When we wish to propose something to powerful people, we do not presume to do so without humility and reverence. How much more should we petition the Lord God of the universe with great humility and total devotion. (Benedict's Rule: a Translation, Terrance Kardong, OSB, 20.1-2)
When talking about addressing the powerful (the rich, a ruler, a king) and prayer, Benedict considers humility and reverence/total devotion to be essential elements. I am reminded of the story from the Gospels of the publican (the righteous one) and the tax collector (the sinner).
In this pericope, the one who felt virtuous thanked God in prayer for making him so superior to others--he focused on all of the good that existed in him. The other person, meanwhile, stayed towards the back asking God's mercy on his sinful situation. The second person through his humility received what he asked. By acknowledging the need for God's grace within his life, he received that mercy he desired.
When I pray, I need to remember that I do not have an automatic ticket to heaven because I am a member of a religious community. It is the daily choices that I make--my living in the present moment and my conscious life choices that prepare me for heaven and for eternal life.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Harmony of Mind and Voice
And let us stand to sing in such a way that our mind is in harmony with our voice. (Benedict's Rule: A Translation, Terrance Kardong, OSB, 19.7)
I enjoy music and I like to sing--not always on key but usually pretty loud. It is much harder for me and others around me to produce a pleasant sound when I happen to be distracted.
This distraction could be the pain in my left toe, the conversation I have running around my head in stereo, the "to do" list that I am mentally rewriting, or re-enactment of a difficult interaction earlier. Any of these could easily derail me if I am not watching--and most do on some days.
Chapter 19 of the Rule ('The Proper Manner of Singing the Psalms') invites me to leave my distractions at the door of the oratory--to be totally present to this moment of prayer. I am called to place my concerns and worries in God's hands for at least these few minutes so that I can fully participate in the task at hand. I am encouraged to bring my whole self to prayer each day so that I may truly enter into the mystery of God's life with my mind and voice in harmony.
From June 26--July 2, I will be journeying to St. John's Abbey in Collegeville, MN for their annual Monastic Institute. I will be traveling with three of our Community Members, 2 Oblates and 4 young women who are friends of our community. Please pray for us during our journey and time of study and fellowship.
I enjoy music and I like to sing--not always on key but usually pretty loud. It is much harder for me and others around me to produce a pleasant sound when I happen to be distracted.
This distraction could be the pain in my left toe, the conversation I have running around my head in stereo, the "to do" list that I am mentally rewriting, or re-enactment of a difficult interaction earlier. Any of these could easily derail me if I am not watching--and most do on some days.
Chapter 19 of the Rule ('The Proper Manner of Singing the Psalms') invites me to leave my distractions at the door of the oratory--to be totally present to this moment of prayer. I am called to place my concerns and worries in God's hands for at least these few minutes so that I can fully participate in the task at hand. I am encouraged to bring my whole self to prayer each day so that I may truly enter into the mystery of God's life with my mind and voice in harmony.
From June 26--July 2, I will be journeying to St. John's Abbey in Collegeville, MN for their annual Monastic Institute. I will be traveling with three of our Community Members, 2 Oblates and 4 young women who are friends of our community. Please pray for us during our journey and time of study and fellowship.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Praying the Full Psalter
Above all else we urge that if anyone finds this distribution of the psalms unsatisfactory, he should arrange whatever he judges better, provided that the full complement of one hundred and fifty psalms is by all means carefully maintained every week, and that the series begins anew each Sunday at Vigils. For monks who in a week’s time say less than the full psalter with the customary canticles betray extreme indolence and lack of devotion in their service. We read, after all, that our holy Fathers, energetic as they were, did all this in a single day. Let us hope that we, lukewarm as we are, can achieve it in a whole week. (RB80.18.22-25)
This passage from the end of Chapter 18 of the Rule is reminiscent of the concern many elders have about subsequent generations. Oftentimes, the elders among us lament the fact that the younger generations don't have the same energy, fervor or zeal as they had--sometimes forgetting that the same was said of them 50 or 60 years ago.
