Exclusion for Faults

If a brother is found to be stubborn or disobedient or proud, if he grumbles or in any way despises the holy rule and defies the orders of his seniors, he should be warned twice privately by the seniors in accord with our Lord’s injunction (Matt 18:15–16). RB80.23.1-2

Chapters 23-30 of the Rule of Benedict are part of the disciplinary code in the Rule. Since the community is human, there are bound to be faults. There needs to be a way of dealing with wrongdoing, bad attitudes and failure to comply.

These opening verses set the tone for Benedict's approach to faults. Benedict realized that faults would be a part of community, or actually any group or team. So how are they to be handled? Benedict seems to be focusing more on the underlying attitudes of the person rather than the actual deeds. If the attitude is correct then the actions will follow.

Benedict realized that with an attitude problem forcefulness or public sanctions are not always the best approach at first. He suggests speaking privately to the person to allow an opportunity for a change. This allows the person to modify their own behavior before it becomes a public issue which can be both hurtful and embarrassing. Take care of the matter privately.

Thinking back on the times that I have needed to change my disposition or attitude to become a better community member, I have always been grateful for the times when I have been offered the opportunity to change on my own once I have the awareness.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

The Character of Private Prayer

We must know that God regards our purity of heart and tears of compunction, not our many words. Prayer should therefore be short and pure, unless perhaps it is prolonged under the inspiration of divine grace. RB80.20.3-4

The Baltimore Catechism taught that prayer was the raising of the mind and the heart to God. Since I was raised in the Post-Vatican II church, my familiarity with the Catechism and the rituals of faith are still a little foreign to me.

I grew up with the concept that prayer was a relational, conversation with God. Since God is always with me and God is everywhere, God could be in constant communication with me. That was a concept that I could easily relate to--since I tend to enjoy talking and always have some internal or external dialogue going. The one part that I tend to forget is that there needs to be at least as much listening (preferably more) as there is speaking in this relationship.

Just as in daily relationships it is not a good idea to monopolize the entire conversation so too in prayer. I need to remember to leave space (silence) for God to respond to me. I also need to listen carefully because sometimes God's message can be very subtle or come in a different form than I expect.

Benedict gives me the key for remembering that today. God is not so much concerned with how well I can express myself in prayer as in how sincere and heartfelt the prayer is. God cares about getting to see the true "me" in prayer--not a well polished replica.

How am I listening in prayer today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Harmony of Mind and Voice

Let us consider, then, how we ought to behave in the presence of God and his angels, and let us stand to sing the psalms in such a way that our minds are in harmony with our voices. RB80.19.6-7

I love to sing--I am definitely not the best singer or the most accomplished musician but I do enjoy singing and music. Today's passage from the Rule of St. Benedict speaks to the singer in me.

I know from experience how important it is to be in harmony and how gut-wrenching it can be to hear dissonance. I also know how difficult it can be to have my mind and my mouth both being fully present at the same time, on the same task. There is a temptation to think that since I have prayed the same psalms and responses for years I can conceivable "pray" our Office on autopilot. All that would be necessary is the presence of my body. In order to fully engage in prayer, though, I need to be fully there--mind, heart, voice, and body.

There are skills that are necessary so that we may all have a better prayer experience.

• I need to listen to those around me. I need to be in sync with others neither too fast or too slow.
• I need to pay attention. If my mind is on other things the words that come out of my mouth might not be the correct ones and I might end up being a distraction.
• I need to be still. Although there are no specific poses for prayer, I do need to watch that my body and posture is not distracting to those around me.
• I need to be present and not day dreaming. This is the most important time of my day...every day.

What other skills do I need to bring to my daily prayer?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

On Lukewarmness

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. RB80.18.24-25

It is not uncommon for older generations to look upon the younger with dismay over they lack of energy, motivation, enthusiasm and fervor displayed in the younger. Parents often remind children that when they were young things were much tougher in life. Elders often shake their heads wondering what will happen to the coming generations.

That is the sense portrayed today in Benedict's reference to the holy Fathers who were much more devoted and energetic than the present group. I can choose to dwell on the shortcomings of the present generation or I can choose to be grateful for those thousands who have gone before me in this life of faith. I can decide today to take them as my models of strength, fidelity and perseverance. I can be grateful for the life which they founded for us.

How am I showing my gratitude today for our founding generations? How can I be an example for those who come after me?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Calling on God's Presence

Benedict directs that God's divine presence and intervention be called at all community prayer times. The verses he recommends are the following: O God, come to my assistance. O Lord, make haste to help me.

These two short verses help to keep me focused throughout the day and at our prayer times. It is important for me to remember to call on God regularly for assistance in my daily encounters. It is only with God's help and through his grace that any of my plans are able to be successful.

I also need to call on God with urgency. Many times I forget that my many successes and accomplishments are not achieved by virtue of my great power, intelligence or brilliance. It is only through God's graciousness that any of my projects are able to succeed at all. These are two good points for me to remember.

