Lent Throughout the Year

Chapter 49 of the Rule of Benedict invites me to live daily life with Lent in mind. For someone who has never found anything terribly positive about the season of Lent, this can be a real downer. I am sure that Benedict is not expecting life to be a somber drudgery...so what could he possibly be trying to say?

The great feast that signifies the end of the lenten season is Easter--the feast not only when we get to celebrate by stuffing ourselves with chocolates, desserts and all that we deprived ourselves of for 40 days but the day that celebrates God's victory over death and the outpouring of God's love for us. It is that love which needs to be the driving force behind my daily life. I need to strive to live out the reality of God's love and to share that with everyone I meet daily.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Respecting Space

There are times and places where silence and space need to be observed. I am much more aware of that this year since I have been at the Monastery during the day more than usual.

Our Oratory (Monastic Prayer space) happens to be in the center of the house--just off the dining room/kitchen, business hallway, and laundry room. One of the best features of our oratory is it's openness and it's location. That is also one of the hardest things. Sound travels easily, there is lots of motion in the area and distractions abound.

I have to remind myself to be quiet in the hallway outside the Oratory, in case someone might be praying. I have to remember to open and close doors quietly--and to close the dining room door during prayer times even though it might seem inconvenient. I have had to train myself to be more aware of others around me and their needs. Maybe that is a lesson that God had always intended for me.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Idleness

Idleness is the enemy of the soul. RB 48.1

I personally don't do well with a lot of unstructured time on my hands. I have never been a person with a long attention span...so even as a child whenever I got bored, I would usually find a new diversion--usually one that cause problems for me and was not very productive.

Things have not changed much in my life as I have matured. I can still easily get bored and my diversions are not any more beneficial to me than before. This constant boredom or ennui with the common life is not anything new to me or to our generation. Evidently, Benedict's community suffered from something similar in the 6th century.

Benedict proposes a way of living that balances prayer, rest and manual labor. He provides a system where there is a change every hour or so. I would benefit greatly by taking time to reflect on Chapter 48 more closely as it pertains to my life today.

May I always seek that balance in life to which Benedict calls us.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Leadership in Prayer

No one should presume to read or sing unless he is able to benefit the hearers; let this be done with humility, seriousness and reverence, and at the abbot’s bidding. RB80.47.3-4

Humility, seriousness, reverence--these are the qualities that the person who takes on the role of reader/chanter/prayer leader must possess. It seems important to Benedict that the monk assigned these roles realize that their function is not to draw attention to themselves. It is often said that the best minister/servant is the one who can convey the message without making it into a performance.

In a performance, the actors are the main focus and the rest are spectators. In common prayer, there really is no space for stars and spectators--we all share a participatory role in worship.

May I always remember who I am during prayer and who God is.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Revealing Secret Sins

When the cause of the sin lies hidden in his conscience, he is to reveal it only to the abbot or to one of the spiritual elders, who know how to heal their own wounds as well as those of others, without exposing them and making them public. RB80.46.5--6

I would often like to believe that whatever I do when no one else is looking or aware really has no implications. In other words, if no one sees me swipe the cookie or break the dish, it really did not happen on some level. That ultimately is a nice lie that I can tell myself.

There is a piece of ancient wisdom that claims that what is not revealed cannot be healed. Even if I am the only one who knows that I did something or that I am having a problem with something, it is wise to talk it out with a trusted friend, journal about it, bring it to prayer, ask another's assistance. I find that just the act of sharing the issue opens me to the possibility to get new insights or greater clarity. Those things which seemed huge in the dark, can not be cut to size in the light of day. And usually, things are not as bad as they seemed.

I need to remind myself that even what happens in "secret" is not really unseen since God is with me at all times and in all places.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Absences from the Norm

If someone does not arrive at table before the verse, so that all might say the verse together and pray and sit down to table as one, and if he comes late through his own negligence or bad will, he should be rebuked up to the second time. But if he still does not reform, he should be denied participation in the common table. He should eat alone and cut off from the company of all; his portion of wine should be taken away; and let this go on until he has made amends and changed for the better. Whoever is not present at the verse that is said after the meal should suffer the same punishment. © Benedict's Rule: A Translation, Terrance Kardong, 1996 by The Order of St. Benedict, Inc., Collegeville, Minnesota. 43.14-17. All rights reserved.