There is a sense in reading this passage from the Rule that Benedict is trying to encourage his followers to maintain the fervor, zeal and love for prayer, scripture and lectio that previous generations possessed. He points out that our monastic ancestors in the desert managed to recite the entire psalter in one day--we should at least be able to do this is 7 days.
Benedict is not so much promoting mindless recitation of prayers as he is emphasizing the spirit which needs to be present in disciples. He is promoting us taking the psalms so seriously that in a sense we become a living "scripture" through the continued recitation, prayer and encounter with the sacred texts.
There is a saying that states that I might be the only version of the scripture that others encounter today. What is the message that I am giving others? How am I reflecting God's word to others today?
This passage from the end of Chapter 18 of the Rule is reminiscent of the concern many elders have about subsequent generations. Oftentimes, the elders among us lament the fact that the younger generations don't have the same energy, fervor or zeal as they had--sometimes forgetting that the same was said of them 50 or 60 years ago.
There is a sense in reading this passage from the Rule that Benedict is trying to encourage his followers to maintain the fervor, zeal and love for prayer, scripture and lectio that previous generations possessed. He points out that our monastic ancestors in the desert managed to recite the entire psalter in one day--we should at least be able to do this is 7 days.
Benedict is not so much promoting mindless recitation of prayers as he is emphasizing the spirit which needs to be present in disciples. He is promoting us taking the psalms so seriously that in a sense we become a living "scripture" through the continued recitation, prayer and encounter with the sacred texts.
There is a saying that states that I might be the only version of the scripture that others encounter today. What is the message that I am giving others? How am I reflecting God's word to others today?
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Reflections on Order
Chapter 18 of the Rule spells out carefully the order in which the psalms are to be recited during the week.
I am not a person who is overly fond of order....actually I am probably much more comfortable with chaos than order in my life. There is wisdom in placing a specific pattern and system to important activities, especially when working with a group.
I am reminded of an incident that happened during prayers a few years back. There was an slightly longer than usual pause one day between psalms. Everyone was waiting for the next psalm to begin. Sister Mary Louis, one of our elder Sisters, called out from her wheel chair, "Well, since no one seems to know what we are supposed to be doing, let's just end prayers right now and go to breakfast." This was a very unusual comment but it broke the tension and we all laughed as we continued our prayers.
In this instance, this unexpected comment called us back to the moment and lightened the tense awkwardness enough that we were grateful to Sister Mary Louis and still retell this story often.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
I am not a person who is overly fond of order....actually I am probably much more comfortable with chaos than order in my life. There is wisdom in placing a specific pattern and system to important activities, especially when working with a group.
I am reminded of an incident that happened during prayers a few years back. There was an slightly longer than usual pause one day between psalms. Everyone was waiting for the next psalm to begin. Sister Mary Louis, one of our elder Sisters, called out from her wheel chair, "Well, since no one seems to know what we are supposed to be doing, let's just end prayers right now and go to breakfast." This was a very unusual comment but it broke the tension and we all laughed as we continued our prayers.
In this instance, this unexpected comment called us back to the moment and lightened the tense awkwardness enough that we were grateful to Sister Mary Louis and still retell this story often.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Monday, June 21, 2010
Praying the Hours
God come to my assistance.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Community prayer throughout the day begins with this simple refrain everyday.
It calls to mind the fact that it is only through God's assistance and God's ready help that we are able to even consider praying day after day. It is a reminder to me that without God even my best efforts often are mediocre and half hearted. It reminds me that there is a purpose greater than myself and my plans for the day.
May I always look toward God as the source of my comfort and aid.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Community prayer throughout the day begins with this simple refrain everyday.
It calls to mind the fact that it is only through God's assistance and God's ready help that we are able to even consider praying day after day. It is a reminder to me that without God even my best efforts often are mediocre and half hearted. It reminds me that there is a purpose greater than myself and my plans for the day.
