I am not a person who accepts responsibility for my actions well. If I am successful in my pursuits, I am definitely the first to jump up and take credit. When I do fall short of the goal, I have a much harder time claiming the credit. My natural tendency is to come up with 1001 or more reasons why the failure was really not my fault. Failures are rarely my fault, actually.
Chapter 20 of the Rule invites me to acknowledge that it is my tears of repentance and true sorrow that God is looking for in my prayer--not my beautiful words. There is comfort in resting in God's arms laying out my faults and concerns before God. God still accepts me and loves me. God's love is free gift to me everyday.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
The Ever-Present Divine Presence
At the beginning of Chapter 19 of the Rule, I am reminded that God is everywhere. That can be a daunting thought, especially on the days that I am not at my best and want to hide from everyone especially God. It can also be a real comforting yet challenging thought.
When I was young (about 1st or 2nd grade), I somehow took the idea of God's presence to be something like an invisible companion--yet very real. It was that image that helped me deal with teasing at school over my language (I was still learning English) or my family (my family was very different from everyone else's). It helped me deal with being picked last for the basketball or softball team. It helped me get through life. For me, God's presence was very real and it was what got me through some tough times.
In middle age, I am now trying to recover some of that sense of God's loving presence in my life. I no longer need it for the same reasons; but I do desire to be true to my best self and live in an awareness of God's care and love in my life and in the lives of others. I am slowly learning how to regain some of the wisdom of my past (the wisdom I had as a child).
May God help us all abide in his love.
How has God been present in life today?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
When I was young (about 1st or 2nd grade), I somehow took the idea of God's presence to be something like an invisible companion--yet very real. It was that image that helped me deal with teasing at school over my language (I was still learning English) or my family (my family was very different from everyone else's). It helped me deal with being picked last for the basketball or softball team. It helped me get through life. For me, God's presence was very real and it was what got me through some tough times.
In middle age, I am now trying to recover some of that sense of God's loving presence in my life. I no longer need it for the same reasons; but I do desire to be true to my best self and live in an awareness of God's care and love in my life and in the lives of others. I am slowly learning how to regain some of the wisdom of my past (the wisdom I had as a child).
May God help us all abide in his love.
How has God been present in life today?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Making Adjustments as Necessary
There is a definite wisdom in setting a structure in place but allowing enough flexibility for adjustments or changes as necessary. This format is what the Rule of Benedict provides. After setting up the preferred order for prayer with painstaking precision, Benedict allows the individual communities to make the adjustments that are necessary for their circumstances. He provides us with an elastic structure.
Over 15 centuries later, I can still go to a Monastery during my travels and find some elements of my community's prayer and structure in the host community. It provides a basic unity and universality to our life.
During this Season of Lent, I need to look at the structures that I place around my life. Are they structures that will allow for growth and flexibility? Or, are they structures that can be used to insulate myself against the possibility of change and maturity? Which kind of structures do I want in my life?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Over 15 centuries later, I can still go to a Monastery during my travels and find some elements of my community's prayer and structure in the host community. It provides a basic unity and universality to our life.
During this Season of Lent, I need to look at the structures that I place around my life. Are they structures that will allow for growth and flexibility? Or, are they structures that can be used to insulate myself against the possibility of change and maturity? Which kind of structures do I want in my life?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Order vs Chaos
Since we are in the season of Lent, there are some things that are a little different in the way we live our lives these days. One example is the amount of silence found throughout our house.
During the season of Lent, we try to add an extra measure of silence and physical discipline into our daily lives. I was in a conversation recently with a group of community members from various age groups. We were talking about silence which was much stricter in the past and silence today. It had started with a question about how silence was presented in the past as a community custom as opposed to today.
From the conversation, I gathered that silence in the past was simply assumed. That's the way we do things here. No questions asked. Today, there is a much greater effort to educate about the reasons behind the practice. That helps it make more logical sense--places it in a context.