When talking about tardiness to community prayers and meals (what Benedict considers essentials), Benedict has little tolerance for those who show up late, leave early, or are consistently disruptive to the community schedule. He seems to feel that attendance for the whole event is necessary for a group to function well.

I have seen in my life how I tend to isolate myself and pull away from community at those times when I look for excuses to be absent. Although I generally love being in the midst of community events there are times when it seems that I almost long for any reason to be away from the norm. When I notice this happening, I need to stop and see where my heart is drifting to and bring it back to my community and to my primary commitments.

I am grateful for those times when I am brought back into the group after straying. How am I living out my commitments today?

Please pray for the staff and participants at Life Awareness Retreat this weekend for the Diocese of Tulsa.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

God's Bells

At the time for the Divine Office, as soon as he hears the signal the monk should drop whatever is in hand and rush there with the greatest haste. But he should do so with dignity so as not to provide an occasion for silliness. Therefore nothing should be put ahead of the Work of God. (Benedict's Rule: A Translation, Terrance Kardong, 43.1-3)

Bells, bells, bells...just when it seems that I am finally being productive the bell always rings to interupt me. Benedict invites me to perceive these signals as the voice of God calling me to prayer--not just as one more interuption.

Bells come in all different forms and sizes. Sometimes the bell could be the sick child that needs extra attention today. It could be the stranger that sits next to me in the pew at church. It could be the lonely elderly neighbor that stops by to chat. These are all ways in which God calls to us in life.

Who is God's bell for me today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

NIght Silence

Monks should diligently cultivate silence at all times, but especially at night. RB80.42.1

Silence is not a readily accessible gift to me. It is something I desire and I appreciate but a little bit of silence goes a long way for me. I just don't really get it.

When I first entered community, silence was a more difficult concept than flying to the moon would have been for me. What I have learned in community about silence and it's value has been to recognize the beauty of stillness and inner quiet.

I have begun to learn the value of opening myself and my heart to God's message for me. I find comfort in knowing that God speaks to me in quiet--that it is in stillness that God is best heard.

How am I listening to God today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

No Justifiable Grumbling

Similarly, he should so regulate and arrange all matters that souls may be saved and the brothers may go about their activities without justifiable grumbling. RB80.41.5


Benedict is not a fan of the whiners, the eye-rollers, the detractors from the common life. He also realizes that there might be instances where these behaviors might possibly be considered justifiable. To guard against this happening, Benedict instructs the leader to arrange things as much as possible so that there would be no real excuse for complaining.

There have been times in my life when I have been a community breaker rather than a community builder. During those lapses, I have found myself being angry, resentful, envious and negative. Nothing is ever enough during those times and I find myself isolating from everyone else. Partly because others start avoiding me and partly because I have convinced myself that I don't need others and that no one understands.

Benedict invites me to be a true participant and builder of community. May I always desire to be a community participant.

What am I doing to build community around me today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Table Reading

Reading will always accompany the meals of the brothers. The reader should not be the one who just happens to pick up the book, but someone who will read for a whole week, beginning on Sunday. RB80.38.1

One of my favorite school memories is our daily reading time. Everyday from 1st--8th grade our teacher would read to us for a few minutes, usually at the end of lunch recess to help transition us back into studying. I always loved the stories our teachers read and looked forward to the next day's reading.

St. Benedict offers us this experience by suggesting table reading. While everyone is getting settled into their places and trying to clear their minds of unfinished tasks or past worries, there is a restful transition time to bring all back to the table. In our community, we usually read for about 10 minutes at the beginning of dinner to provide an opportunity for all to begin the meal and to provide some table conversation starters. Manytimes, a lively discussion will follow our period of reading.