Am I remembering to call on God regularly for help? Do I remember to acknowledge God's providence in my life?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Awareness of Group Needs

Benedict was a realist when he wrote the Rule. He realized that modifications might need to be made based on the specific needs of the individual group so he built in some flexibility into his plan.

Today's reading from Chapter 17 of the Rule is an example of this. In proposing the order for common prayer, Benedict does build in provisions for groups that are smaller or larger than the ideal. He provides options for a more balanced format in those times when needs change.

I need to do the same in my own life. I need to be flexible enough in daily events so that I can weather the more difficult storms that may come. May I continue to focus on flexibility in my life.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

60 Years of Faithful Service

This weekend we are in for HUGE celebrations. Tomorrow we celebrate the 60th Jubilee of two of our Sisters--Sister Marie Jacinta Dorado and Sister Scholastica Reagan!

Benedictines like to celebrate and this anniversary certainly gives us cause for rejoicing, thanking God and being grateful for the faithful witness of these two women. It is rare these days that anyone is willing to make lifelong commitments and the fidelity of these women is wonderful.

For a short bio on both of these Sisters, please visit http://stjosephmonastery.org/pages/news.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

We Parise You, God

After the fourth responsory, the abbot begins the hymn "We praise you, God." RB80.11.8

Singing eternal praise to God.

Someone asked me recently what my image of heaven was. I must say that since I don't like thinking about death very much, I had never spent much time thinking about heaven (or life after death) much either. It made me stop and realize that if I truly believe that I am destined for eternal life, it might be a good idea to ponder what it might look like.

This morning brings me two instances where the praise of God is mentioned. As I listened, I was struck with the idea that for me that is central to my image of heaven. More than an actual place, it is a state of being in which my total attitude is praise of God and gratitude. I am far from there right now...but there still is time left for me to cultivate this posture within my life.

Here are some practical ways:

• Practice praising God on awaking, thanking God for the gift of life, creation and our many blessings.
• Develop a gratitude list--jotting down small instance of thanksgiving throughout the day. Bedtime would be a good time to review list daily.
• Stopping to say a quick thanks to God throughout the day--rather than stressing over how long the wait is at the grocery store or at the 10th red light I've encountered today.
• Pausing a second before answering the phone to thank God for the gift of the person on the other end of the call.

These are just a few ways in which I can cultivate more gratitude in my life today. In a sense, this practice will not only make my life more enjoyable now but will also prepare me for heaven.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Reverence to the Holy Trinity

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. RB80.9.7

One of the things that I love about our prayer is the rituals that are involved. I don't like ritual just for the sake of ritual, but I find value in intentional actions performed for a specific purpose.

One of the monastic rituals that has a special place in my heart is the bow at the "Glory be to the Father." When I was younger, I had very little sense of why we would stand at the beginning of this prayer and bow during the portion that praises God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I guess I had never read to the end of the sentence quoted today since the reason for the bow is stated quite clearly--it is to show honor and reverence for the Holy Trinity.

If I truly believe that I live in God's presence all the time, everywhere, then my interior disposition should be one of honor and reverence to God in whose presence I abide. Through my actions, words and attitudes I need to look for ways that speak of that honor and reverence daily. That belief needs to be one of the elements that sets me apart from the world both as a Christian and as a monastic woman.

How am I showing honor and reverence to God around me today?

Sr. Catherine

The Influence of Prayer

Today we begin the section on prayer in common. The Rule contains 13 chapters that speak of what is involved in monastic prayer. Some of these chapters (8-18) deal with the minutiae of what the order of the Psalms should be, a listing of other specific prayers and scripture readings for the year. Chapters 19 and 20 deal with the attitude necessary in the individual during prayer. Together these chapters constitute a vital part of the Rule of Benedict.

When I was finishing my Masters Degree one of the topics that I wrote on was common prayer and the impact of this prayer on individuals after long periods of daily praying the Psalms. One of my assertions was that the repetition of these prayers over a period of years should leave an imprint on my life (hopefully for the good). Much like water works on rocks in streams to smooth off rough edges, daily exposure and prayer with the psalms and scripture ideally should have the same effect on me as a person.

It is my duty to show up daily as awake and aware as possible to God's presence. All I really have to do is show up and be open to God's action in my life.

How open am I today to God's word in my life?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Laughing Manor--A Happy Place

The tenth step of humility is that he is not given to ready laughter, for it is written: Only a fool raises his voice in laughter (Sir 21.23). RB80.7.59

From reading this passage one would think that the monastery is to be a very solemn, quiet, mirthless place. (Not an appealing thought to anyone with the least hint of a sense of humor.) An unfortunately before I entered the monastery, that is what I thought my life would be like. I was wrong.

What I found in our community were women much like myself who love life, love God and love one another. I found women so full of joy and hope that they found it hard to contain it within themselves--there was a need to share this spirit...often in laughter.

One of our sisters who has died (Sister Joachim) used to tease some of those blessed with contagious and explosive laughter by saying that someone might confuse us with "Laughing Manor" rather than a monastic community. That is a good thing because it humanizes our community to many and can even encourage some interest and questions about our life.

