This week the Church celebrates two feasts in honor of angels. Today is the feast of Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels. On October 2, we celebrate the feast of the Guardian Angels.
St. Benedict reminds us today that God and his angels are watching us 24/7. When I was a young child, I had a very literal idea of what God's presence and the presence of the angels meant. I fully believed that God and the angels were with me everywhere and that they had a personal concern in my daily well-being. I found that a very comforting thought. Since I was an only child until the I was 8, I developed the concept that angels were my constant playmates.
Of course, as I grew older, I changed my perception of what this watchful care of God and angels meant to me personally. I found that I tended much more toward hiding from God at times--especially when I was wanting to run from God's presence and vigilance or when I was desiring a vacation my relationship with God.
Today, I want to be in closer union with God. I am tired of running away. I desire to live closer to my values and the qualities that I long to incorporate in my life.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Base Desires
Truly, we are forbidden to do our own will, for Scripture tells us: Turn away from your desires (Sir 18:30). RB80.7.19
There are days when I seem to desire living in a fantasy world--times when daydreaming and constructing imaginary empires are the rule of the day. These are not necessarily my best
days--at least not my most productive days. On these occasions, I can spend hours planning the future and thinking of outcomes that are not meant to be.
Fantasy can quickly move me from reality. At times, my dream world can seem more appealing that what is happening around me. Benedict was aware of the tendency to desire to have things my way--with the outcomes that I can manufacture in my imagination. He uses a piece of wisdom from the book of Sirach. This verse comes from a larger section of pithy statements about the value of self-control and reflection in life.
One translation of this verse from Sirach speaks of following base desires and restraining appetites (NRSV) instead. What do I need to do to make sure that I am not following every whim or inclination that passes through my awareness?
There are days when I seem to desire living in a fantasy world--times when daydreaming and constructing imaginary empires are the rule of the day. These are not necessarily my best
days--at least not my most productive days. On these occasions, I can spend hours planning the future and thinking of outcomes that are not meant to be.
Fantasy can quickly move me from reality. At times, my dream world can seem more appealing that what is happening around me. Benedict was aware of the tendency to desire to have things my way--with the outcomes that I can manufacture in my imagination. He uses a piece of wisdom from the book of Sirach. This verse comes from a larger section of pithy statements about the value of self-control and reflection in life.
One translation of this verse from Sirach speaks of following base desires and restraining appetites (NRSV) instead. What do I need to do to make sure that I am not following every whim or inclination that passes through my awareness?
- I can practice observing my thoughts and become familiar with the source of my thoughts. Which thoughts or impulses are leading toward God and which can potentially lead me away from my true goal.
- Become familiar with silence so that I can be more attuned to God's voice within my heart.
- Remain connected with God throughtout the day--calling on God's assistance at random points of the day.
Sr. Catherine
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
The Fear of God
The first step of humility, then, is that a man keeps the fear of God always before his eyes (Ps35[36]:2) and never forgets it. RB80.7.10
What is the significance of fear when considered in the context of fear of God? What does the fear of God mean? What does it look and feel like? Can fear ever be experienced in a positive light?
According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, one of the definitions of fear is to have a reverential awe of someone or something. This definition implies that I have an awareness of a separation between myself and the object of my awe. In looking at the fear of God, I recognize that I am not God and God is much greater than I am.
Taking this definition of fear, then, fear of God is an experience of being in wonder and awe at the magnitude of God. It is like being so aware of the immensity of love, goodness and compassion that reside within God and only being able to say WOW!!!!! or OMG!!!!! (as an expression of wonder to the point of speechlessness--rather than just as a comment).
Today, Benedict invites me to remember the great immensity of God not with trembling but with gratitude, reverence and awe. When I am honest with myself, I can readily agree that it is wonderful to recognize that God is with me in everything that I do and that God provides the necessary grace and strength needed to live well. It is when I forget and try to take back God's power that I can get into trouble.