Table reading is also a discipline that is necessary for those of us who rarely stop talking and moving. Listening to the reading helps me to quiet my heart and my spirit so that I can become more present to those around me.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Mixing the Generations

What happens when you get people from different generations interacting with one another? What teenager or young adult would find it interesting to spend an evening praying, eating and sharing with religious women and seminarians? These were questions that surfaced in my mind when I was approached by members of the vocations committee for the Church of St. Benedict in Broken Arrow, OK.

Last evening, our community joined with this parish in hosting a Seminarian and Sisters Summer Social which included evening prayer, dinner, games and prizes. Everyone had an opportunity to make new friends and to visit with one another.

Our community was able to show our hospitality in various ways including sharing in an informal interview game that showed how diverse our Sisters are in their interests and personalities.

Benedict envisioned a community that would embrace the old and the young, the weak and the strong, the healthy and the ill. In our day, it is our task to give a face to that spirituality and to Gospel living.

How have I shown God's hospitality to others today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

The Sick--A Face of Christ

The sick are to be cared for before and above all else, for it is really Christ who is served in them. (Benedict's Rule: A Translation, Kardong, 36.1)

I don't deal well with illness. I am fortunate that I am very rarely ill because I am a total wimp when it comes to pain and I do not have much patience with others when they are sick either. The slightest rash or itch or cough is enough to depress me for days. So again, I am extremely grateful for me good health.

That being said, I still need to deal with Benedict's invitation to have compassion and care for those around me who might be sick--whether it be a head ache, diabetes, cancer or arthritis.

What lessons can I learn from working with the sick that will help me in life? How can I learn to see the face of Christ in the ill rather than just the blood, the mess, and the unpleasantness?

My uneasiness comes from not feeling real in control of situations. So...maybe all that I need to learn today about the ill is to pray for patience or to learn to slow down. Maybe my lesson might be to listen carefully to others and their needs. Maybe I am just being called to be there with the person through their pain.

May I remain open to God's presence in life especially when it is difficult to just be.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Beginning and Ending Blessings

The one finishing the week should say this verse: "Blessed are you, Lord God, for you have aided me and comforted me" (Dan 3:52, Ps 86:17). When this has been repeated three times and the departing server has received the blessing, the one entering upon service should say: "God, come to my assistance; Lord, hasten to help me" (Ps 70:2). This verse too should be repeated three times by all. He should be blessed and let him then begin his week of service.
(Benedict’s Rule: A Commentary, Terrence G. Kardong, 35.16-18)

Benedict proposes a system of blessings and rituals throughout the Rule. From the Prologue, where he asserts that prayer should be at the beginning of each new endeavor until Chapter 72, where there is a prayer that God will bring us all to life everlasting.

My family had a strong system of blessings when I was growing up. I considered it kind of quaint that we would be prayed over by my grandmother as we ran out the door for school in the morning, on going to bed at night, on leaving for an errand or on the occasion of a special presentation or exam. Thinking back those times also gave me a feeling of comfort and security (like my family was right there next to me during these important events). I still rarely leave our driveway without stopping for a short silent prayer for safety.

Benedict wanted his followers to have the assurance that they had a whole group with them no matter what was happening...even during the tough days when nothing seems to go right. Somehow it is easier to accept rough days when I know that I am not totally alone in the experience.

May I always remember that God is with me everywhere and at all times.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Mutual Service

The brothers should serve one another. Consequently, no one will be excused from kitchen service unless he is sick or engaged in some important business of the monastery, for such service increases reward and fosters love. RB80.35.1-2


Benedict knew that work, service and ministry were essential not only in community but also in society. He designed a system where all--the young, the old, the rich, the poor, the strong, the weak--would be able to serve one another. He understood that when everyone does their part (however small) great things can be accomplished through the efforts of many.

