Life Everlasting

...and may he bring us all together to everlasting life. RB80.72.12

Community life is about the whole group. The goal of life (all Christian life) is to help one another reach our heavenly home.

• It is through the struggles and joys of working and living with others that we learn some of the most important life lessons that carry us through.
• It is in our daily encounters that we become more self-aware of our own frailties and faults.
• I learn compassion when I practice patience with others and experience the love of others in my times of pain.
• I learn faith and trust as I continue to realize my dependence on others and the interdependence which is necessary in life.

As we approach the end of 2010 and the conclusion of another cycle of our daily reading of the Rule, may God truly unite us on our journey towards life everlasting.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Obeying the Community

Obedience is a blessing to be shown by all, not only to the abbot but also to one another as brothers, since we know that it is by this way of obedience that we go to God. RB80.71.1-2

It is easy enough for me to understand the value of obeying leadership...but obeying one another? That is something a little more difficult to practice.

Why is it necessary to obey others on a team, at work, in a class or other group situation?

While I have my own thoughts and opinions about when things should start I have to remember that everyone else involved also has thoughts and opinions about the same issues--not necessarily mine. What would happen if everyone stubbornly insisted on having their own way?

Chaos would reign...very little constructive work would be done and resentments would be high. Not a very pleasant environment for work or team building.

By compromising and through dialogue, boundaries and standards can be set so that there is less confusion and all will know the parameters within which to work.

I may not always get my way but at least there will be a more pleasant environment for work.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

The Golden Rule in Community

After all, it is written: 'Never do to another what you do not want done to yourself.' (Tobit 4:16) RB80.70.7

This reference to the Book of Tobit is found at the end of Chapter 70 which speaks about striking out against another. Who would have thought that the Golden Rule had found a place both in Scripture and in the Rule?

This reference reminds me to take into account the thoughts, feelings and concerns of others before I act. I need to consider whether I would like to receive the action which I am contemplating. Ideally, this pause will help to curb any tendency towards revenge, retaliation or spite.

This special consideration of others helps to make life in community more peaceful and less chaotic. It helps me to expand my awareness of others and my compassion towards others. I need practice in that often because there is a tendency in me to become self-centered and over-focused.

What am I doing to remember my relationship with others today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Discord Among Leaders

...while abbot and prior pursue conflicting policies, their own souls are inevitably endangered by this discord; and at the same time the monks under them take sides and so go to their ruin. RB80.65.8-9

If one parent says "No" to a request, it is always a good idea to try the other parent...they may say "Yes", especially if they don't know that the request has already been denied. This theory for navigating permissions in a family is a practice familiar to many. It was often attempted in our house, unfortunately it often failed.

This dynamic is what Benedict is seeking to avoid in today's passage from the Rule. In a group, it sets up the possibility that rather than following normal avenues for receiving permissions the members will go to the leader who seems to be most favorable to the request or most likely to be swayed easily.

There is a divisive element to this practice. While the leaders are trying to sort out the problem, small factions can also be formed with those who favor one leader arguing against those who follow another.

How am I helping to unite community rather than divide it?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Leading By Example

Goodness of life and wisdom in teaching must be the criteria in choosing the one to be made abbot, even if he is the last in community rank. RB80.64.2

In setting forth the principle criteria for selecting leadership, Benedict puts forth goodness of life and wisdom in teaching as the key elements in this selection. Benedict is not looking for the most successful, the most popular or the most brilliant--he is looking for an over-all good monastic who can set a good example for the group.

There is a piece of folk wisdom that asserts that the best leaders are those who have learned to be good team members and who are able to follow another's lead. St. Benedict seems to be saying the same today about leadership. If the leader is not already a good community member familiar with patiently following another's lead, leadership tasks will be much more cumbersome.

How am I training for leadership today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

More Is Required

It is often easy to looking longingly at others and fantasize what their life must be like or wonder why someone is always chosen for special privileges. When I was younger, I always desired to be the person who was chosen to be the leader or who had all of these imagined "perks" in life. It always seemed so appealing and glamorous. Much more interesting than my life seemed.

