Thursday, March 31, 2011
Mid-Lent Check Up
Today's selection from the Rule of St. Benedict is Chapter 49: On the Observance of Lent. Today we are also at a midpoint in this year's lenten journey. It is a good time to reflect on my progress during this season and check to see where my resolve might be faltering just a bit. This year I chose to take a positive approach to Lent and my resolutions--adjusting my life to allow for more good than trying to actively suppress the vices. Although it has not been super easy I am happy to say that it has been manageable. I am still able to remember what my resolutions are and why I chose them initially. Although I have not fulfilled them perfectly, 100% 0f the time, I can definitely see where progress has been made and where my awareness has been heightened. I pray to continue on this road so that I can say on Easter that I have arrived at Easter with "joy and spiritual longing." What do I need to strengthen today? Where have I fallen in my resolutions that I need to start over again? Sr. Catherine, OSB
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Ora et Labora/Prayer and Work
Many are familiar with the Benedictine motto: Ora et Labora. It is no coincidence that the first word in this phrase is Ora--Pray. It reminds me that it is out of my prayer (both in community and private) that my work/ministry/service needs to flow. It is prayer that inspires and enlivens my good deeds and charitable actions. It is not an accident that in the chapter on daily, manual labor (Chapter 48) a large majority deals with the prayer aspects of life. What am I doing today to keep a balance of prayer and work in my life? Sr. Catherine, OSB
Monday, March 28, 2011
A Need for Structure
Idleness is the enemy of the soul. Therefore, the brothers should have specified periods for manual labor as well as for prayerful reading. RB80.48.1 As much as I crave unstructured time everyday, time to just be, I know that too much lack of structure and responsibilities can be more a hindrance to my well being than a help. Since childhood, I have dreamed of having entire hours just to read, or sit and think and day dream, or write and be creative. The reality is, however, that when I have had those treasured opportunities I soon get bored and start looking for more interesting endeavors. A little free time goes a real long way with me and unfortunately too much time on my hands leads to ennui and often laziness. So, how do I strike a balance in life? Verse 1 from Chapter 48 gives the beginnings of an answer for me. Realizing that there needs to be a balance between free time and scheduled activity, including a small dose of free/fun time everyday (like 1 or 2 hours) might help me start finding the balance that I need. This free time can also be scheduled so that I do not totally forget to include my need for time to just be--which I sometimes can. I need to remember to include times for exercise, rest, reading, personal prayer, and personal care. This is not to say that I can do this perfectly since I am still a work in progress. I strive each day to be a little better than the last. What am I doing today to achieve a balance in my life? Sr. Catherine, OSB
Friday, March 25, 2011
My Carelessness
...for failing to correct by humility the wrong committed through negligence. RB80.45.2
If I am not awake and present to the task at hand, it is often easy for me to be distracted and careless in the way I carry out my tasks. I can often convince myself that being not fully present and attentive is not really hurting anyone (well maybe myself but not in a significant way). After all if my mind is quick enough to multitask, what is wrong with using that 90 second pause between the reading and the response at community prayers to plan tonight's menu for dinner, rehearse the difficult phone call I need to make or mental pack for my next trip? Isn't that just a way of being more efficient and effective with my time?
What I have found out for myself is that I spend a lot of time trying to catch up when I try to mentally "multitask" when it comes to prayers, relationships and conversations with others. I am much for likely to be less engaged, careless and often miss vital information when I am overly distracted internally. For me, it is a subtle way of asserting that my needs and my concerns at this time are more important that those of the group, of the other person or of God. In a sense, I have better things to do and right now my body is just fulfilling a duty.
Is that what I am really trying to convey to others? Is that really helping me and others be the best they can be? How am I showing my respect for others today?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
If I am not awake and present to the task at hand, it is often easy for me to be distracted and careless in the way I carry out my tasks. I can often convince myself that being not fully present and attentive is not really hurting anyone (well maybe myself but not in a significant way). After all if my mind is quick enough to multitask, what is wrong with using that 90 second pause between the reading and the response at community prayers to plan tonight's menu for dinner, rehearse the difficult phone call I need to make or mental pack for my next trip? Isn't that just a way of being more efficient and effective with my time?