Currently, the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma (cfbeo.org) is providing a unique opportunity for residents in Northeast Oklahoma to be of service to their needy neighbors. The Food Bank has be fortunate to receive a large grant for emergency food this summer but now needs thousands of volunteer hours to help pack the items into boxes for distribution. I, myself, have participated on various occasions this summer as have many of our Sisters, Oblates and friends. If you would like to participate, please follow the link above for more information.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Distribution of Goods

So the one who needs less should thank God and not be sad. And whoever needs more should be humble about his weaknesses and not gloat over the mercy shown him. Thus all the members will be at peace. RB80.34.3-5

Growing up, my parents made sure that we all felt special and unique in some aspect of life. My younger sister was the artistic, talented and pretty one. My brother was the frail and delicate one who always seemed to need extra help and extra time. I was the smart and quiet one who easily disappeared. In all this, we grew with a certain sense of entitlement.

In a way, in order to make up for my lack of beauty, I felt I needed more clothes, shoes, accessories, etc to make up for my lack and more books, gadgets and "smart looking" things to make my strength shine more. As I grew older, I continued this thinking.

Benedict invites me to look at material possessions a little differently today. If I happen to have a special strength, I need to work on improving it to give God glory and to help those around me--not use it as a way to justify having more stuff. If I have a weakness, I need to pray for acceptance of it and to continue working on strengthening that area--rather than use it as a means of being demanding and whiny. I need to trust both God and my community to be able to supply what is truly necessary for me in life.

May God continue to instruct me in how to be more trusting in life.

A Kind Word--The Best Gift

Above all, let him be humble. If goods are not available to meet a request, he will offer a kind word in reply, for it is written: A kind word is better than the best gift (Sir 18:17). (RB80.31.13-14)

Benedict realizes that the requests made to the cellarer might not always be able to be fulfilled. Rather than have the person say "no" angrily or with disdain, the person is asked to respond with a kind word or maybe even an alternative solution to the request. The concern here is that the person asking would feel that they are being heard and their need respected. There are times when a request might come at an inappropriate time or at a time of lack or scarcity.

Isn't it better to hear, "I understand your need and it will be addressed as soon as possible." rather than, "Why would you ask for that when you know that it is not available."? Many times a person might be needing someone to recognize their need and to help come up with alternatives rather than a plain no.

Benedict points out again that in all types of communal situations, it is the relationships (respect, dignity, communication) among the members that is more important than the material concerns.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

The Cellarer

As cellarer of the monastery, there should be chosen from the community someone who is wise, mature in conduct, temperate, not an excessive eater, not proud, excitable, offensive, dilatory or wasteful, but God-fearing, and like a father to the whole community. He will take care of everything, but will do nothing without an order from the abbot. Let him keep to his orders.
He should not annoy the brothers. If any brother happens to make an unreasonable demand of him, he should not reject him with disdain and cause him distress, but reasonably and humbly deny the improper request. Let him keep watch over his own soul, ever mindful of that saying of the Apostle: He who serves well secures a good standing for himself (1 Tim 3:13). He must show every care and concern for the sick, children, guests and the poor, knowing for certain that he will be held accountable for all of them on the day of judgment. He will regard all utensils and goods of the monastery as sacred vessels of the altar, aware that nothing is to be neglected. He should not be prone to greed, nor be wasteful and extravagant with the goods of the monastery, but should do everything with moderation and according to the abbot’s orders. (RB80.31.1-12)

Benedict provides us today with the qualities required of the monastery cellarer. Every group has a "cellarer" of sorts...just under a different guise. Families have parents, sports teams have the team manager, work places have HR. There is a need for a person or persons who are the "go to" person on projects, events or activities.

Benedict's ideal person is not excitable, reasonable, kind, considerate and wise. This person has the skill necessary to say no and leave the person feeling as though they received a gift. The superior possesses many qualities that parallel those required for the cellarer. They are so close that the cellarer is warned twice to not do anything that would not be readily endorsed by the leader. There needs to be a trust that whether the superior asks it or one of her assistants ask that the same values and philosophy will be proposed.

The qualities of the cellarer are personal traits that I hope to possess someday. May I remain open to God's voice in my life to accept these qualities when they are offered to me.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

The Right Touch

Every age and level of understanding should receive appropriate treatment. RB80.30.1

Growing up as the oldest in our family, I never really understood why the younger ones always seemed to receive different treatment than I did. I believed in a world of justice and fairness where everyone is treated equally. That all makes lots of sense as long as everyone is identical and all situations are equal. Unfortunately, that is rarely the case.

