On Building Community

In legislating discipline for faults or wrong doing, Benedict seems to feel that it is best to let the offender set his own consequences. For instance, if someone seems determined to be isolated from the rest of the group--Benedict suggests that punishment should be separation from community.

If my actions and words are disrupting my ability to be part of community, Benedict suggests that maybe I am asking to be separated from everyone for a short while to give me time to think and reflect in silence. Actually not much different from our current concept of time out.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Correction of Faults

I tend to be a wimp when it comes to dealing with interpersonal issues. Benedict gives us a three strikes policy for issues in community.

When someone is disruptive to community, Benedict asks that the person be addressed privately. Giving the opportunity for the person to change. If that does not work, the person is to be disciplined publically. If the person is still unwilling to change, Benedict advocates expelling the person from the community.

I have had times when my own behavior has been destructive to myself and others around me. The wisdom of giving the offender three opportunities to amend has provided me with the strength needed to continue to grow.

Sr. Catherine

On the Dailiness of Life

There is a certain discipline needed to be able to share a room with another person, even a good friend. There are opportunities for compromising and for learning to be accepting of a roommate's quirks and for growth on everyone's part.

Chapter 22 of the Rule talks about the sleeping arrangement of the community. Benedict is painstakingly precise about how the monks should sleep. His preference if for the community to share one room and to sleep fully-clothed--ready to get up for prayer in the middle of the night.

Benedict provides one additional reason for the sleeping arrangement. He wants to provide some support and encouragement for the members who might find waking early harder to take than others. Being a person who loves early mornings I can appreciate how different persons can help ease one another into the day.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Sharing the Burdens of Office

Leadership can be a demanding task--whether it be parenting, supervising, advising, or monitoring. It can quickly become a 24/7 task. This fact was true even in the 6th century.


Benedict built in some ways for the superior of the community to be able to share some of the responsibilities of leadership with other members. He created the office of "deans". Deans were similar to monitors to whom he could entrust some of the daily responsibility.



The Deans were not to be a law unto themselves, however. They were to be people of humility who would willingly carry out the orders of the superior and lead through service and example. They were truly to be the helpers of the abbot and of the community.



Sr. Catherine, OSB

Short Prayer

We must know that God regards our purity of heart and tears of compunction, not our many words. (RB 20.3)

Most people don't need to know me long to realize that I am a talker. I firmly believe that if few words are good then a multitude of words must be much more meaningful.

When it comes to prayer, though, I have always been fascinated by silence and stillness. Even as a child, prayer was one of the few times when I could just be still and not need to do anything. Benedict reminds us in Chapter 20 of the Rule that God already knows what is in our hearts and what our needs are. God does not need us to explain in detail what we need. God just wants us to be still and be open to his love and will for us.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Having Our Minds in Harmony with Our Voices

...and let us stand to sing the psalms in such a way that our minds are in harmony with our voices. (RB 19.7)

I have always longed to be a person of integrity. A person who says what she means, acts on her principles and has no real separation between thought, word and deed. This image is an ideal, of course. As much as I would like to be totally in sync with all my actions it will probably never occur in my lifetime.

St. Benedict, however, provides a method for me to be a person of intergrity in at least one area off my life--prayer. In his instructions on prayer in this chapter, I find a key to being totally myself before God at all times. The key is humility.

May I always remember who I am before God in prayer.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

The Flexibility of the Rule

In the passages about community prayer, Benedict is very precise and ordered about when, how and which psalms are to be prayed. He regulates standing and bowing, time and manner. He definitely knows what the "ideal" for prayer is.

At the end of Chapter 18, however, Benedict shows true wisdom in allowing individual communities to adjust the order and manner if necessary to the circumstances of the local area. There is wisdom in placing this elasticity in the Rule so that although things might look a little different from monastery to monastery the basic values are still able to be preserved even 15 centuries later.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

More Community Portraits

Lord Come to My Assistance

O God, come to my assistance.

O Lord, make haste to help me.

The Liturgy of the Hours begins with these two sentences throughout the day. Calling on God's help and calling to God in my time of need are two phrases that quickly come to my mind.