What I have found out for myself is that I spend a lot of time trying to catch up when I try to mentally "multitask" when it comes to prayers, relationships and conversations with others. I am much for likely to be less engaged, careless and often miss vital information when I am overly distracted internally. For me, it is a subtle way of asserting that my needs and my concerns at this time are more important that those of the group, of the other person or of God. In a sense, I have better things to do and right now my body is just fulfilling a duty.
Is that what I am really trying to convey to others? Is that really helping me and others be the best they can be? How am I showing my respect for others today?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Satisfaction for Faults
The word satisfaction and its use in Chapter 44 of the Rule of Benedict caught my attention today. I am familiar with the word meaning something similar to complete or full yet I had never really stopped and considered it in the context of reparation and amendment. Dictionary.com (an online English dictionary) has the following as two of the definitions for satisfaction: an act of doing penance or making reparation for venial sin; the penance or reparation made. This is an older, ecclesial meaning for satisfaction.
This reparation may be similar to the act of bringing things back into order or to a state of completeness. When a fault is committed or there is a disturbance the harmony and balance of things is thrown off. It is through the act of penance and humble admission of wrong doing that everything can be restored to its original harmony. Everything can return to a state similar to the original. That is the main point of Chapter 44--setting everything back in place.
What am I doing to maintain the balance in community?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
This reparation may be similar to the act of bringing things back into order or to a state of completeness. When a fault is committed or there is a disturbance the harmony and balance of things is thrown off. It is through the act of penance and humble admission of wrong doing that everything can be restored to its original harmony. Everything can return to a state similar to the original. That is the main point of Chapter 44--setting everything back in place.
What am I doing to maintain the balance in community?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Tardiness in Community
Today's selection comes from Chapter 43 in the Holy Rule, "Tardiness at the Work of God or at Table."
From the beginning of the chapter, Benedict emphasizes the importance of being on time to two of the major community events every day--prayers and meals. In any group, there is an amount of order and structure that needs to be in place just so there can be smooth functioning.
Benedict recommends that those who are late for either prayers or meals be required to amend for their fault before being allowed to be part of the general group again. Benedict does not seem overly anxious to exclude others randomly or at will. He makes a provision for the beginning verses of the common prayer to be very slow and deliberate giving everyone ample opportunity to be on time.
It seems as though Benedict is not so much addressing the lateness as the attitude in the person that would allow them to take lightly causing distraction or inconvenience to the whole. It is more about the internal motivations than the actual actions.
How do my motivations and attitudes affect the structure of our community life (whether it be in an office, a classroom, a team or a family)?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
From the beginning of the chapter, Benedict emphasizes the importance of being on time to two of the major community events every day--prayers and meals. In any group, there is an amount of order and structure that needs to be in place just so there can be smooth functioning.
Benedict recommends that those who are late for either prayers or meals be required to amend for their fault before being allowed to be part of the general group again. Benedict does not seem overly anxious to exclude others randomly or at will. He makes a provision for the beginning verses of the common prayer to be very slow and deliberate giving everyone ample opportunity to be on time.
It seems as though Benedict is not so much addressing the lateness as the attitude in the person that would allow them to take lightly causing distraction or inconvenience to the whole. It is more about the internal motivations than the actual actions.
How do my motivations and attitudes affect the structure of our community life (whether it be in an office, a classroom, a team or a family)?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Friday, March 18, 2011
Providing Choices
It is often easier to get folks to agree to things if they are given some choice and voice in the matter. Today, Benedict talks to us about the food to be provided at meals. He recommends that two cooked options be available at meals so that those who may not choose one entree would still have another option available. Once again St. Benedict's wisdom and familiarity with human nature is shown since he realized that not everything in a person's life needs to be legislated and that in some cases some choice even a small one might be beneficial.
I can really appreciate this thinking in a very practical way in my life. Growing up I was an extremely picky eater. The list of non-edible foods was much longer than the list of acceptable ones. I never went hungry for long so I must have found some things that I liked. As I grew and began having more of a social life, my parents helped me to realize that while pickiness might be mildly accepted at home it was totally unacceptable in other's homes and in public. I could choose to widen my eating experience and have plenty of opportunities to grow or I could remain how I was and have many less options. It did not take me long to acquire a taste so some things that I would never have thought I could stomach.