So...did I seriously want my parents to treat me with as much care as they did my brother who was often sick (and never really got to have much fun)? Did I really want to be protected like my sister who being the youngest probably did need a bit more protection? Do I really want to be held to the same standard as everyone else (even though it might not be as effective for me)? Benedict relied on the wisdom of the superior to be able to discern what was the best approach to deal with each situation.

May I trust leadership enough to handle situations as is wisest.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

If a brother, following his own evil ways, leaves the monastery but then wishes to return, he must first promise to make full amends for leaving. Let him be received back, but as a test of his humility he should be given the last place. If he leaves again, or even a third time, he should be readmitted under the same conditions. After this, however, he must understand that he will be denied all prospect of return. (RB80.29.1-3)

Benedict knew the commitment required to be a member of the community, team, or work crew. He was familiar with the reality that for some making the intentional decision to participate may be a serious struggle.

After setting up the discipline code and excommunication (being excluded from the group), Benedict sets up a system for making sure that the decision is the right one for the individual and for community. The person is allowed to depart and be readmitted at least three times (a reasonable number). These opportunities to come and go are set to allow the person the freedom to decide freely but also to recognize that eventually a permanent decision will need to be made. No one can live for long in a period of indecision and Benedict places parameters around this period of specifying the number of "returns" permitted.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

If All Else Fails...Try Prayer

After he has applied compresses, the ointment of encouragement, the medicine of divine Scripture, and finally the cauterizing iron of excommunication and strokes of the rod, and if he then perceives that his earnest efforts are unavailing, let him apply an even better remedy: he and all the brothers should pray for him so that the Lord, who can do all things, may bring about the health of the sick brother. (RB 80.28.3-5)

Today, we have another glimpse at Benedict's "correctional code." He has just finished a rather extensive section on faults, discipline and excommunication. He summarizes that after all of these steps have been taken to correct faults (and they have failed) then the entire community should be called to prayer for the erring.

I would have thought that prayer might be the first line of defense against disobedience, sin, or errant behavior rather than the last. There does seem to be some evidence that prayer might have been invoked earlier in the process (the reference to Scripture as a corrective). Maybe the difference now is that it is the prayer of everyone in the community rather than just the Superior and the individual.

Benedict is very careful to preserve the dignity of the individual...so maybe Benedict is now calling for everyone to pray for the person. The prayers of the whole group being possibly more effective than the prayers of one. Also this would provide an opportunity for the other members of community to offer encouragement and support to the leader and to the individual (encouragement to change her life and continue growing despite the difficulties).

I have found that at the times that I feel the most separated from community, asking others to pray for me and my situation has helped me to feel less alone and isolated. The issues might still exist but I find more strength to be able to face the future when I have the support of other's prayers.

May I be that supporting influence for others.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

The Superior=The Good Shepherd

He is to imitate the loving example of the Good Shepherd who left the ninety-nine sheep in the mountains and went in search of the one sheep that had strayed, So great was his compassion for its weakness that he mercifully placed it on his sacred shoulders and so carried it back to the flock (Luke 15:5). (RB80.27.8-9)

In discussing how to deal with community members who happen to stray from the community, either physically, mentally or spiritually, Benedict uses an image of the Superior as Christ (The Good Shepherd). Rather than be grateful that at least one trouble has been abolished (through the loss of the wayward and troublesome), the leader is encouraged to try to talk the person into amending his ways.

Maybe he didn't realize how serious the personal fault was. Maybe the person was just straying through inattention--not malice. It might even be something that the person had little control over. Through the compassion, patience and love of the Superior, the erring might return, and might end up stronger in the end.

I find consolation in this since I have done my own share of wandering through potential danger in former days. The security, love and support of my community always gave me the courage to work through the issues involved and to gain wisdom and strength.

May I be a source of wisdom and strength for others when they struggle.

Sr. Catherine, OSB