From this conversation, I learned to value the humility and virtue of those women who were willing to readily lay aside their wills, concerns and questions and simply follow what is done. I pray for that grace.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
During the season of Lent, we try to add an extra measure of silence and physical discipline into our daily lives. I was in a conversation recently with a group of community members from various age groups. We were talking about silence which was much stricter in the past and silence today. It had started with a question about how silence was presented in the past as a community custom as opposed to today.
From the conversation, I gathered that silence in the past was simply assumed. That's the way we do things here. No questions asked. Today, there is a much greater effort to educate about the reasons behind the practice. That helps it make more logical sense--places it in a context.
From this conversation, I learned to value the humility and virtue of those women who were willing to readily lay aside their wills, concerns and questions and simply follow what is done. I pray for that grace.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Monday, February 22, 2010
Here I Am Lord Conference
Please pray for the Here I Am Lord Conference March 4-7, 2010 at St. Patrick Parish in St. Charles, IL.
Our monastic community will once again be represented at this wonderful conference.
Our monastic community will once again be represented at this wonderful conference.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Asking God's Assistance
O God, come to my assistance.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
With these two sentences we begin most of the hours of common prayer. When I first entered our community, I had a difficult time seeing the beauty of these sentences. They are okay but they did not seem to express my state of being consistantly. There had to be better sentences than these to use at the beginning of prayers (nevermind that these sentences have been used for centuries).
Slowly, when I realized that the sentences were not going away anytime soon, I started looking for the beauty within them. This is what I discovered: there is a certain peace in knowing that God is there whenever I call--I am not in this alone. God is always there I just need the reminder sometimes--4 times a day minimum is a good reminder. I do not have to do flashy tricks to catch God's attention...God is already there.
Being a person that usually likes to feel self sufficient and in control, I need to remember sometimes that the whole world does not rely on my and my endeavors. It is comforting to know that God is nearby and to be reminded of it regularly.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
O Lord, make haste to help me.
With these two sentences we begin most of the hours of common prayer. When I first entered our community, I had a difficult time seeing the beauty of these sentences. They are okay but they did not seem to express my state of being consistantly. There had to be better sentences than these to use at the beginning of prayers (nevermind that these sentences have been used for centuries).
Slowly, when I realized that the sentences were not going away anytime soon, I started looking for the beauty within them. This is what I discovered: there is a certain peace in knowing that God is there whenever I call--I am not in this alone. God is always there I just need the reminder sometimes--4 times a day minimum is a good reminder. I do not have to do flashy tricks to catch God's attention...God is already there.
Being a person that usually likes to feel self sufficient and in control, I need to remember sometimes that the whole world does not rely on my and my endeavors. It is comforting to know that God is nearby and to be reminded of it regularly.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Friday, February 19, 2010
Praying Throughout the Day
In earlier times (and still in some communities today), communities gathered seven times daily to pray. This practice is to fulfill the injunction for St. Paul's letter to the Thessolonians to pray without ceasing.
While this concept of ceaseless prayer has intrigued me since childhood, I often find myself wondering what ceaseless prayer would look like in my own life. Would I be found in chapel on my knees 24/7? Would there be a noticeable glow and radiance about me? Would I be more kind, loving and polite? Although I might like to believe so, the answer is probably NO in my case.
What would ceaseless prayer look like for me in my life, then? I would be more aware of God and God's presence in my life. I would be more centered and focused in my relationships. I would be conscious of the gift which God has given me through my life and I would attempt to communicate that more concretely.
Although ceaseless prayer is more an ideal than a reality for me today, I pray for the grace to continue striving for that continuous union in my life. What would ceaseless prayer look like for you?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
While this concept of ceaseless prayer has intrigued me since childhood, I often find myself wondering what ceaseless prayer would look like in my own life. Would I be found in chapel on my knees 24/7? Would there be a noticeable glow and radiance about me? Would I be more kind, loving and polite? Although I might like to believe so, the answer is probably NO in my case.