As I have matured and be given more responsibilities and duties, I have also received some extra privileges. It seems that with the "extras" comes a larger portion of responsibility. I can't just have the "perks" and not be accountable. I need to remember the weight that comes with even small responsibilities...I also need to remember how to be part of a team so that when others are in leadership I can still participate fully.

How am I adding to the team today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Visiting Monastics

A visiting monk from far away will perhaps present himself and wish to stay as a guest in the monastery. Provided that he is content with the life as he finds it, and does not make excessive demands that upset the monastery, but is simply content with what he finds, he should be received for as long as he wishes.

Visitors should not make themselves a burden.

When I was young, I learned that if I wanted to be socially accepted or even just invited places, I needed to make sure that I was a pleasant guest. If I was too demanding or bothersome, I might find myself never invited anywhere. I learned this lesson fairly rapidly and learned it well.

My parents were always amazed that I seemed to be a much different person at friend's homes as opposed to my "at home" behavior. I was polite and courteous. I was not picky or as obnoxious. I even offered to do some tasks that I would never have done willingly at home. My friends were that way at my home also. Just being a guest in someone else's home seemed to make the difference.

Benedict addresses the issue of guests today. He supports his disciples visiting other groups as long as they are not overly-burdensome.

I need to develope some of those "away from home skills" more fully so that they become a part of my daily life. How can I make life at home more pleasant for myself and others?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Not Seeking Exceptions

Repeatedly in the Rule, Benedict states that the individual monk should not seek to make exceptions to the common practices. This concept is harder to accept than obedience to a leader is some ways.

I can understand doing what I am asked to do respectfully...but making a point of being just like everyone else and not asking for exceptions because of my temperament, preferences, emotions or whims???

I was raised to believe that I am unique and special in every way. This fact, however, needs to be tempered with the realization that the same is true of every single person. EVERYONE is unique and special and NO ONE needs to be the exception to all rules.

Living and working within a community setting this becomes abundantly clear. If basic rules that all must obey do not exist, chaos reigns and nothing will be accomplished.

I need to remember that I am not the standard setter for every situation. How am I learning to accept that that life asks of me today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Being An Offering

RB80 entitles Chapter 59 of the Rule: The offering of sons by nobles or by the poor.

This title has always seemed a little awkward to me since in our culture we do not deal regularly with nobility or even, in any real sense, offering the work of our hands or something personal to God at the Presentation of the Gifts. The concept of 'tithing' tries to address this issue except that in most cases, I can be so far removed from the weekly offering that is presented in a Sunday envelope or a monthly check that it is just one more monthly bill to pay.

I am reminded of the Gospel story of the widow's offering. She offered to God from what she needed for livelihood. Manytimes, I find myself offering God a portion of what is left over after everything else is done...the last few minutes of the day before I fall asleep, the last ounces of energy after I have done a day's work, the last bit of charity after I have spent it throughout the day.

I desire to give God my best rather than my leftovers. How am I offering the best that I have today to God?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

The Abbot's Table

The abbot's table must always be with guests and travelers. Whenever there are no guests, it is within his right to invite any of the brothers he wishes. RB80.56.1-2

Growing up, we always had assigned places at the dinner table. It was partly a function of practicality and convenience (Grandma always sat closest to the stove and serving area because she was the one who helped get seconds and cleared the table.) Our parents were always at the end of the table. The kids were placed so that those who might fight at table were separated by an adult.

Benedict has a similar plan for the abbot's table. The abbot should have a place at the table with the guests. On the occasions when there are no guests, community members may be invited to sit with the leader. There should always be someone sitting at the tables among the table to help keep order. Benedict emphasized interaction among the members so that good relationships could be fostered.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Receiving What Is Needed

The abbot, however, must always bear in mind what is said in the Acts of the Apostles: 'Distribution was made to each one as he had need' (Acts 4:35). In this way the abbot will take into account the weaknesses of the needy, not the evil will of the envious; yet in all his judgments he must bear in mind God's retribution. RB 55.20-22

All of my needs are taken care of--that is a comforting thought. I do not have to worry about my own clothing, my supplies, my tools for ministry, the equipment I need to fulfill my daily tasks. What I do need is to practice trust--trust in the leadership of the group and trust the group to get me what is necessary.

