Furthermore, the disciples' obedience must be given gladly, for God loves a cheerful giver (2Cor 9.7). RB80.5.16
Today's reading takes obedience a step further than yesterday. While yesterday, I was invited to obey quickly and with eagerness, today the challenge is to obey cheerfully.
While there are some who are able to at least pretend to follow instructions willingly, I am definitely a person who lets others know if I do not agree with what is being required. For me this is usually evident in my non-stop complaining or in the half-hearted attitude in which I do things I would rather not do. (And I rarely do anything half-heartedly.) It can also be apparent in more subtle ways such as by finding a dozen other little things that need to be done that take me away from the task or by quietly suggesting to others that the required task is not all that important after all--there have to be better things to be doing right now.
When I give in to my tendency to deviate from the norm I find that I am not only hurting myself by wasting lots of time feeling miserable but I am also quietly tearing down community by inviting others to participate in my misery. When I stop and realize this I can usually find my way back to the group with God's help. I do need to be aware of that tendency, though, so that I not be hurting myself and dividing community in the process.
One question that I ask myself regularly is: What am I doing today to build community?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Unhesitating Obedience
The first step of humility is unhesitating obedience, which comes naturally to those who cherish Christ above all. RB80.5.1-2
The three vows which all monastics make at the time of profession are stability, conversion to the monastic way of life and obedience. Of the three, obedience has probably the one that has helped me grow the most in self-awareness over the years. Obedience is also the only one of the vows to which Benedict devotes an entire chapter.
At first glance, obedience does not seem to hold much appeal. In my early understanding, it was pretty simple--I was told to do something and I would (or should) do it without thought or question. That was definitely not an appealing concept, especially since I had grown up questioning anything and everything in sight. My obedience was more of a dialogue based obedience, if any.
In reading Chapter 5 of the Rule I was intrigued by the sense of immediacy that seemed to be attached to the virtue of obedience. Words like "unhesitating," "as soon as," "immediately," and "leaving the task unfinished" jumped out of the text at me and made me stop and consider what would cause such a spontaneous response.
In reading the first two verses of Chapter 5 I found my response this action comes "naturally to those who cherish Christ above all." Is this what I want for myself in life? Do I truly long to have Christ be the center and goal of my life? If so, then I need to open myself up to opportunities of self-sacrificing obedience daily to prepare myself to meet my goal.
What am I doing today to show unhesitating obedience today?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
The three vows which all monastics make at the time of profession are stability, conversion to the monastic way of life and obedience. Of the three, obedience has probably the one that has helped me grow the most in self-awareness over the years. Obedience is also the only one of the vows to which Benedict devotes an entire chapter.
At first glance, obedience does not seem to hold much appeal. In my early understanding, it was pretty simple--I was told to do something and I would (or should) do it without thought or question. That was definitely not an appealing concept, especially since I had grown up questioning anything and everything in sight. My obedience was more of a dialogue based obedience, if any.
In reading Chapter 5 of the Rule I was intrigued by the sense of immediacy that seemed to be attached to the virtue of obedience. Words like "unhesitating," "as soon as," "immediately," and "leaving the task unfinished" jumped out of the text at me and made me stop and consider what would cause such a spontaneous response.
In reading the first two verses of Chapter 5 I found my response this action comes "naturally to those who cherish Christ above all." Is this what I want for myself in life? Do I truly long to have Christ be the center and goal of my life? If so, then I need to open myself up to opportunities of self-sacrificing obedience daily to prepare myself to meet my goal.
What am I doing today to show unhesitating obedience today?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
The Wisdom of the Young
The reason why we have said that all should be called for counsel is that the Lord often reveals what is better to the younger. RB80.3.3
In former days, it was often believed that the younger should be seen and not heard. The role of the young was to pay attention and learn from those with more life experience. That principle still contains valuable insight but there is a need to modify the concept also.
