A Rule for Beginners

Are you hastening toward your heavenly home? Then with Christ's help, keep this little rule that we have written for beginners. RB80.73.8

This verse from the conclusion of the Rule with it's allusion to the letter to the Hebrews (Hebrews 4:11; 11:14-16) takes us back to the Prologue where we set out on the journey in the service of Christ. We have come full circle.

After having read, studied and prayed through the text of the Rule, I am reminded that I am still only a beginner on the journey. This is a life-long project--not a once in a lifetime event. There is no real graduation from the school of the Lord's service...there may be progress in the life yet there is no real completion of the course.

This realization can be heartening and disheartening in a sense. Heartening and encouraging, since there is no expectation of perfection along this road. All that is needed is to be willing to grow daily (conversion). There is always the assurance that right effort and intention are what is necessary for this life. It is discouraging in the fact there will always be something that can be improved upon. There is no coasting through life, if I am serious about my progress.

Now we prepare to begin another season of study of the Rule, starting with the Prologue once again...remembering that we are truly beginners on this journey.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Trusting in God's Help

Trusting in God's help, he must in love obey. RB80.68.5

There are times in life when the tasks before me seem to take on a life and power of their own. They can seem to be insurmountable and beyond my abilities to accomplish. At times like this, my natural tendency is to become paralized by focusing on the immensity of the challenge rather than using the skills I have to break the "mountain" down into easily mastered pieces. This tendency to over-focus on my perceived deficit rather than my strengths and resiliency is pretty counter-productive because in the end I am usually fearful, confused and frustrated as well as overwhelmed.

This scenario can be turned around will a little bit of creativity and a realistic assessment of the actual issues involved. Benedict knew that there would be times when this could happen in his community, so he included Chapter 68 in the Rule which addresses the performance of what seem to be impossible tasks. In 5 short verses, Benedict acknowledges that a person might be asked to perform a challenging task (one that might seem burdensome and even impossible). He sets up a simple process for addressing the issue. First, the person is to humbly accept the task and try to fulfill the demand. If this proves to be too difficult, then the person may ask to speak to the leader and patiently explain what the obstacles being faced are. If even then the request remains, the person is to accept the challenge as being for the best and trust in God's grace to provide the strength and skills necessary.

When faced with a daunting task (or one that seems so to me), I need to remember to refocus, think and trust in God, in the wisdom of the superior and in the support of the community.

• I need to refocus because obsessing over my frailty and sense of lack will only paralize me further. I need to take a breath and calmly look at the individual steps in a new and creative way. Once I can break the job done into multiple small steps than I can see my progress and also make the job for manageable. I don't need to climb the whole mountain in one leap--I can take it on step at a time. It also keeps me moving forward and out of paralysis.


• Thinking puts me in control of the situation rather than holding me hostage to my fears. By assessing the task and getting a new perspective on it, I can chart the course that the project can take and even surprise myself with my own abilities.


• Trusting in God, in the wisdom of leadership, and in the support of the community is important for me to remember because it is only through the grace of God and the love and support of others that I can do anything. Although I would like to believe that I am in control and self-sufficient, I need to remember that it is God alone who can provide what I lack within myself if I ask. Also I need to acknowledge that I do not possess full wisdom and others might see a latent talent within me that I cannot see yet. In trusting, even when asked to do what seems daunting, I have often surprised myself in my own strength and ability. I have been able to do many things that I never would have imagined.

May I always remember to trust in God's mercy when faced with overwhelming challenges.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

The Enclosure of the Monastery

Today's reading from the Rule of Benedict (RB 67) addresses the separation between the monastery/monastic community and the rest of the world. The concept of fuga mundi or flight from the world seems to be connected with this idea of breaking from society, culture and the world beyond the gates of the enclosure.

While this is still true in some cases, our world does put us in contact with many of the issues concerning our lives today. Through the increase of technology and access to various forms of media, we have the world coming into our offices, living rooms and homes daily. This access is good since it does make us more aware of what is happening around us. It allows us to be able to pray for those who suffer, accompany those who grieve, take a stand against injustice and oppression.

It can also be a challenge to remain faithful to our monastic commitments. This new access to the world invites me to allow myself to find my strength within the tradition in which I have been formed. It encourages me to look within myself and the community to find my response to the world--a faithfilled, prayerful response. I wish I could say that I do this perfectly everyday...that would be a nice goal for which to strive. I can say that on my good days I can see myself growing in compassion and wisdom (even though sometimes it's only in baby steps).

I am fortunate to live with a group of faithful women who have shown me through their example that living this life can make an impact in society, culture and the world as well as within me personally. I pray to daily grow in my commitment to this way of life.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

On Wandering Through Life

At the door of the monastery, place a sensible old man who knows how to take a message and deliver a reply, and whose age keeps him from roaming about. RB80.66.1

Then, there will be no need for the monks to roam outside, because this is not at all good for their souls. RB80.66.7

There are days when I am particularly anxious to find a distraction in my life...any distraction is fine, just something to relieve my boredom, make life interesting or amuse me when I really do not want to deal with the present moment. Benedict seems to be familiar with something similar occuring is his community. In setting up the role of the porter (receptionist at the door), Benedict clearly states twice that wandering, roaming around, or looking for distractions are not highly value qualities.

Benedict seems to say that this desire to escape the dailiness of life can be a sign of immaturity and is not helpful to the health of the soul. If I keep running away everytime something is difficult, then I am probably impeding my own growth--growth in holiness, growth in maturity, growth in virtue. I am never discover my true potential. I may miss many opportunities to both realize my own weakness and vulnerabilities and my inner strength.