The same applies for me in many other instances. How can I offer others choices so that they may grow to their potential?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
I can really appreciate this thinking in a very practical way in my life. Growing up I was an extremely picky eater. The list of non-edible foods was much longer than the list of acceptable ones. I never went hungry for long so I must have found some things that I liked. As I grew and began having more of a social life, my parents helped me to realize that while pickiness might be mildly accepted at home it was totally unacceptable in other's homes and in public. I could choose to widen my eating experience and have plenty of opportunities to grow or I could remain how I was and have many less options. It did not take me long to acquire a taste so some things that I would never have thought I could stomach.
The same applies for me in many other instances. How can I offer others choices so that they may grow to their potential?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Benefitting the Community
Brothers will read and sing, not according to rank, but according to their ability to benefit their hearers. RB80.38.12
Not everyone who is literate or who can carry a tune is designated to be a lector or cantor in community.
In a religious community, readers and singers are essential at prayer times, at meal times and other times throughout the day. Benedict warns though that those chosen to read, sing or lead prayers need to show skill in fulfilling their role rather than let it be an honorary role. There needs to be adequate training and preparation before fulfilling these important tasks--not just the person who happens to stumble in and pick up the book.
This precept holds true even when I am a participant in prayers, rather than taking on a special role. I need to be prepared (with my books marked) and fully present during our prayer times. I need to be aware of those around me and be sensitive to their needs so that I do not disrupt others through excessive movement, random whispers or other minor distractions.
What am I doing today to be fully present to community today in our common prayer?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Not everyone who is literate or who can carry a tune is designated to be a lector or cantor in community.
In a religious community, readers and singers are essential at prayer times, at meal times and other times throughout the day. Benedict warns though that those chosen to read, sing or lead prayers need to show skill in fulfilling their role rather than let it be an honorary role. There needs to be adequate training and preparation before fulfilling these important tasks--not just the person who happens to stumble in and pick up the book.
This precept holds true even when I am a participant in prayers, rather than taking on a special role. I need to be prepared (with my books marked) and fully present during our prayer times. I need to be aware of those around me and be sensitive to their needs so that I do not disrupt others through excessive movement, random whispers or other minor distractions.
What am I doing today to be fully present to community today in our common prayer?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
The More Vulnerable
Since their lack of strength must always be taken into account, they should certainly not be required to follow the strictness of the rule with regard to food, but should be treated with kindly consideration and allowed to eat before the regular hours. RB80.37.2-3
Chapters 36 and 37 of the Rule of Benedict deal with the sick (chapter 36) and the elderly and the young (chapter 37). These two chapters deal with those who are especially vulnerable and defenceless and can easily be forgotten. Benedict requires that special care be given to those who have special needs but might not be able to advocate for themselves. He relates our treatment of those with special concerns with the Gospel scene from Matthew 25.34-40.
What are some practical ways through which I can be compassionate and aware of the needs of all in the group--whether family, team, office or community?
Chapters 36 and 37 of the Rule of Benedict deal with the sick (chapter 36) and the elderly and the young (chapter 37). These two chapters deal with those who are especially vulnerable and defenceless and can easily be forgotten. Benedict requires that special care be given to those who have special needs but might not be able to advocate for themselves. He relates our treatment of those with special concerns with the Gospel scene from Matthew 25.34-40.
What are some practical ways through which I can be compassionate and aware of the needs of all in the group--whether family, team, office or community?
- Remembering to treat all as individuals. Taking the time to be aware of the special issues which might be troublesome and relevant for each person. What are the stumbling blocks to avoid?
- Use the same compassion towards others that I would like to receive myself. Taking the Golden Rule a step further.
- Not set my expectations or standards unreasonably high. I usually have more issues when I set my personal expectations at a level higher than humanly possible (either for myself or others).
- Take time to slow down before reacting. Problems arise when I expect everyone to have the some values or beliefs that I have.