Being a person that likes short, easy to remember slogans and phrases, keeping these two in mind reminds me to call on God's presence throughout the day and at odd moments of the day when nothing much is happening. I need to train myself to be attentive to these phrases so that they become part of my nature. That way, they will be readily available when they are really necessary.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Prayer That Brings Sleep

I have been a problem sleeper since infancy. There are family stories of my poking my grandmother as she tried to get me to sleep--just to make sure that she was as awake and alert as I was.

During sleepless nights I find comfort in praying in the dark. It could be a rosary, a conversation with God, reflection on an earlier event or pondering a fragment of scripture. This prayer time often will either give me the calm I need to slowly return to sleep or the reminder that I am not alone, even in my sleeplessness.

I have come to treasure these times and consider them a special gift to me from God.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Saying Alleluia--Giving Praise

Alleluia has always been a word that reminds me of joy, praise and excitement. Maybe it is my need for action and movement that makes me literally feel like clapping my hands and dancing when I hear the word. It feels like a very life-giving word. ALLELUIA!!!

In the Rule, Benedict gives guidelines for the use of Alleluia during communal prayer times. Basically, it is to be used throughout the Easter Season (between Easter Sunday and Pentecost) at all times in prayer. On all Sundays throughout the year, except Lent, it is also to be used. This practice is to remind us of the rejoicing that needs to be part of our lives.

Part of our task as Christians is to praise God unceasingly for the many great gift received--life, health, creation, forgiveness.

Have I remembered to thank God today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Ceaseless Prayer

How can I pray without ceasing?

This question has been with me since my youth. The concept intrigued me but I could never figure out how that could be translated into a real, lived experience. How does this work?

About a year ago some of us who had this question made a commitment to study our monastic tradition together and to begin the practice of living in the presence of God. We were not quite sure how it would work or how long it would take but we felt that we had to do something to begin living intentionally in God's Presence.

Through our mutual support and commitment, we are beginning to experience some of the fruit of our study and can see God's hand touching our daily lives. Now at the end of the day I can ask myself--How have I experienced God's presence today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

The Lord's Prayer

Assuredly, the celebration of Lauds and Vespers must never pass by without the superior's reciting the entire Lord's Prayer at the end for all to hear, because thorns of contention are likely to spring up. (RB 13. 12)

In our community, the Lord's Prayer is recited at least 3 times daily in our common prayer. Benedict requires recitation of this prayer at least twice daily. Since we live in community and at times bitterness and resentments can arise, Benedict recommends that we also put forgiveness into practice daily.

The phrase "forgive us as we forgive" is meant to remind us that we should give others the same forgiveness and benefit of the doubt that we desire for ourselves. It is sometimes difficult for me to forgive those who have slighted me in some way. When I consider how much I have been forgiven any injury to me suddenly pales.

May God continue to be more gracious to me than I might tend to be to others.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Waiting for All to Arrive

Although I am usually up and ready early enough (I tend to be a morning person), it is not unusual for me to be sliding into my seat in the Oratory about 15 seconds before the bell for prayers in the morning. I don't intend to be late, it just creeps up on me. There is always one more sip of coffee I can take, one more email I can read, one more little thing I can squeeze in before that bell rings and I would be late.

Benedict understands that there are those in his monastery who are like that and makes provisions for it. In Chapter 13, RB instructs that the first psalm (Psalm 66) should be recited very deliberately so that all have an opportunity to get to the oratory in time for the second psalm.

Thank God for Benedict's foresight and wisdom.

Just a reminder that we are having 3rd Saturday this week from 11:00 am--2:00 pm.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

It Is Good to Give Praise

I like mornings. Mornings are new beginnings to opportunities; new experiences await. The past can be forgotten or erased.

Mornings are the time in the day when I am most able to praise God for life, awareness, surprises...whatever the day might hold. It is my time to sing my thanks and praise to God within my heart and enjoy the beauty and freshness around me before I head out on my day's adventures.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Adaptation and Flexibility

Adaptation and flexibility in all things is one of the hallmarks of Benedictine Spirituality. That is a good thing considering all the changes that have happened in the world in the last couple of decades, not to mention in the last 1500 years.