I am a person who rarely wants to miss out on new adventures. If I can learn to focus on the potential for new experiences when tempted to run away and find something more interesting, I will see even the painful or the mundane as opportunities for greater growth and success.

When tempted to go through life hopping from distraction to distraction I need to remember to stop and ask myself: What new opportunity for growth am I trying to avoid.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Wisdom of the Young and the Elders

Absolutely nowhere shall age automatically determine rank. Remember that Samuel and Daniel were still boys when they judged their elders (1Sam3; Dan 13.44-62). RB80.63.5-6

One of the blessings of my life is the opportunity that I have had to live with people of various ages most of my life. Growing up, grandparents, great-grandparents, and older relatives and family friends were always included as part of our home structure. Our home was multigenerational by design. Although I did not fully appreciate it at the time, this aspect of my early years has had a significant impact on most of my life and on building my character. I am grateful for the experience.

In my 25+ years as a member of this monastic community, I have also been fortunate to have developed many relationships across our various age groups. I treasure the many lessons that I have learned from our elders--lessons of faith, lessons of fidelity, lessons of courage, strength and grace. I am indeed very fortunate in this way.

Here are some of the bits of wisdom that I have learned along the way:

• Life does not always have to move at a fast speed. There is a gentleness acquired in doing things slowly and thoughtfully.


• Plan ahead for life--learn a hobby, develop some leisure time activities, keep acquiring new skills. It is important to have skills in place for a happy and healthy future.


• Take time to listen. There is life wisdom to be learned in hearing stories from the past.


• Remain faithful to values. There are many things that can clutter my life, I need to remember the essentials.


• Be patient and loving--with others and with myself. Sometimes the hardest lesson is to remember to be patient with myself and not take myself so seriously.

What life lessons am I imparting on others today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Do Unto Others

Do to no one what you yourself dislike. New American Bible(NAB), Tobit 4.15a

This brief reference to the Tobit's advice to his son, Tobiah, is part of the foundation to today's reading from the Rule of Benedict. Today's passage is considering the fact that some who might visit the monastery from other monasteries might possibly request to remain as a member rather than as a guest. Benedict seems to understand that there are reasons where this might be appropriate but he does caution that care should be taken that the person to be received has the permission of their superior. He quotes this passage from Tobit which is very similar to the Golden Rule that many learned in childhood.

This is good advice for monastic life and also applicable in various other life situations. When on a team, good sportsmanship, even in the face of loss or unfair calls, is valued. In the business world, taking your competitor's prized employee is not always the best business move. Being so competitive that I have to be the lead in every performance--always being center stage is not necessarily a skill that will win me many friends.

I need to remember the needs of others. I need to continue practicing the lessons that I learned about sharing and being a team member when I was growing up. As our new academic years begin and as we prepare for the coming of autumn, I need to use some of those skills I learned as a child to navigate this world.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Promising Stability, Fidelity to Monastic Life, and Obedience

When he is to be received, he comes before the whole community in the oratory and promises stability, fidelity to monastic life and obedience. RB80.58.17

In this chapter that addresses the reception of new members into the group, Benedict spells out for us the substance of this new way of life. The novice stands in the oratory (in a sense the place designated as the true heart of the monastery) before the entire group and publicly accepts stability, fidelity to this new way, and obedience.

Stability is the ability to remain focused to my initial intention. It is the ability to maintain at least a faint memory of the youthful fervor that inspired me to join in the first place. I need to remind myself of those first stirrings of God within my heart especially when the dailiness of life can threaten to undermine my resolve to be the best I can be.

Fidelity to monastic life calls me daily to reaffirm commitment to personal growth and to holiness of life. I need reminders at times of my progress (I am not the same person who undert00k this endeavor 20+ years ago) and to be willing to learn from mistakes and move forward even when life gets a little tough. I also need to ask for the humility necessary for those times when I need to rely on the community to help me through my days. A good sense of humor comes in handy on those days.

Obedience calls me to be a "listener." I need to be able to listen to God, others, myself, and daily experiences. These are all ways through which I can learn how to live a better and more sane life.

Although the promises that we take in community are specific to monasticism, the life lessons and values which are implicit within these are valuable for all who desire growth and peace within their lives.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Aiming at Fairness

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...RB80.55.20-21

Growing up in a family that did not always have lots of extras, I remember waiting for Friday payday when our family would go grocery shopping and possibly get our weekly supply of treats-- either candy or chips or soda (whatever it might be). I trying to make sure that I made at least as many trips to the fridge for snacks as everyone else did so that I would not miss out and have to wait until the following Friday. I wanted a system that provided equality for all. I was always quick to notice when someone else might be getting more than I thought I deserved.

In this chapter on the needs of the individuals, Benedict is quick to acknowledge that there can be occasion for potential rivalry. This tendency is possible whether in a family, a team, an office or a community. Basically, in any situation where more than two persons are working together, the temptation for comparisons can exist.

Benedict refers back to a passage from the Acts of the Apostles which tried to curtail this tendency. This reference describes the original community as one where everyone could feel assured that their needs would be addressed and no one would have to suffer excessive lack. This model sounds great but is very difficult to live.

In my present life, I try to assess within myself whether a request I make might be coming from a real need or just a whim or a desire to have exactly what everyone else has (whether I need it or not). Navigating the fine distinction between needs and wants can be tricky--but can be done if I remain self-aware and pay attention to where my desires and motivations are coming from. Is this something that will encourage my growth or just something that happens to catch my eye because it is new and exciting?

How am I living my life today aware of my needs and motivations?

Sr. Catherine, OSB