May I always look toward God as the source of my comfort and aid.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Sevenfold Praise
The Prophet says: Seven times a day have I praised you (Ps 118[119]:164). RB80.16.1
We are reminded of the need to keep our connection with God open all day long, all the time. In ancient times, seven was considered the perfect number, the number of completion. Therefore if prayer was on the lips seven times daily--it would be constant.
I have a need and a desire to praise God often because of God's generosity and graciousness. I am a person who loves life totally and tries to experience life fully. There is so much in creation and nature that causes my heart to praise God.
I desire to remember always God's goodness to me. How can I pass on this sense of God's goodness to others?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
We are reminded of the need to keep our connection with God open all day long, all the time. In ancient times, seven was considered the perfect number, the number of completion. Therefore if prayer was on the lips seven times daily--it would be constant.
I have a need and a desire to praise God often because of God's generosity and graciousness. I am a person who loves life totally and tries to experience life fully. There is so much in creation and nature that causes my heart to praise God.
I desire to remember always God's goodness to me. How can I pass on this sense of God's goodness to others?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Forgive as We Forgive
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. Thus warned by the pledge they make to one another in the very words of this prayer: Forgive us as we forgive (Matt 6:12), they may cleanse themselves of this kind of vice. (RB80.13.12-13)
Three times a day during our common prayer there is a time for praying the Our Father together. Why is there such a need? Isn't a quick sorry enough to cover all the hurts of the day?
Living in a group (family, community, dorm, roommates, etc) there are plenty of opportunities each day to practice forgiveness. The hurts can be the person who cuts me off on the BA on the way to work, the person who did not bother to hold the door open for me when they saw I was juggling five packages, or the visitor I was rude to because I was in a hurry. All of these are daily minor injuries that are part of living with others and interacting, even casually.
Just when I think I might be saved since I am asking God to forgive me, I am stopped by reading the last part of the sentence. It's not just forgive me but forgive me as I forgive others. Would I really want God to be as slow to extend forgiveness to me as I am in extending forgiveness at times? Afterall, I can still remember a careless comment someone made my first day at the monastery (25 years ago), do I really want God to remember my faults that long?
May I remember to be as forgiving and patient with others as I would like them to be with me.
Sr. Catherine
Three times a day during our common prayer there is a time for praying the Our Father together. Why is there such a need? Isn't a quick sorry enough to cover all the hurts of the day?
Living in a group (family, community, dorm, roommates, etc) there are plenty of opportunities each day to practice forgiveness. The hurts can be the person who cuts me off on the BA on the way to work, the person who did not bother to hold the door open for me when they saw I was juggling five packages, or the visitor I was rude to because I was in a hurry. All of these are daily minor injuries that are part of living with others and interacting, even casually.
Just when I think I might be saved since I am asking God to forgive me, I am stopped by reading the last part of the sentence. It's not just forgive me but forgive me as I forgive others. Would I really want God to be as slow to extend forgiveness to me as I am in extending forgiveness at times? Afterall, I can still remember a careless comment someone made my first day at the monastery (25 years ago), do I really want God to remember my faults that long?
May I remember to be as forgiving and patient with others as I would like them to be with me.
Sr. Catherine
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma
What could be more enriching than having fun with friends while making a small difference in our world?
Yesterday, the Benedictine Sisters from St. Joseph Monastery joined with their oblates, friends, and friends of friends to work at the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma (CFBEO). Just yesterday alone more than 17 pallets (48 cases on a pallet) were packed for their special summer program.
This was not some group that was half-heartedly fulfilling a task. There was plenty of interaction between the volunteers and the staff, the older (85) and the young (cub scouts). There was the sound of laughter, cheering (when the task was completed), hugs and promises to return at a future date for more fun.
If you would like to be part of the fun, please check our website (http://stjosephmonastery.org), check the foodbank website (http://cfbeo.org) or contact Kate Pelizzoni (kpelizzoni@cfbeo.org).
Sr. Catherine
Yesterday, the Benedictine Sisters from St. Joseph Monastery joined with their oblates, friends, and friends of friends to work at the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma (CFBEO). Just yesterday alone more than 17 pallets (48 cases on a pallet) were packed for their special summer program.