After laying out the structure that would ideally be followed in the praying of the night office on Sundays, Benedict puts in a contingency plan, in case for some reason the community awakens to late to be able to follow the prescribed plan. He does not want this to be the standard practice of the community, however. He adds ways in which to address whatever caused the change in the plans.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Prayer

Statue of Stained Glass

Mary from in Marian Chapel

Bavaria (over

100 years old)

Reverence for God

As soon as the cantor begins to sing "Glory be to the Father," let all the monks rise from their seats in honor and reverence for the Holy Trinity. RB 9.7

It took me a while to get used to the extra standing and bowing which is part of the monastic office when I first entered. I could never get the rhythm of the movement and it seemed that I was just starting to get comfortable in my chair when it was time to stand and bow again. I just could not get the hang of it.

This passage from Chapter 9 of the Rule sets the rising and bowing into context. Just as we would stand in acknowledgment of a celebrity or recognized dignitary we should also stand and bow in the presence of God. We should acknowledge God's presence and bow in reverence at the mention of God's name.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Prayer--Our Ministry

I am often asked what monastics do (what our main ministry is). Monastics are basically professional pray-ers, who often also happen to be professionals in other fields. Our main ministry is prayer. It is out of our prayer (common and private) that we discern our ministries, our outreach projects and other aspects of our community life.

We invite all who visit us at our monastery and also those who are associated with us through our various external ministries to bring us their prayer intentions or to contact us at sisters@stjosephmonastery.org with prayer requests.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

No Pain, All Gain

Through this love, all that he once performed with dread, he will now begin to observe without effort… (RB 7.68)

When I took piano lessons growing up, I loved to play but hated the practice. I like the exhilaration I feel when exercising but hate getting sweaty and dirty. In school I was bright and got good grades but never really mastered the discipline of studying well. I hate practice and discipline but love the rewards of it.

The second half of this passage appeals to me—I want to have all the benefits of the twelve steps of humility but I don’t like the pain that is involved in mastering the skills and attitudes necessary. No pain, all gain.

By focusing on my love for God (and my desire to continue growing in that love), all that had seemed difficult or burdensome or impossible initially will become joy and pleasure. The key to this transformation is love and the knowledge that I am not alone in this task.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Wise Speech

…”A wise man is known by his few words.” (RB 7.61)

Someone once said that the value of being a silent person is that when that person speaks others listen to hear the wisdom shared. (I must not have paid much attention to the comment or I don’t desire to be considered wise because silence has rarely been considered one of my virtues.)

Benedict is encouraging his followers to be discerning and prudent in speech. Every thought that passes the mind does not need to be expressed. There are factors such as tact and appropriateness of comments that need to be considered before speaking.

May I learn daily to be wise and prudent in my speech.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Ready Laughter

…he is not given to ready laughter… (RB 7.59)

Everyone loves a good joke. A healthy sense of humor is a valuable thing to possess in life—especially when I start taking myself too seriously or start thinking that everything in life should center on me.

At our monastery it is not uncommon to arrive at meal time and find lots of conversation and banter…and, yes, even quite a bit of laughter at times. I don’t think that Benedict would object to healthy laughter and sharing.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Calling on the Name of Jesus

…a monk controls his tongue… (RB 7.56)

I am definitely an extrovert to the extreme in my thinking. If a thought crosses my mind you can almost bet that I will go ahead and blurt it out. That is not always a good trait to possess.

In the ninth step of humility, Benedict proposes that a monk should be trained not to speak unless asked a question or invited into a conversation. This section causes me to consider how often I could have avoided lots of problems if I had either just kept my comments to myself or, at least, paused long enough to pray for wisdom to say the appropriate words. How much embarrassment and pain might be avoided if I took just an extra few seconds to call on the name of Jesus interiorly rather than just blurt out the first thing that comes to mind.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Following the Rules

…a monk does only what is endorsed… (RB 7.55)

There is no room in monasteries, friendships, families, work places for the perpetually special. No one can be the leader all the time, the star at everything, the exception to every rule.