I invite you to take a look through our new, updated website (stjosephmonastery.org) and become familiar with our community and the services we offer. You might even see quite a few of us having fun while living our life.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Controlling the Tongue

The ninth step of humility is that a monk controls his tongue and remains silent, not speaking unless asked a question,... RB80.7.56

Every thought that passes through my head does not need to be expressed. Although it can lead to some interesting conversations, not all words and ideas while truthful are polite and necessary. This is part of the lesson on humility today--I do not have to be the one to blurt out my opinions and reactions on every subject.

I have a friend who taught her children and grandchildren to respond "That's interesting," when someone asked their opinion on a sensitive topic. She felt that it gave her family something that they could respond with when asked how someones new hair cut looked or how appealing a new outfit was. I needed to have learned something like that growing up since I do not seem to have a very good reaction filter or a poker face.

While not inviting me to be dishonest, Benedict is pointing out that maybe the best thing to do in some situations is to not comment. Especially when commenting might prove hurtful or mean to the others involved. Although I have a right to express my thoughts on important matters, I need to determine when it might be wiser to remain silent.

What words have I used today that probably did not need to be said?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Following Instructions

The eighth step of humility is that a monk does only what is endorsed by the common rule of the monastery and the example set by his superiors. RB80.7.55

There is a special talent in being able to follow directions and not deviate from the expected norm. I know this from experience since I am not a person who cares to follow instructions all the time and ends up working harder to clean up messes.

I enjoy living on the edge and learning by doing so when given the option of reading the manual or recipe or just "winging it" and hoping for the best. I usually just forge ahead and get ready for an adventure. After all, how many great discoveries would have been lost if everyone followed the guidebooks all the time?

In community life, however, Benedict is inviting me to consider adhering to the basic plan for the group...not to head out on my own taking others with me. Not everyone enjoys an adventure as much as I do and there is prudence in being respectful of other's sensitivities. All of life does not have to be lived by my rules. I need to be willing to bend and accept the norm.

I need to pray for the grace to temper my need for innovation and excitement with other's need for security.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Living the Truth

One of the root elements of humility as a virtue is the idea that humility is about our humanity and truth. Keeping things in right perspective is essential for humility. Living in the comfort of knowing that I do not have to be the "best" (the holiest, the most talented, the smartest, the funniest) or the "worst" (the greatest sinner, the least worthy, the most pitiable). It really is okay to be somewhere in the middle--much like everyone else.

All that humility asks of me is that I acknowledge my humanity, praise God for my strengths, and work on my weaknesses quietly and patiently. All I am asked to do is to be the best version of "Catherine" I can be and to learn from my past failures. I need to find the lessons which are held within my mistakes and try to do better today than yesterday.

Living in this way helps me to keep things in better perspective and to keep the focus on my and my growth not on others.

May I continue to grow in humility.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

On Being Content

The sixth step of humility is that a monk is content with the lowest and most menial treatment, and regards himself as a poor and worthless workman in whatever task he is given... RB80.7.49

Although chapter 7 in the Rule is one that has always held my interest (mostly because it gives a new perspective to a somewhat unappealing virtue for which to strive), I cannot say that this particular passage is one of my favorites. Actually, I would rather read right past it most of the time.

I do not generally act graciously when offered the worst treatment available. Actually, I usually rebel and complain to anyone and everyone who will listen to me. I also have great difficulty regarding myself as a substandard participant in creation. After all, wasn't I taught growing up that I was just as good as everyone else? So what is the new insight to which Benedict is inviting me?

Maybe it is a reminder that everything is not always going to be fair or go my way. There will be bumps in the road, especially in dealing with others, and I am not always going to be on top...so learn to deal with it as graciously as possible (don't whine). I need to remember that while I am not always on top, I am not always on the bottom either; I'm usually somewhere in the middle and that is okay. That is the reality, be okay with it.

How am I dealing with the daily realities of life today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Obedience for Love of God

The third step of humility is that a man submits to his superior in all obedience for the love of God, imitating the Lord of whom the Apostle says: He became obedient even to death (Phil 2:8). RB80.7.34

Being obedient is okay...as long as it is not too terribly hard. I have problems considering being obedient even to death. That seems a little too painful and drastic to me.

Sister Louise, one of our beloved Sisters who died a few years back, used to say that her daily prayer was, "Dear Lord, I will do anything...just don't make it too hard." I can relate to this type of prayer. I am willing to offer God my obedience but I usually hesitate at making a full out total commitment.

The example of obedience that Benedict proposes for us today is the image of Christ being obedient the point of crucifixion. While I will probably never be asked to face crucifixion in the name of obedience, there are probably small sacrifices that I may be required to undergo.

What are these sacrifices? I am willing to undergo this pain in humble obedience?

• Will I be asked to forego having my own way in everything all of the time?
• Will I need to listen to the same story one more time from the older Sister who is struggling with memory issues?
• Can I graciously answer the same question one more time--even if I just answered it five minutes ago?

These are just a few examples of ways in which I might be called to be obedient even to death for love of God.

Sr. Catherine, OSB