This was not some group that was half-heartedly fulfilling a task. There was plenty of interaction between the volunteers and the staff, the older (85) and the young (cub scouts). There was the sound of laughter, cheering (when the task was completed), hugs and promises to return at a future date for more fun.
If you would like to be part of the fun, please check our website (http://stjosephmonastery.org), check the foodbank website (http://cfbeo.org) or contact Kate Pelizzoni (kpelizzoni@cfbeo.org).
Sr. Catherine
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
On Praise
Sunday Lauds begin with Psalm 66, said straight through without a refrain. Then Psalm 50 follows with an "alleluia" refrain. Lauds continue with Psalms 117 and 62, the Canticle of the Three Young Men, Psalms 148 through 150, a reading from the Apocalypse recited by heart and followed by a responsory, an Ambrosian hymn, a versicle, the Gospel Canticle, the litany and the conclusion. (RB80.12)
The word 'lauds' is based on the Latin word for praise. Many English words come from the same root: laudable, applause, etc.
What is so special about the dawn or early morning time that it could call forth praise from creation? For many of us, that early morning time seems like a good time to catch some extra sleep.
Being an early morning person, I know the exhilaration of those first few minutes of the day. The time when everything seems new and fresh and anything is really possible. The past is forgotten at that time and it is a new beginning. Why not rejoice??
Rejoice in the new opportunities offered, the new relationships to be worked out, the new challenges to be faced with optimism.
This reframing of the early morning might truly give me a reason to rejoice and praise God.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
The word 'lauds' is based on the Latin word for praise. Many English words come from the same root: laudable, applause, etc.
What is so special about the dawn or early morning time that it could call forth praise from creation? For many of us, that early morning time seems like a good time to catch some extra sleep.
Being an early morning person, I know the exhilaration of those first few minutes of the day. The time when everything seems new and fresh and anything is really possible. The past is forgotten at that time and it is a new beginning. Why not rejoice??
Rejoice in the new opportunities offered, the new relationships to be worked out, the new challenges to be faced with optimism.
This reframing of the early morning might truly give me a reason to rejoice and praise God.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Friday, June 4, 2010
Taking a Pause
The monastic community at St. Joseph Monastery will be on retreat during next week (June 6-11). During this time, this blog will be taking a short pause.
Please be assured of our prayers for you and your intentions.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Please be assured of our prayers for you and your intentions.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Keep Nothing Hidden
The fifth step of humility is that a man does not conceal from his abbot any sinful thoughts entering his heart, or any wrongs committed in secret, but rather confesses them humbly. (RB80.7.44)
I often get teased that there are very few thoughts that pass through my head that are not shared with others. I just have an inordinate need to tell everyone I meet what is happening with me. (I am good about secrets that pertain to others though--so I don't share everything.) I have found that when I am free about sharing what is happening with me and feel comfortable with others knowing about it chances are I'm doing okay.
The times that I choose to be secretive about my actions are generally times for me to pay attention to because I am in danger of slipping onto the wrong path and sinning.
I figure it is those issues that I refuse to address or expose that are likely to be my downfall.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
I often get teased that there are very few thoughts that pass through my head that are not shared with others. I just have an inordinate need to tell everyone I meet what is happening with me. (I am good about secrets that pertain to others though--so I don't share everything.) I have found that when I am free about sharing what is happening with me and feel comfortable with others knowing about it chances are I'm doing okay.
The times that I choose to be secretive about my actions are generally times for me to pay attention to because I am in danger of slipping onto the wrong path and sinning.
I figure it is those issues that I refuse to address or expose that are likely to be my downfall.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Perseverence
The fourth step of humility is that in this obedience under difficult, unfavorable, or even unjust conditions, his heart quietly embraces suffering and endures it without weakening or seeking escape. (RB80.7.35-36)
When I was in school, I usually ended up being one of the students the principal knew on a first name basis. It wasn't that I was a poor student or always doing the wrong thing. I would just kind of end up at the wrong place about the time the principal was coming around the corner.