This section of Chapter 7 reminds us that there is holiness and virtue in doing only what is prescribed and expected. This concept is counter to what society tries to instill in us in encouraging everyone to be the best, be the first, be the most outstanding.

Maybe God’s invitation is to be the best in following the example set before us. Maybe we are invited to be the best in respect, reverence, love and service.

May we all find ourselves winning in this race.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Who is God?

…It is a blessing that you have humbled me so that I can learn your commandments (Ps 118[119].71, 73) (RB 7.54)

Sometimes I forget that God’s name is not Sr. Catherine, Catherine, Cath, SCath, Katrina or any of the other versions of my name to which I respond. To say that I am a little bossy and dominating would be an understatement—although I blame that on being the oldest in my family growing up.

At these times, I need to be reminded that God is God and I am created by God. This passage from Psalm 118 reminds me to keep my focus on God and on God’s law. It is truly a blessing to keep in mind God’s presence and to realize that no matter what happens in the world God is truly in charge.

And all is secure because thankfully I am not God.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

A New Kind of #1

...a monk is content with the lowest and most menial treatment,… (RB 7.49).

Humility is starting to lose its appeal. Not only am I being asked to be honest about whom I really am, now Benedict invites me to be happy with the worst and with being the last! What kind of program would ask that of me?

This section causes major problems for me since I’ve always thought that it is healthy and natural to be competitive, to want to be #1. Here I am invited to be #1 in different way—to be #1 in love, patience, gentleness, trust, listening and serving…a new kind of #1. In this kind of quiet competition, I can strive to be #1 in imitating Jesus and the saints. Those aren’t bad role models to have.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Hiding the Flaws

…Make known your way to the Lord and hope in him (Ps 36[37].5). (RB 7.45)

Have you ever tried to hide a mistake, a failure or a personal flaw from someone? I have.

I found that the more I tried to hide or ignore the flaw the more glaring it became. It could have been a tiny hole in the knee of my new jeans (which grew bigger the more I tried to patch it), a favorite lamp that got broken (and I tried to glue back together…with a few pieces missing), or the new pasta dish I made and tried to cover the mistakes with gallons of tomato sauce and cheese. In the end, it would be much simpler to acknowledge the problem and deal with it.

The fifth step of humility invites me to recognize that there are still areas that I need to work on and to remember that God and others will still be by me as I continue to grow. All I need is honesty and hope. Hope in God’s mercy and forgiveness. Trust that others will be there for me when I ask them to even if I am not fully perfect yet.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Bearing Suffering

…his heart quietly embraces suffering and endures it without weakening or seeking escape. (RB 7.35-36)

I envy people who can suffer silently without making a big deal about it. That is definitely not me. If I am suffering or in pain, I make sure that everyone knows about it, knows the cause, and shares in the sorrow of it. (Sometimes it’s TMI but that’s okay.)

Here Benedict is inviting me to accept hardship and suffering patiently and quietly as a normal part of life. Not only am I supposed to accept suffering but pray for the grace not to weaken or to seek an easy escape path.

May God grant me the grace needed to accept my little sufferings quietly and patiently.

Sr. Catherine

Life Guides

The third step of humility is that a man submits to his superior in all obedience for the love of God…(RB 7.34)

“May I become your disciple?” the seeker asked.

“You are only a disciple because your eyes are closed. The day you open them, you will see that there is nothing you can learn from me,” the holy man answered.

“Then what is a master for”? the seeker asked.

“The purpose of a master,” the holy one said, “is to bring you to the point where you know the uselessness of having one.”

I know I have been taking directions all my life. God has placed guides in my life to give me intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual direction. Admitting that I need direction and accepting it has all been part of growing up. I don’t believe I will ever grow up enough to see the uselessness of these guides. Through them, God has given me a confidence in myself, the power to control myself and the insight to guide others.

Sr. Veronica, OSB