During one of my lapses (where I was a little confused about whether God or Catherine was actually God), a friend of mine recommended a short fragment from the New Testament to remember--apart from me you can do nothing (from John 15:5). At the time I really did not find the quote particularly appealing but as I have reflected on this piece over that last few months I have come to appreciate the wisdom that is contained in those few short words. It helps me to keep my balance and perspective when I remember this line. It has also reminded me that the whole world does not necessarily depend on me.
As I look at the first step of humility today, I desire to continue living with an awareness of the fear of God.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
What is the significance of fear when considered in the context of fear of God? What does the fear of God mean? What does it look and feel like? Can fear ever be experienced in a positive light?
According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, one of the definitions of fear is to have a reverential awe of someone or something. This definition implies that I have an awareness of a separation between myself and the object of my awe. In looking at the fear of God, I recognize that I am not God and God is much greater than I am.
Taking this definition of fear, then, fear of God is an experience of being in wonder and awe at the magnitude of God. It is like being so aware of the immensity of love, goodness and compassion that reside within God and only being able to say WOW!!!!! or OMG!!!!! (as an expression of wonder to the point of speechlessness--rather than just as a comment).
Today, Benedict invites me to remember the great immensity of God not with trembling but with gratitude, reverence and awe. When I am honest with myself, I can readily agree that it is wonderful to recognize that God is with me in everything that I do and that God provides the necessary grace and strength needed to live well. It is when I forget and try to take back God's power that I can get into trouble.
During one of my lapses (where I was a little confused about whether God or Catherine was actually God), a friend of mine recommended a short fragment from the New Testament to remember--apart from me you can do nothing (from John 15:5). At the time I really did not find the quote particularly appealing but as I have reflected on this piece over that last few months I have come to appreciate the wisdom that is contained in those few short words. It helps me to keep my balance and perspective when I remember this line. It has also reminded me that the whole world does not necessarily depend on me.
As I look at the first step of humility today, I desire to continue living with an awareness of the fear of God.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Stability of Place and Heart
The workshop where we are to toil faithfully at all these tasks is the enclosure of the monastery and stability in the community. RB80.4.78
At the end of this chapter, Benedict states that the place where all of these tools are to be employed is the enclosure of the monastery and stability in the community. Focusing on the concept of stability will bring us to a deeper understanding how the tools can be applied to all. There are two kinds of stability that can be examined--stability of place and stability of heart.
At the end of this chapter, Benedict states that the place where all of these tools are to be employed is the enclosure of the monastery and stability in the community. Focusing on the concept of stability will bring us to a deeper understanding how the tools can be applied to all. There are two kinds of stability that can be examined--stability of place and stability of heart.
- Stability of place can be seen as staying in one location--similar to the concept of the enclosure. It involves physical presence. I show up for all required events.
- Stability of heart implies commitment and perseverence. I am ready to participate. I am fully engaged in all that happens around me. I am ready to stick around to see the fruits of my labor in this workshop.
One of the benefits of living with 20 other monastic women is that there are always plenty of live examples of all of the qualities mentioned in the Rule.
Sister Cabrini Boland is a wonderful model for us of stability of heart. At 91 years of age and after more than 70 years in our community, she is always an example of enthusiasm and wisdom. Recently, while wheeling Sr. Cabrini outside she asked to visit our St. Benedict statue and recited various passages from the Rule of St. Benedict. The ease with which she spoke these few short passages spoke of her long years of living the monastic way of life.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Monday, September 19, 2011
Living in Truth
Rid your heart of all deceit. RB80.4.24
Never give a hollow greeting of peace RB80.4.25
Bind yourself to no oath lest it prove false, but speak the truth with heart and tongue. RB80.4.27-28
Wonder what our world would look like if corporate leaders or leaders of nations were asked to speak the truth from their heart when dealing with mergers, corporate buy outs or issues of world economy or peace? Would there be an increase in compassion and a decline in greed? Would there be less suspicion among people? Would there be an increased desire to work cooperatively since more honesty and openness would be present?