The young are often characterized by their creativity, their energy and their fresh perspective on issues. They can often provide a unique way of dealing with complex situations. Benedict makes reference to two passages from the Gospels to bring forth this point.
The passages Matt. 11.25 and Luke 10.21 emphasize the fact that there are instances where God can give the grace of wisdom and insight even to the youngest among us. This can be a hopeful sign for groups since it emphasizes that there is leadership potential which can be found in listening to the young.
How do I encourage the young to develop their leadership voice?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
In former days, it was often believed that the younger should be seen and not heard. The role of the young was to pay attention and learn from those with more life experience. That principle still contains valuable insight but there is a need to modify the concept also.
The young are often characterized by their creativity, their energy and their fresh perspective on issues. They can often provide a unique way of dealing with complex situations. Benedict makes reference to two passages from the Gospels to bring forth this point.
The passages Matt. 11.25 and Luke 10.21 emphasize the fact that there are instances where God can give the grace of wisdom and insight even to the youngest among us. This can be a hopeful sign for groups since it emphasizes that there is leadership potential which can be found in listening to the young.
How do I encourage the young to develop their leadership voice?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Monday, May 16, 2011
Revisiting the Shepherd
In this way, while always fearful of the future examination of the shepherd about the sheep entrusted to him and careful about the state of others' accounts, he becomes concerned also about his own, and while helping others to amend by his warnings, he achieves the amendment of his own faults. RB80.2.39-40
Once again, Benedict reminds the leader that his role is to be that of the shepherd of the flock; always aiming to assure that all are brought back safely. This time Benedict also adds the well being of the superior. So not only is the Prioress/Abbot responsible for all those others in community but also himself. This provides yet another reason for the superior to remember to teach by example as well as by words.
All of us have the role of leadership to others in big or small ways. It can be as an elder to the young, as a mentor to those new at a job, as a parent, a teacher or a coach. These all require that we model for one another the appropriate behaviors that are expected.
How am I being a good example in life today?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Once again, Benedict reminds the leader that his role is to be that of the shepherd of the flock; always aiming to assure that all are brought back safely. This time Benedict also adds the well being of the superior. So not only is the Prioress/Abbot responsible for all those others in community but also himself. This provides yet another reason for the superior to remember to teach by example as well as by words.
All of us have the role of leadership to others in big or small ways. It can be as an elder to the young, as a mentor to those new at a job, as a parent, a teacher or a coach. These all require that we model for one another the appropriate behaviors that are expected.
How am I being a good example in life today?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Walking the Talk
Again, if he teaches his disciples that something is not to be done, then neither must he do it, lest after preaching to others, he himself be found reprobate (1Cor 9:27)... RB80.2.13
It is said that actions speak louder than words. Today, Benedict reminds the Abbot/Prioress that there is a greater impact by living the preaching rather than simply preaching.
In 1 Corinthians, St. Paul uses the example of an athlete training for an important race. He speaks of the discipline that is required and the benefit to be earned. A person does not train seriously by telling others how things are to be done.
In the same way, a person does not learn to live according to the Gospel by wishing themselves into it. It takes hard work and trust in God's grace.
I need to ask myself regularly if I am training to live the Gospel better in my life each day.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
It is said that actions speak louder than words. Today, Benedict reminds the Abbot/Prioress that there is a greater impact by living the preaching rather than simply preaching.
In 1 Corinthians, St. Paul uses the example of an athlete training for an important race. He speaks of the discipline that is required and the benefit to be earned. A person does not train seriously by telling others how things are to be done.
In the same way, a person does not learn to live according to the Gospel by wishing themselves into it. It takes hard work and trust in God's grace.