What would ceaseless prayer look like for me in my life, then? I would be more aware of God and God's presence in my life. I would be more centered and focused in my relationships. I would be conscious of the gift which God has given me through my life and I would attempt to communicate that more concretely.
Although ceaseless prayer is more an ideal than a reality for me today, I pray for the grace to continue striving for that continuous union in my life. What would ceaseless prayer look like for you?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Lent--A Season of Renewal
When I was younger, Lent always seemed like a depressing season well fitted for the end of winter. The only good thing about Lent was that I was not allowed to practice the piano on Fridays during Lent. That was actually a treat for me since I hated practicing.
As an adult, I have come to a new understanding of the Season of Lent. In some ways, it is a season of growth and new life. It is a season of expectancy and preparation. After all, once Lent in here you know that Easter and spring are just around the corner.
Lent can also be a time for a new start. By now I have usually forgotten my New Year's Resolutions or grown bored with them. This provides me with another opportunity to begin anew. I have another chance to make my spiritual life better.
May our Lenten observances bring us closer to God and God's Kingdom.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
As an adult, I have come to a new understanding of the Season of Lent. In some ways, it is a season of growth and new life. It is a season of expectancy and preparation. After all, once Lent in here you know that Easter and spring are just around the corner.
Lent can also be a time for a new start. By now I have usually forgotten my New Year's Resolutions or grown bored with them. This provides me with another opportunity to begin anew. I have another chance to make my spiritual life better.
May our Lenten observances bring us closer to God and God's Kingdom.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
On Lenten Practice
In the Rule (Chapter 49), Benedict tells us that “the life of a monk ought to be a continuous Lent.” When I first heard that, my immediate response was, “Yuck!” Forty days a year is Lent enough for me, thank you very much.
Of course, he goes on to say that few have the strength for this and then outlines his preference for the observance of the days of Lent.
Benedict is calling his followers to a purity of life, a manner of living which gives space for God to grow within us. While the ideal is to keep that space open for God all the time, we have the opportunity during Lent to clear out some of our personal clutter. Benedict asks us to both add something and do without something in out Lenten observance. This helps keep things balanced. Do without some food or drink or entertainment while also adding some extra service, like a particular prayer practice or a form of charitable work, can make for an enriching Lenten season. Focusing on the added service can help prevent focusing on what I’m giving up.
May your days of Lent be blessed and bring you closer to the heart of our God.
Sr. Christine, OSB
Of course, he goes on to say that few have the strength for this and then outlines his preference for the observance of the days of Lent.
Benedict is calling his followers to a purity of life, a manner of living which gives space for God to grow within us. While the ideal is to keep that space open for God all the time, we have the opportunity during Lent to clear out some of our personal clutter. Benedict asks us to both add something and do without something in out Lenten observance. This helps keep things balanced. Do without some food or drink or entertainment while also adding some extra service, like a particular prayer practice or a form of charitable work, can make for an enriching Lenten season. Focusing on the added service can help prevent focusing on what I’m giving up.
May your days of Lent be blessed and bring you closer to the heart of our God.
Sr. Christine, OSB
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Be Forgiven as I Forgive
The end of the Lord's Prayer asks God to forgive us in the same measure as we forgive others. That can be a dangerous statement in some instances.
Many times, I am not quite as quick to forgive as I wish others were with me. There are times when I can nurse the tiniest of slights or hurts for days, weeks, even years. For example, I can still remember the classmate in 1st grade who pushed me so that I fell and broke my front tooth. I can still remember the name of the person who teased me in high school when I did not have a date for the Prom.
On the other hand, I don't have quite as good a memory about my faults. I can't remember the look on my co-workers face the last time I made a careless comment. Or the response my sister made the last time I nagged her about being more goal oriented. I hope they have forgiven me as quickly as I obviously forgot about these instances.
During this Lent, may God give me the grace to be more forgiving of others and their minor infractions.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Many times, I am not quite as quick to forgive as I wish others were with me. There are times when I can nurse the tiniest of slights or hurts for days, weeks, even years. For example, I can still remember the classmate in 1st grade who pushed me so that I fell and broke my front tooth. I can still remember the name of the person who teased me in high school when I did not have a date for the Prom.
On the other hand, I don't have quite as good a memory about my faults. I can't remember the look on my co-workers face the last time I made a careless comment. Or the response my sister made the last time I nagged her about being more goal oriented. I hope they have forgiven me as quickly as I obviously forgot about these instances.
During this Lent, may God give me the grace to be more forgiving of others and their minor infractions.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Monday, February 15, 2010
Reciting By Heart
I am a language person...I learn languages quickly, my mind is attuned to words and nuances, and I love to talk.
Chapter 13 of the Rule has a brief comment about how the passage from scripture used at morning prayer should be recited by heart. That concept intrigued me because I know that in order for a new word or a new language to be part of me, I usually have to get to the point where I can think in that language--rather than translate into that language while thinking in English. It would seem that in order for me to be able to recite scripture by heart, I would have to live the passage. I would have to more than just be reciting the passage like a grocery list.
I know that many of our older Sisters have done this after many years of praying the Psalms. I am still far from that but I do desire to be able to do that at some future time. I desire to be so familiar with scripture that my life would be a living Bible.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Chapter 13 of the Rule has a brief comment about how the passage from scripture used at morning prayer should be recited by heart. That concept intrigued me because I know that in order for a new word or a new language to be part of me, I usually have to get to the point where I can think in that language--rather than translate into that language while thinking in English. It would seem that in order for me to be able to recite scripture by heart, I would have to live the passage. I would have to more than just be reciting the passage like a grocery list.
I know that many of our older Sisters have done this after many years of praying the Psalms. I am still far from that but I do desire to be able to do that at some future time. I desire to be so familiar with scripture that my life would be a living Bible.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Friday, February 12, 2010
The Wisdom of Benedict
What has allowed the Rule of St. Benedict to last over 1500 years? That is a question that I found myself asking during prayers this morning.
The Rule is one of the longest existing documents that is still in effect today. I was impressed this morning in considering the timelessness of the Rule in that Benedict took into account nature (the length of nights and days), individual personalities, human relations, and moderation. It's like a very basic recipe for community existence.
Benedict was definitely years ahead of his time in knowing how to skillfully sift through the best available at his time and add his own blend to it.
I pray to be as skillful in putting into practice the Rule in my life.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
The Rule is one of the longest existing documents that is still in effect today. I was impressed this morning in considering the timelessness of the Rule in that Benedict took into account nature (the length of nights and days), individual personalities, human relations, and moderation. It's like a very basic recipe for community existence.
Benedict was definitely years ahead of his time in knowing how to skillfully sift through the best available at his time and add his own blend to it.
I pray to be as skillful in putting into practice the Rule in my life.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Professional Pray-ers
Chapter 9 of the Rule of St. Benedict falls in the set of directives about prayer in common. At first glance, it can be seen as a LARGE section of rules, rituals, and directives on how to organize prayer. Stuff which sometimes can make very good bedtime reading.
On another level, though, these chapters deal with the very essence of community life. If we are asked what we (Benedictine Sisters or monastics) do as a primary ministry, most of us would say that we are professional prayers. Prayer for the world is what we do best. SO it is with good reason that there should be many chapters in the Rule devoted to this essential task.
Having been a liturgist for many years, I understand the need for specific, precise order. I can appreciate the need for consistent pauses and breaks; the need for pacing and uniformity. It is in this realm that I can truly see the beauty of structure (which I usually rebel against).
Please be assured of our prayers for you and your loved ones. If you ever have a prayer request feel free to submit it on our website: http://stjosephmonastery.org.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
On another level, though, these chapters deal with the very essence of community life. If we are asked what we (Benedictine Sisters or monastics) do as a primary ministry, most of us would say that we are professional prayers. Prayer for the world is what we do best. SO it is with good reason that there should be many chapters in the Rule devoted to this essential task.