• There is no need for me to devise my own private stash of food, supplies, tools, necessities for a day that might not be as plentiful. Although it is comforting to know that I have enough for myself and everyone else.
• There is no need to look over what others have and long for their possessions. Unless, of course, I am also willing to take on the responsibilities that often come with new gadgets. The iPhone does not look as appealing when I realize that having it will require that I also take on two new responsibilities within our group.
• I do not need to compare what I have with what others seem to get because I know that everyone has exactly what is needed at that time.

May I always remember to keep my focus on my own piece of creation.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Practical Nature of the Rule

Benedict talks today about clothing. He does not really stress about it or over-emphasize his point. Benedict simply states that clothing should be appropriate for the season; should fit the wearer and should be simple. Clothing is seen as a practical tool to fulfill a purpose rather than something to be identified with the person.

Growing up, I loved getting new clothes, shopping, or even just browsing through the Speigel Catalogue--dreaming of what my next outfit would be. As a teen, I spent hours in front of my mirror trying various combinations for the next "free dress" day or party. I obsessed about making sure that the my outside looked polished and sophisticated. Meanwhile, my insides were not as well- ordered.

Today, I realize that it is important for my inner person to match my exterior. It does not work for me to look good on the outside while I am withering away on the inside. I need to be wholly engaged with life--inside and outside.

How am I living as a person of integrity today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

A Place of Prayer

Chapter 52 of the Rule sets parameters around the monastic oratory--the designated place for prayer. Benedict states that the oratory is a prayer place and nothing else should be done or stored there.

The oratory is not a place for conversations (unless it is conversation with God). It is not an extra storage space--where I can leave those things that do not fit in my closet, desk or bedroom. The oratory is to be just what its name states--a place of prayer.

In our monastery, the oratory is a place in the center of our building. It is at the intersection between our living/dining space and our public space (our front reception area and our business office). Our oratory is the "heart" of our home.

To this "heart" I bring the concerns of the day, prayer intentions gathered throughout my day of ministry and my hopes/aspirations. I join my prayers with those of others to ask God's blessing and insight. From this "heart" I am strengthened and energized to go forth and take God's life and love to all whom I meet. The oratory is both the "heart" of our home and the living "heart" of our lives.

How am I living the spirit of our prayer today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Models of Faith

Sister Agatha Burke, OSB

We are fortunate in our community to have the opportunity to interact daily with community members with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. It is not uncommon for one of us to be listening to stories from earlier days in our community and getting a sense of participating in the memory.

Sister Agatha Burke was one such person. She would recount stories of her early days teaching Kindergarten and 1st Grade, her years as principal and administrator, her later years as founder of the After School Care Program for Monte Cassino School in the late 80's. Sister Agatha was a person who enjoyed life even at 90.

Here are a few remembrances of Sister Agatha:

• There are photos of Sister Agatha in the "captain's chair" of our pontoon. During the summer of 2009, Sister Agatha would take every opportunity offered to go out on the boat for a ride.
• She enjoyed spending time with friends. Just recently, Sister Agatha stayed up for a late night football game--she wanted to be part of the action.
• Sister Agatha taught me about friendship. She cared deeply about others and would always go the extra mile for them if possible.

Sister Agatha was a women of faith and prayer and she will be greatly missed.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Being Who I Am Everywhere

Chapter 50 of the Rule of Benedict offers directives for prayer while away from the monastery. It basically boils down to being the same person, no matter where I may find myself.

Ideally, after years of praying the psalms day after day, multiple times a day, scripture should be like the air I breath; the blood flowing through my life. I am called to allow God's Word to permeate my life, my heart, my soul.

I long to be a person of integrity, radical integrity. I desire to always remember that God is with me, accompanying me through my daily life. I need to remember who I am and whose I am.

How am I open to God's Word today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB