In Benedict's time, much like our own, there was great privilege awarded for wealth, lineage and outward forms of power. Benedict proposed a system where status was based on two things: length of time in faithful service (rank) and good conduct.
For the most part, all were given their place in community based on their time and date of entrance. That was something that was easy enough to verify through records of various types. The second way of changing status was based on the observed living of the monastic life. The example of the monastic's life and it's value in instructing others on the holy life were a method of rising in status in community. There are many stories in our community of women who lived this way of life before us who suffered patiently through numerous hardships. We are grateful for them.
I am often left to pray that one day my life may be counted among these holy women.
If you happen to be in Tulsa over the holidays, please feel free to come to our midnight Eucharist on Christmas Eve. For more information please check our website: http://stjosephmonastery.org .
Sr. Catherine, OSB
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