Having been a liturgist for many years, I understand the need for specific, precise order. I can appreciate the need for consistent pauses and breaks; the need for pacing and uniformity. It is in this realm that I can truly see the beauty of structure (which I usually rebel against).
Please be assured of our prayers for you and your loved ones. If you ever have a prayer request feel free to submit it on our website: http://stjosephmonastery.org.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
A Special Feast
Today we celebrate the feast of St. Scholastica, the twin of St. Benedict. It seems that they shared a special spiritual bond just as they shared the physical bond of twins. February 10 marks the day on which Scholastica when to heaven as a dove.
There is a story which many monastic communities remember to commemorate this feast. The story is of Benedict & Scholastica's tradition of meeting once a year between their monasteries to share about the spiritual life. This one particular time Scholastica wished her brother to remain but he insisted that he must return to his monastery. Scholastica was not satisfied with the response so she took the matter to a higher authority--GOD. She folded her hands, put down her head and prayed. About that time, a huge storm sprang up and Benedict was unable to return to the monastery.
Tradition tells us that Scholastica's response was one born of love--she loved her brother and wanted to continue the holy conversation. We all need to have that kind of faith and simplicity in our prayer.
Today, we celebrate the feast day of our Sister Scholastica!
Sr. Catherine, OSB
There is a story which many monastic communities remember to commemorate this feast. The story is of Benedict & Scholastica's tradition of meeting once a year between their monasteries to share about the spiritual life. This one particular time Scholastica wished her brother to remain but he insisted that he must return to his monastery. Scholastica was not satisfied with the response so she took the matter to a higher authority--GOD. She folded her hands, put down her head and prayed. About that time, a huge storm sprang up and Benedict was unable to return to the monastery.
Tradition tells us that Scholastica's response was one born of love--she loved her brother and wanted to continue the holy conversation. We all need to have that kind of faith and simplicity in our prayer.
Today, we celebrate the feast day of our Sister Scholastica!
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Authenticity and Humility
Sincerity, Authenticity, Integrity, Truth...if I were asked to give four adjectives for the best qualities of humility these would be them. I have always wanted to possess these qualities within myself and hope to be acquiring them as I mature.
SINCERITY--Being who I say I am. Being the same person in every circumstance.
AUTHENTICITY--Being myself (my best self) with confidence.
INTEGRITY--Having my insides match my outside person--similar to sincerity. Natural
TRUTH--Being aware of my belief system, who I am, what I value and being strong in that.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
SINCERITY--Being who I say I am. Being the same person in every circumstance.
AUTHENTICITY--Being myself (my best self) with confidence.
INTEGRITY--Having my insides match my outside person--similar to sincerity. Natural
TRUTH--Being aware of my belief system, who I am, what I value and being strong in that.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Monday, February 8, 2010
Noisy Speech
The 11th Step of Humility talks about the type, quality and amount of speech. I have never been known for being meek, delicate or naturally silent. Actually, I sometimes think that the term "whisper" was never included in my vocabulary--or at least I do not understand it very well. Usually if you need a message conveyed without a microphone, I would be the person you would want to help you.
I have grown to appreciate the value of silence and calm, of discretion in speech (I don't have to say everything that pops into my mind) and the wisdom of just being present rather than talking non-stop. There are times when just silent presence in much more appropriate and welcome than tons of words--at times of grief, at times of serious illness, natural disasters.
I pray to continue growing in my appreciation of silence in my life.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
I have grown to appreciate the value of silence and calm, of discretion in speech (I don't have to say everything that pops into my mind) and the wisdom of just being present rather than talking non-stop. There are times when just silent presence in much more appropriate and welcome than tons of words--at times of grief, at times of serious illness, natural disasters.
