiting, no matter how long it takes.


I pray that in my "human-ness" I may grow daily in my capacity for patience.


Sr. Catherine, OSB

With the Gospel for Our Guide

“…let us set out on this way, with the Gospel for our guide,…” (RB Pro. 21)

Now, the journey begins. I love traveling…not so much the packing and unpacking part of it but the excitement of new experiences, the dreaming of what sites might be visited, the planning of the trip…maybe even more than the trip itself.

Benedict invites us to look at our life as a journey also. For this journey, we are not asked to pack many things to take along, become familiar with new languages, currencies or cuisine, we are asked only to be willing to take the Gospels along with us for our ultimate guidebook for life.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

The Way of Life

See, how the Lord in his love shows us the way of life. (RB Pro. 20)

I am directionally challenged. Not that I get lost very often…I just find a new way to arrive at most places. The idea of having the path of life marked out for me so that even though I might stray a little I can be sure of arriving at the right destination is appealing.

The Rule, the Gospels, and community life provide that GPS function that I was born lacking. If I remember to listen attentively with “the ear of my heart” to God’s promptings in my life, I can be confident that I will find God’s path to happiness for me. It is our daily prayer together that keeps me focused on this path of life, everyday in all circumstances.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Light of Life

"Run while you have the light of life, that the darkness of death may not overtake you" (John 12:35). (RB Pro. 13)

I have been a huge fan of light all my life. To say that I was terrified of the dark as a young child would be a major understatement. I just never knew what might be hiding in dark corners and I was not the least interested in finding out.

Benedict placing light/life, darkness/death as parallels, we are given an interesting and graphic comparison. I long to run with the freedom which brightness and light seem to call forth, what are the places within me which still hold me in the bondage of darkness and fear? What new growth is being called forth within me?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Beginning a New Work

“First of all, every time you begin a good work, you must pray to him with most earnestly to bring it to perfection.” (Rule of Benedict [RB] Prologue 4)

And so, we begin this new work which is our Monastic Blog. Through this media we hope to share with you a brief glimpse into our lives and introduce you to our monastic community, St. Joseph Monastery.
We are a community of faith-filled women, striving to put the Gospel into practice daily through our prayer and ministry in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Through our sharing we hope to share our prayer and spirituality with a larger audience…and maybe even encourage some to consider where God may be speaking in their lives.
May God who has called us since our birth, continue to inspire and guide us through this endeavor.
Please be assured of our prayers for you.

Sr. Catherine. OSB