One time in eighth grade I went into the girl's restroom at lunch time to wash my hands. Seemed fairly innocuous to me except that I was supposed to ask the teacher before re-entering the building at lunch--and I didn't. I figured she would not miss me. Just as I was walking out of the restroom, the principal met me at the door. Someone had reported that someone had vandalized the restroom. Since I was the only one there, the principal asked me what I had done. I was unaware of the vandalism, so I told her about washing my hands. She told me to go to the office and wait for her. I couldn't figure out how washing your hands could get me in so much trouble. When the pricipal arrived, she asked me to write an essay about what I did in the restroom. Now, I was frustrated. I wrote, "I washed my hands!" After a while, I was sent back to class. The principal called for me later that afternoon to give me another chance to confess. I told her again about washing my hands--this time in tears.
The person who had vandalized the restroom finally confessed the next day. I was happy to be proven innocent but still angry that no one believed me.
Today's reading on humility talks about being obedient even in adverse situations. In these situations, I think back to my eigth grade experience. My tendency is still to proclaim my innocence, loudly to everyone, and to point out the injustice that is happening.
While I hope to be able to bear wrongs patiently someday, I am still far from the ideal.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
When I was in school, I usually ended up being one of the students the principal knew on a first name basis. It wasn't that I was a poor student or always doing the wrong thing. I would just kind of end up at the wrong place about the time the principal was coming around the corner.
One time in eighth grade I went into the girl's restroom at lunch time to wash my hands. Seemed fairly innocuous to me except that I was supposed to ask the teacher before re-entering the building at lunch--and I didn't. I figured she would not miss me. Just as I was walking out of the restroom, the principal met me at the door. Someone had reported that someone had vandalized the restroom. Since I was the only one there, the principal asked me what I had done. I was unaware of the vandalism, so I told her about washing my hands. She told me to go to the office and wait for her. I couldn't figure out how washing your hands could get me in so much trouble. When the pricipal arrived, she asked me to write an essay about what I did in the restroom. Now, I was frustrated. I wrote, "I washed my hands!" After a while, I was sent back to class. The principal called for me later that afternoon to give me another chance to confess. I told her again about washing my hands--this time in tears.
The person who had vandalized the restroom finally confessed the next day. I was happy to be proven innocent but still angry that no one believed me.
Today's reading on humility talks about being obedient even in adverse situations. In these situations, I think back to my eigth grade experience. My tendency is still to proclaim my innocence, loudly to everyone, and to point out the injustice that is happening.
While I hope to be able to bear wrongs patiently someday, I am still far from the ideal.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Becoming Obedient
"He became obedient even unto death."
This quote from the letter to the Phillipians speaks of Christ's death. Jesus became obedient to the Father's will even to the point to death. By extension, Benedict invites us to take on that same obedience also.
I am all for being obedient--after it's been discussed and I understand and I get to ask all my questions. But obedient to death?? No thanks. I want no part of anything that seems remotely painful--definitely not death.
What does the obedience of Jesus have to teach me today?
Jesus was obedient when he came from heaven in the form of an infant. He agreed to obey his parents even when he was wiser than they. He was always attuned to the voice of God in his life. On the night before he was put to death, when he could easily have escaped his unjust death, he followed through with the Father's plan. Because it was God's will.
How willing am I to follow God into the unknown? Into the painful or scary?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
This quote from the letter to the Phillipians speaks of Christ's death. Jesus became obedient to the Father's will even to the point to death. By extension, Benedict invites us to take on that same obedience also.
I am all for being obedient--after it's been discussed and I understand and I get to ask all my questions. But obedient to death?? No thanks. I want no part of anything that seems remotely painful--definitely not death.
What does the obedience of Jesus have to teach me today?
Jesus was obedient when he came from heaven in the form of an infant. He agreed to obey his parents even when he was wiser than they. He was always attuned to the voice of God in his life. On the night before he was put to death, when he could easily have escaped his unjust death, he followed through with the Father's plan. Because it was God's will.
How willing am I to follow God into the unknown? Into the painful or scary?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
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