I pray to continue growing in my appreciation of silence in my life.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Laughing With or Laughing At
The 10th Step of Humility asks that the person not be disposed to ready laughter. That sounds a little odd because a good sense of humor is a healthy thing to possess and there is definitely time for companionable laughter and banter in any community or family.
There is a kind of humor, though, that does carry a little sting with it which is probably the laughter that Benedict wanted to avoid. When I was a very young Sister, one of our older Sisters, for whom English was not her native language, was frustrated and started rapidly speaking sounds that none of understood. She did not realize that she had reverted to her original language. It was a little comical in that the more we laughed the more frustrated she became with us and the more ununderstood sounds she made. Finally, I think she just gave up trying to communicate with us.
Later though, I reflected on the event and realized that maybe a kinder approach on our part might have been to stop her at some point and ask her to repeat her message in English this time rather than in a sense laughing at her. This approach might have given all of us a opportunity to share in a good joke in the future rather than telling the story at that person's expense.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
There is a kind of humor, though, that does carry a little sting with it which is probably the laughter that Benedict wanted to avoid. When I was a very young Sister, one of our older Sisters, for whom English was not her native language, was frustrated and started rapidly speaking sounds that none of understood. She did not realize that she had reverted to her original language. It was a little comical in that the more we laughed the more frustrated she became with us and the more ununderstood sounds she made. Finally, I think she just gave up trying to communicate with us.
Later though, I reflected on the event and realized that maybe a kinder approach on our part might have been to stop her at some point and ask her to repeat her message in English this time rather than in a sense laughing at her. This approach might have given all of us a opportunity to share in a good joke in the future rather than telling the story at that person's expense.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Friday, February 5, 2010
Not All That Special
Growing up I somehow got the idea that I was special...really special. SO special that I probably could have given uniqueness a new meaning. Well, of course everyone is special and unique in their own way...but can you imagine a family, an office, a classroom, a community of perpetually UNIQUE persons. I could be pretty chaotic.
Everyone would feel entitled to special priveleges. Everyone would always fight to be first or center stage. Everyone would want to lead and no one would want to follow. Everyone would insist on their own way or not participate at all. There would be no room for team players here. I think you get the idea.
Benedict in the 8th Step of Humility suggests a system by which there is one designated leader and all do only what is prescribed by the superior. In this system there is order and cohesion.
I am grateful that I do not always consider myself perpetually unique anymore. I have found that my own uniqueness comes out best in working as part of a team.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Everyone would feel entitled to special priveleges. Everyone would always fight to be first or center stage. Everyone would want to lead and no one would want to follow. Everyone would insist on their own way or not participate at all. There would be no room for team players here. I think you get the idea.
Benedict in the 8th Step of Humility suggests a system by which there is one designated leader and all do only what is prescribed by the superior. In this system there is order and cohesion.
I am grateful that I do not always consider myself perpetually unique anymore. I have found that my own uniqueness comes out best in working as part of a team.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Thursday, February 4, 2010
In Humility...Freedom
When I can get to a point where I feel comfortable enough with who I am to be myself, I get glimpses of true humility. I am not generally a person who would be considered shy, but there is a brief period for me when am a little cautious about being myself.
Step 7 of Humility speaks a little to that ability to be totally oneself and transparent in every situation. I long for the freedom to be able to be the same in all circumstances--not to use the filter of other's thoughts or opinions as much as I use truth and honesty as a guide. Of course it needs to be truth and honesty tempered by love.
As I prepare for the upcoming season of Lent, I will look for ways to grow in this aspect of humility as I prepare with eager longing for the joy of Easter.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Step 7 of Humility speaks a little to that ability to be totally oneself and transparent in every situation. I long for the freedom to be able to be the same in all circumstances--not to use the filter of other's thoughts or opinions as much as I use truth and honesty as a guide. Of course it needs to be truth and honesty tempered by love.