I need to ask myself regularly if I am training to live the Gospel better in my life each day.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Shepherding the Flock
Still, if he has faithfully shepherded a restive and disobedient flock, always striving to cure their unhealthy ways, it will be otherwise: the shepherd will be acquitted at the Lord's judgment. Then, like the Prophet, he may say to the Lord: I have not hidden your justice in my heart; I have proclaimed your truth and your salvation (Ps 39[40]:11), but they spurned and rejected me (Isa 1:2; Ezek 20:27). RB80.2.8-9
Benedict uses a mixture of Scriptural quotes and allusions to bring out the burden that is placed on the leader of a group. Benedict likens the superior to a shepherd who is caring for his flock. The shepherd is to do what can be done to direct the flock along safe paths. If even with the best efforts the flock still insists on it's own ways--the shepherd is relieved of the responsibility. There are only so many warnings or teachings that can be imparted on the group. After a while, the group will have to be accountable for their own behavior.
Benedict alludes to a passage from the book of the Prophet Ezekiel where God explains to the Prophet what will happen to the people if they are instructed to turn from their own ways and follow God. The Prophet will only be responsible for the outcome if he failed in his mission; if, however, he relays God's message of repentance and the people ignore it they are held accountable for their own actions and the Prophet is acquitted.
The Abbot or Prioress carries a teaching role as part of their task. If the leader does everything possible to guide the group in the right way, the community will be saved. If they choose to ignore the instructions, they are responsible for the consequences.
In a community, we are all responsible for the groups salvation. What am I doing to help my community grow in holiness?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Benedict uses a mixture of Scriptural quotes and allusions to bring out the burden that is placed on the leader of a group. Benedict likens the superior to a shepherd who is caring for his flock. The shepherd is to do what can be done to direct the flock along safe paths. If even with the best efforts the flock still insists on it's own ways--the shepherd is relieved of the responsibility. There are only so many warnings or teachings that can be imparted on the group. After a while, the group will have to be accountable for their own behavior.
Benedict alludes to a passage from the book of the Prophet Ezekiel where God explains to the Prophet what will happen to the people if they are instructed to turn from their own ways and follow God. The Prophet will only be responsible for the outcome if he failed in his mission; if, however, he relays God's message of repentance and the people ignore it they are held accountable for their own actions and the Prophet is acquitted.
The Abbot or Prioress carries a teaching role as part of their task. If the leader does everything possible to guide the group in the right way, the community will be saved. If they choose to ignore the instructions, they are responsible for the consequences.
In a community, we are all responsible for the groups salvation. What am I doing to help my community grow in holiness?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Who is Your Shepherd?
Still loyal to the world by their actions, they clearly lie to God by their tonsure. Two or three together, or even alone, without a shepherd, they pen themselves up in their own sheepfolds, not the Lord's. RB80.2.7-8a
In listing the types of disciples found in the monastery, Benedict is dealing today with those who are pretending to be something they are not. Benedict uses the example of the monastic tonsure--which was a visible sign of monastic commitment. Those who try to live the life while still having one foot firmly planted in their former way of life. It is similar to trying to move forward while looking over one's shoulder at what was left behind. Although this type of motion might be possible for a short time, it gets tiresome, confusing and potentially dangerous after a while.
Benedict also makes an allusion to the story of the Good Shepherd who has built a relationship with his flock. In the Gospel of John, we are told that the shepherd and the sheep recognize one another. The sheep follow at the voice of the shepherd. Benedict gives us the example of those aforementioned people who have convinced themselves that they are follow God's will and directives while actually simply following what they like and find comfortable. This tendency can be destructive in community because it has the ability to set up separate factions within the whole.
Am I helping to build community or divide it by hanging on to my own will?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
In listing the types of disciples found in the monastery, Benedict is dealing today with those who are pretending to be something they are not. Benedict uses the example of the monastic tonsure--which was a visible sign of monastic commitment. Those who try to live the life while still having one foot firmly planted in their former way of life. It is similar to trying to move forward while looking over one's shoulder at what was left behind. Although this type of motion might be possible for a short time, it gets tiresome, confusing and potentially dangerous after a while.