God calls me daily to be open and compassionate towards those I encounter daily because it is through relationships that I grow in holiness and self-awareness.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Being a Good Patient
Let the sick on their part bear in mind that they are served out of honor for God, and let them not by their excessive demands distress their brothers who serve them. RB80.36.4
I am fortunate to have been blessed with very good health. My health is a blessing to me and also to those who live with me because I am not sure how good a patient I would be if I was ever really ill.
First, I am not a fan of pain in any form. As soon as I feel a headache, a toothache or itch coming on, I know that whining and complaining is probably not far behind. I can stand pain or discomfort about 30 seconds, then it's time to look for a way out.
Second, patience is not a hallmark of my personality. I am definitely a person who wants everything right now--as soon as I think of it. Unfortunately, relief from pain is usually not quite so automatic. I can not will my pain away, although I might be tempted to try.
Third, I am not one to suffer quietly, if something is wrong, I really believe that everyone around needs to know about it and share my misery.
That being said, how does today's reading about Care for the Sick help me to grow in this aspect of my life?
Benedict reminds the one who is ill that the care and respect offered are out of love of Christ. The person in need is to be humble in all their needs not demanding and overbearing. The sick are to remember that for that particular instance they are taking the place of the weak Christ in the community.
When I can recall these things, I am less likely to be demanding, impatient, and disagreeable and to be humble in my requests.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
I am fortunate to have been blessed with very good health. My health is a blessing to me and also to those who live with me because I am not sure how good a patient I would be if I was ever really ill.
First, I am not a fan of pain in any form. As soon as I feel a headache, a toothache or itch coming on, I know that whining and complaining is probably not far behind. I can stand pain or discomfort about 30 seconds, then it's time to look for a way out.
Second, patience is not a hallmark of my personality. I am definitely a person who wants everything right now--as soon as I think of it. Unfortunately, relief from pain is usually not quite so automatic. I can not will my pain away, although I might be tempted to try.
Third, I am not one to suffer quietly, if something is wrong, I really believe that everyone around needs to know about it and share my misery.
That being said, how does today's reading about Care for the Sick help me to grow in this aspect of my life?
Benedict reminds the one who is ill that the care and respect offered are out of love of Christ. The person in need is to be humble in all their needs not demanding and overbearing. The sick are to remember that for that particular instance they are taking the place of the weak Christ in the community.
When I can recall these things, I am less likely to be demanding, impatient, and disagreeable and to be humble in my requests.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Friday, March 11, 2011
Free Disposal of Body and Will
We mean that without an order from the abbot, no one may presume to give, receive or retain anything as his own, nothing at all--not a book, writing tablets or stylus--in short, not a single item, especially since monks may not have the free disposal even of their own bodies and wills. RB80.33.2-4
I am reminded once again that life on earth is transitory and that all those things which I am tempted to consider my own and essential to my life are only temporary loans. That is hard for me to accept, especially since I grew up in a family that taught me that I could be the master of my own destiny and that control was ultimate power.
So, what can I do with this new reality? I can I live peacefully knowing that I am basically dependent on God and others for my daily life?
- I can practice trust everyday. Trust in God and trust in those whom God has placed over me on this journey. I do not need to know everything or be in full control all the time.
- I can write down my fears and anxieties and present them to God daily (or hourly, if necessary).
- I can take time at the beginning and the end of the day to just "be". It can be as little as five minutes to just sit and do nothing but be.
These are just some of the ways in which I can practice my trust and my awareness of my dependence on God and God's mercy today.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Care of the Goods
The goods of the monastery, that is, its tools, clothing or anything else, should be entrusted to brothers whom the abbot appoints and in whose manner of life he has confidence. RB80.32.1
Benedict wants to assure that the material possessions of the community are in good care. Benedict, once again, states that the character of the monastic should be taken into account in the distribution of tools and goods. The character and behavior of the person has been important in the assignment of responsibilities and authority, in relationships within the monastery, and now with how the monastery goods are handled. What is it about these three things that would have them take on such importance? After all, aren't the goods just things???
I think that Benedict might be reminding the person that all is gift from God--our possessions, our relationships, and all of creation. These are all loans to us from God and need to be handled wisely with humility and care.