These are some of the questions that arose as I listened to our reading from the Rule of St. Benedict today (Chapter 4: The Tools of Good Works). Since most corporate officials or world leaders are unlikely to adopt this way of being, then what can I do to help my corner of the world? How can I act differently in everyday life to impact the world around me?
Never give a hollow greeting of peace RB80.4.25
Bind yourself to no oath lest it prove false, but speak the truth with heart and tongue. RB80.4.27-28
Wonder what our world would look like if corporate leaders or leaders of nations were asked to speak the truth from their heart when dealing with mergers, corporate buy outs or issues of world economy or peace? Would there be an increase in compassion and a decline in greed? Would there be less suspicion among people? Would there be an increased desire to work cooperatively since more honesty and openness would be present?
These are some of the questions that arose as I listened to our reading from the Rule of St. Benedict today (Chapter 4: The Tools of Good Works). Since most corporate officials or world leaders are unlikely to adopt this way of being, then what can I do to help my corner of the world? How can I act differently in everyday life to impact the world around me?
- I can act truthfully in my dealings--being sincere and direct in speech and action.
- Become aware of my motivations and my impulses so that I can be a person of integrity but not at the expense of others dignity and value.
- Remain grounded in prayer. Pray before I speak or act so that my speech and actions might proclaim God to others.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Friday, September 16, 2011
Listening for the Spirit
As often as anything important is to be done in the monastery, the abbot shall call the whole community together and himself explain what the business is; and after hearing the advice of the brothers, let him ponder it and follow what he judges the wiser course. RB80.3.1-2
In making community decisions, Benedict asks that the leader call everyone together to discuss anything considered to be important for the whole group. This directive does not imply that everything needs to be discussed as a group--that could be somewhat unwieldy, especially if the community is large or if there are many issues to be decided.
The emphasis on all being asked about important matters is to allow the voice of the Holy Spirit to be heard by the superior through whatever channels might be available. The leader is remain open to the possiblity that the youngest or the oldest member might have some insight that might otherwise be missed or glossed over if the decision were not put before the entire group. After prayfully hearing what all have to say on the particular matter, the final decision still remains with the leader to do what is judged to be the best for the group. There is no assurance or obligation to follow the advice received if the superior sees a different course of action than what is suggested. The community's input is totally consultative in nature.
This passage reminds me to remain open to a wide variety of alternatives when making decisions; whether they be personal or ministry based decisions. I am also reminded of the responsibility I have to share my thoughts and concerns about issues that may have an impact on my life and the life of others. I need to remember to share my insights respectfully and humbly, not attaching my entire self-worth on the outcome or on the brilliance of my reasoning. I recently heard someone compare sharing of opinions and insights in a group to offering apples (or some other snack) to others. If someone in the group does not particularly care to accept what I am sharing or offering, I can detach from my opinions enough to understand that the person is not necessarily rejecting me as a person. Thinking in this way can allow me to place enough distance between myself and my thoughts so that when someone questions my suggests or does not agree it's not about ME as a person but actually about the suggestion.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
In making community decisions, Benedict asks that the leader call everyone together to discuss anything considered to be important for the whole group. This directive does not imply that everything needs to be discussed as a group--that could be somewhat unwieldy, especially if the community is large or if there are many issues to be decided.
The emphasis on all being asked about important matters is to allow the voice of the Holy Spirit to be heard by the superior through whatever channels might be available. The leader is remain open to the possiblity that the youngest or the oldest member might have some insight that might otherwise be missed or glossed over if the decision were not put before the entire group. After prayfully hearing what all have to say on the particular matter, the final decision still remains with the leader to do what is judged to be the best for the group. There is no assurance or obligation to follow the advice received if the superior sees a different course of action than what is suggested. The community's input is totally consultative in nature.