Benedict also makes an allusion to the story of the Good Shepherd who has built a relationship with his flock. In the Gospel of John, we are told that the shepherd and the sheep recognize one another. The sheep follow at the voice of the shepherd. Benedict gives us the example of those aforementioned people who have convinced themselves that they are follow God's will and directives while actually simply following what they like and find comfortable. This tendency can be destructive in community because it has the ability to set up separate factions within the whole.
Am I helping to build community or divide it by hanging on to my own will?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Monday, May 9, 2011
Kinds of Monks
First, there are the cenobites, that is to say, those who belong to a monastery, where they serve under a rule and an abbot. (RB80.1.2)
In listing the qualities of the types of persons found in groups, Benedict starts by addressing first those who belong to the general group and who choose to follow a common rule.
Every group has a variety of personalities involved in it:
In listing the qualities of the types of persons found in groups, Benedict starts by addressing first those who belong to the general group and who choose to follow a common rule.
Every group has a variety of personalities involved in it:
- there are those who do only what is required and those who check to see how much they can stretch the boundaries,
- there are those who thrive on being part of a team and those who prefer to work alone,
- there are some who are born to lead and others who rebel against all authority.
All of these elements are necessary for a team to function well. There has to be boundaries that are set and obeyed (not necessarily liked by all) yet enough space for diversity. I need to realize that although I might want to be the center of the group at all times, there needs to be a measure of flexibility present that allows all to use their gifts and talents and to grow. I need to ask myself regularly if I am contributing something positive to the group or detracting from it.
What am I doing to enable the groups I belong to grow today?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Friday, May 6, 2011
Falling Down and Getting Up Again
As the Apostle says: Do you not know that the patience of God is leading you to repent (Rom 2:4)? And indeed the Lord assures us in his love: I do not wish the death of the sinner, but that he turn back to me and live (Ezek 33:11). (RB80.Prologue.37-38)
I am very grateful that my personal salvation does not rely on myself and my own efforts. That reality is brought back to me day after day when I reflect on some of my personal choices and realize that taken by themselves (without God's mercy and grace) there are many times that I totally miss the mark.
It's not that I spend my days committing grave sins or harboring hatred and malice in my heart. It is much more a case of letting my own laziness or self-will get in the way of me being the person that I was created to be...my best self. There is definitely a measure of self-awareness that reminds me to turn back to God and the right road before I stray too far. That is a gift of God's grace to me. I resolve after each misstep to make a new start and to work at strengthening my commitment.
There is a story from the Desert Tradition (of Early Monasticism) that tells of a person asking an elder what the secret of life is. He explains that it is found in falling down and rising again as many times as it takes. The point is to continue getting up; no matter how difficult or discouraging it may seem. I can find some comfort in this saying since it implies that it is not perfection that is sought in life but a willingness to continue growing and moving along the path. I can do that much. I need to rely on God's grace and on the fellow travelers on the journey to help me get to the goal.
That is both heartening and humbling since I have to accept that fact that I cannot do this on my own strength. What am I doing today to help myself or others along the road of life?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
I am very grateful that my personal salvation does not rely on myself and my own efforts. That reality is brought back to me day after day when I reflect on some of my personal choices and realize that taken by themselves (without God's mercy and grace) there are many times that I totally miss the mark.
It's not that I spend my days committing grave sins or harboring hatred and malice in my heart. It is much more a case of letting my own laziness or self-will get in the way of me being the person that I was created to be...my best self. There is definitely a measure of self-awareness that reminds me to turn back to God and the right road before I stray too far. That is a gift of God's grace to me. I resolve after each misstep to make a new start and to work at strengthening my commitment.
There is a story from the Desert Tradition (of Early Monasticism) that tells of a person asking an elder what the secret of life is. He explains that it is found in falling down and rising again as many times as it takes. The point is to continue getting up; no matter how difficult or discouraging it may seem. I can find some comfort in this saying since it implies that it is not perfection that is sought in life but a willingness to continue growing and moving along the path. I can do that much. I need to rely on God's grace and on the fellow travelers on the journey to help me get to the goal.