How can I increase my awareness of this amazing gift from God? I desire to grow daily in this aspect during Lent.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Benedict wants to assure that the material possessions of the community are in good care. Benedict, once again, states that the character of the monastic should be taken into account in the distribution of tools and goods. The character and behavior of the person has been important in the assignment of responsibilities and authority, in relationships within the monastery, and now with how the monastery goods are handled. What is it about these three things that would have them take on such importance? After all, aren't the goods just things???
I think that Benedict might be reminding the person that all is gift from God--our possessions, our relationships, and all of creation. These are all loans to us from God and need to be handled wisely with humility and care.
How can I increase my awareness of this amazing gift from God? I desire to grow daily in this aspect during Lent.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Proper Timing
Necessary items are to be requested and given at the proper times, so that no one may be disquieted or distressed in the house of God. RB80.31.18-19
Timing is everything. The timing of a legitimate request and the filling of the request can make a person's day more stressful, more anxiety producing or more calm and peaceful. If I am not sure exactly when my need will be filled after I have politely asked, I can become more worried or hypervigilant. That is unnecessary stress for everyone involved--for me, for the person filling the request and for those around me.
As the person filling the request of another, Benedict continually reminds me that I should not use whatever power I may have at the time to stress others out, to see how much they can beg before I fulfill their request. That would not be in the realm of proper use of authority in any group, it would be more like tyranny. Benedict reminds the person designated to fill the material needs of the community to be humble and gentle in filling needs even when the answer must be "No" to someone.
How do I respond when others ask me for something?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Timing is everything. The timing of a legitimate request and the filling of the request can make a person's day more stressful, more anxiety producing or more calm and peaceful. If I am not sure exactly when my need will be filled after I have politely asked, I can become more worried or hypervigilant. That is unnecessary stress for everyone involved--for me, for the person filling the request and for those around me.
As the person filling the request of another, Benedict continually reminds me that I should not use whatever power I may have at the time to stress others out, to see how much they can beg before I fulfill their request. That would not be in the realm of proper use of authority in any group, it would be more like tyranny. Benedict reminds the person designated to fill the material needs of the community to be humble and gentle in filling needs even when the answer must be "No" to someone.
How do I respond when others ask me for something?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Like a Parent to the Whole Community
As cellarer of the monastery, there should be chosen from the community someone who is wise, mature in conduct, temporate, not an excessive eater, not proud, excitable, offensive, dilatory or wasteful, but God-fearing, and like a father to the whole community. RB80.31.1-2
He is believed to hole the place of Christ in the monastery, since he is addressed by a title of Christ, as the Apostle indicates: You have received the spirit of adoption of sons by which we exclaim, abba, father (Rom 8.15). RB80.2.2-3
Benedict stipulates that both the superior and the cellarer (the person in charge of stocking the storeroom) are to act as a parent to the community. This is not to suggest that the leader and the house manager are to treat the rest as small children or infants but rather to assert that those who are given a place of leadership should be concerned for the welfare of the group and the individuals as a parent would. They are to remember that they are called to "servant leadership".
Whenever I am given a place of authority, I need to keep in mind that I am asked to be a leader not a tyrant or a dictator. I am to take Christ as my model for leadership. He was a leader who literally laid down his life for his followers. Am I willing to do the same even in a small degree?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
He is believed to hole the place of Christ in the monastery, since he is addressed by a title of Christ, as the Apostle indicates: You have received the spirit of adoption of sons by which we exclaim, abba, father (Rom 8.15). RB80.2.2-3
Benedict stipulates that both the superior and the cellarer (the person in charge of stocking the storeroom) are to act as a parent to the community. This is not to suggest that the leader and the house manager are to treat the rest as small children or infants but rather to assert that those who are given a place of leadership should be concerned for the welfare of the group and the individuals as a parent would. They are to remember that they are called to "servant leadership".
Whenever I am given a place of authority, I need to keep in mind that I am asked to be a leader not a tyrant or a dictator. I am to take Christ as my model for leadership. He was a leader who literally laid down his life for his followers. Am I willing to do the same even in a small degree?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
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