As I prepare for the upcoming season of Lent, I will look for ways to grow in this aspect of humility as I prepare with eager longing for the joy of Easter.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Without God I Am Nothing
At first glance, the 6th Step of Humility seems to have little to offer in the way of affirming me, my efforts and my accomplishments. Afterall, it talks about me being worthless, a bad worker and no better than a beast--hardly words meant to evoke a high self-esteem.
Yet, when looked at from a different perspective, the 6th step reminds me that everything is gift to us from God. My talents, skills, gifts and accomplishments were originally total gift from God to me. So although there is some good feeling to be had in realizing my goals, my successes and accomplishments...the ultimate source of all this good is God. The real acknowledgement to praise belongs to God who freely gives us all good gifts.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Yet, when looked at from a different perspective, the 6th step reminds me that everything is gift to us from God. My talents, skills, gifts and accomplishments were originally total gift from God to me. So although there is some good feeling to be had in realizing my goals, my successes and accomplishments...the ultimate source of all this good is God. The real acknowledgement to praise belongs to God who freely gives us all good gifts.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Spiritual Companioning
Many people are not fortunate to have "truth tellers" in their lives. I am truly fortunate in that I have at least three, possibly as many as five, "truth tellers" in my life.
These are women who know me very well and who care about me and my well being. They know me better than even my own family knows me in some instances. They are persons who have seen me at my best and at my worst and are still okay with me. They will sometimes tell me what I would rather not hear but need to know. They are also the ones that I go to when I want the real truth about things because I know that they will be honest with me. They know that I can yell and cry and be very angry at times but will eventually listen and at least consider the validity of what is said.
St. Benedict advocates this type of relationship in the 5th Step of Humility when he asks his followers to lay their thoughts open before a spiritual elder. This type of relationship is rare in life and highly to be treasured.
Who are the "truth tellers" in your life?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
These are women who know me very well and who care about me and my well being. They know me better than even my own family knows me in some instances. They are persons who have seen me at my best and at my worst and are still okay with me. They will sometimes tell me what I would rather not hear but need to know. They are also the ones that I go to when I want the real truth about things because I know that they will be honest with me. They know that I can yell and cry and be very angry at times but will eventually listen and at least consider the validity of what is said.
St. Benedict advocates this type of relationship in the 5th Step of Humility when he asks his followers to lay their thoughts open before a spiritual elder. This type of relationship is rare in life and highly to be treasured.
Who are the "truth tellers" in your life?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Monday, February 1, 2010
Holding On To Patience
The 4th Step of Humility is to hold on patiently when difficulties come. This is definitely one of the steps of humility that I still have a long way to go and grow before I reach maturity.
I have never been one to suffer well or to suffer quietly. I tend to like an audience around when I things are going wrong so that I have someone to listen to my whining. It does not even have to be a big issue that is causing the distress, actually with me it generally can take something pretty small. At the first sign of difficulty I tend to start planning my best defense, just in case things continue heading south.
The 4th Step encourages me to bear hardship and wrongs graciously. Rather than ranting that the alarm clock not going off, the bad traffic or the burdens of the day all set the world against me, I can look for where God and God's love can be found even in the hardest of daily situations. Once I can do that I quickly realize that no matter what is happening with me or to me, God does have a hand in my life and my life is not really all that miserable.
How have you been able to find God in your life lately?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
I have never been one to suffer well or to suffer quietly. I tend to like an audience around when I things are going wrong so that I have someone to listen to my whining. It does not even have to be a big issue that is causing the distress, actually with me it generally can take something pretty small. At the first sign of difficulty I tend to start planning my best defense, just in case things continue heading south.
The 4th Step encourages me to bear hardship and wrongs graciously. Rather than ranting that the alarm clock not going off, the bad traffic or the burdens of the day all set the world against me, I can look for where God and God's love can be found even in the hardest of daily situations. Once I can do that I quickly realize that no matter what is happening with me or to me, God does have a hand in my life and my life is not really all that miserable.
How have you been able to find God in your life lately?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
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