That is both heartening and humbling since I have to accept that fact that I cannot do this on my own strength. What am I doing today to help myself or others along the road of life?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Thursday, May 5, 2011
God's Grace in Action
In just this way Paul the Apostle refused to take credit for the power of his preaching. He declared: "By God's grace I am what I am" (1 Cor 15:10). And again he said: "He who boasts should make his boast in the Lord" (2 Cor 10:17). RB80.Prologue.31-32
It is God's gracious gift of love and mercy that bring about the good and the successes of my life. Of my own efforts I am not able to accomplish anything that is directed toward the good and holy. At first glance this sounds a little harsh and somewhat self-deprecating, but it is true. It can also be a source of hope and encouragement for me in a sense.
If I am not responsible for making the "good" happen in my life, then I can focus more on just doing whatever needs to be done next. I can spend my extra energy on prayer, staying on the assigned course and being aware of God's presence in my life. It is truly through God's efforts that my successes can be recognized and I can participate in the improvement of the world.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
It is God's gracious gift of love and mercy that bring about the good and the successes of my life. Of my own efforts I am not able to accomplish anything that is directed toward the good and holy. At first glance this sounds a little harsh and somewhat self-deprecating, but it is true. It can also be a source of hope and encouragement for me in a sense.
If I am not responsible for making the "good" happen in my life, then I can focus more on just doing whatever needs to be done next. I can spend my extra energy on prayer, staying on the assigned course and being aware of God's presence in my life. It is truly through God's efforts that my successes can be recognized and I can participate in the improvement of the world.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Desiring Life
Is there anyone here who yearns for life and desires to see good days? (Ps. 33(34):13) If you hear this and your answer is "I do," God then directs these words to you: If you desire true and eternal life, keep your tongue free from vicious talk and your lips from all deceit; turn away from evil and do good; let peace be your quest and aim (Ps 33(34):14-15) RB80.Prologue.15-17
I love life...I love experiencing new things, adventures, challenges. I am grateful for life and the opportunities each day brings. I have been like that since I was a child so that is probably inherent in my personality.
Today, Benedict asks with the psalmist--Is there anyone here who yearns for life and desires to see good days? My initial response is to stand and state "YES!!!" as emphatically as possible. I long for a long and productive life. I desire success, happiness and all the benefits of a good life.
I need to ask myself, however, what is required in order to achieve this life. What is the magic formula that will gain the type of life in union with God that I am searching?
Benedict tells me what to do next to achieve my goal. I am to keep my tongue from vicious talk and my lips from speaking deceit; turn away from evil and do good; let peace be your quest and aim. That is definitely a formula for living a righteous life. It is by no means easy to fulfill. It can only be achieved through prayer, God's grace and effort. If I desire to have a life of integrity and peace, I need to start by cultivating that peace and compassion within my own heart first.
What am I doing today to instill that righteousness and peace within my life?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
I love life...I love experiencing new things, adventures, challenges. I am grateful for life and the opportunities each day brings. I have been like that since I was a child so that is probably inherent in my personality.
Today, Benedict asks with the psalmist--Is there anyone here who yearns for life and desires to see good days? My initial response is to stand and state "YES!!!" as emphatically as possible. I long for a long and productive life. I desire success, happiness and all the benefits of a good life.
I need to ask myself, however, what is required in order to achieve this life. What is the magic formula that will gain the type of life in union with God that I am searching?
Benedict tells me what to do next to achieve my goal. I am to keep my tongue from vicious talk and my lips from speaking deceit; turn away from evil and do good; let peace be your quest and aim. That is definitely a formula for living a righteous life. It is by no means easy to fulfill. It can only be achieved through prayer, God's grace and effort. If I desire to have a life of integrity and peace, I need to start by cultivating that peace and compassion within my own heart first.
What am I doing today to instill that righteousness and peace within my life?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
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