This passage reminds me to remain open to a wide variety of alternatives when making decisions; whether they be personal or ministry based decisions. I am also reminded of the responsibility I have to share my thoughts and concerns about issues that may have an impact on my life and the life of others. I need to remember to share my insights respectfully and humbly, not attaching my entire self-worth on the outcome or on the brilliance of my reasoning. I recently heard someone compare sharing of opinions and insights in a group to offering apples (or some other snack) to others. If someone in the group does not particularly care to accept what I am sharing or offering, I can detach from my opinions enough to understand that the person is not necessarily rejecting me as a person. Thinking in this way can allow me to place enough distance between myself and my thoughts so that when someone questions my suggests or does not agree it's not about ME as a person but actually about the suggestion.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Leadership
The abbot must always remember what he is and remember what he is called, aware that more will be expected of a man to whom more has been entrusted. RB80.2.30
Luke 12.35-48 gives us the scenario of a lord of an estate that is on a journey. The property is left in the care of the servants. When the master returns, the expectation is that the servants will be ready to open the gates and resume their responsibilites of service. The time of the return is uncertain so it is important to be watchful and aware at all times for the unexpected arrival. The servants do not want to be caught off guard because the potential for severe punishment would exist. The servant is expected to be ready at all times.
Benedict uses this passage to re-emphasize the responsibility that is part of leadership. This verse is the seventh time that Benedict reminds the superior of the duties inherent in leading a group. Benedict reminds the superior that since more has been placed in her care still more will be required in accountability.
Although I may not be the leader of our monastic community, there are still occasions when I am called to take on a leadership role for a specific group, function, or time. Here are some lessons that can be applied in my life:
Luke 12.35-48 gives us the scenario of a lord of an estate that is on a journey. The property is left in the care of the servants. When the master returns, the expectation is that the servants will be ready to open the gates and resume their responsibilites of service. The time of the return is uncertain so it is important to be watchful and aware at all times for the unexpected arrival. The servants do not want to be caught off guard because the potential for severe punishment would exist. The servant is expected to be ready at all times.
Benedict uses this passage to re-emphasize the responsibility that is part of leadership. This verse is the seventh time that Benedict reminds the superior of the duties inherent in leading a group. Benedict reminds the superior that since more has been placed in her care still more will be required in accountability.
Although I may not be the leader of our monastic community, there are still occasions when I am called to take on a leadership role for a specific group, function, or time. Here are some lessons that can be applied in my life:
- Every occasion to lead comes from God--I am not in this endeavor on my own and it also is not dependent on ME and my amazing skills. It's actually more about God's grace active in the group.
- I am only filling a needed role for a time.
- Example and word need to be joined in order to better deliver the message.
- Individual persons and respect are much more important than outcomes.
Leadership carries with it many rewards and great responsibility. When assigned leadership tasks, I need to remember what part I play in the larger picture and to rely on God for the graces needed for success.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Cutting Out Sin
He should not gloss over the sins of those who err, but cut them out while he can, as soon as they begin to sprout, remembering the fate of Eli, priest of Shiloh (1 Sam 2:11-4:18). RB80.2.26
The superior is not to overlook the sins of the followers but address them as soon as they begin to appear. For most of my life, I have been a follower of rules. Although I am not terribly well disciplined or structured, I do understand how rules and guidelines make life function much more smoothly for families, teams, offices, classrooms, etc. Anytime a group gathers to interact there has to be a designated leader and agreed upon boundaries. Otherwise, life becomes utter chaos at best. Image trying to navigate traffic if everyone could set their own laws and standards of behavior.
Benedict understood that there needed to be some structures in place to deal with wrongdoing--whether it be intentional, through ignorance or through malice. He also understood that it is much easier to deal with issues before they become ingrained in us as habits or patterns. In his teaching, Benedict refers to the story of Eli and his sons from 1 Samuel. This passage places the sons of Eli next to the youth Samuel as a contract to one another. While the sons of Eli would abuse the people and even steal from the ritual sacrifice for their own benefit; Samuel is shown to be a youth committed to serving the Lord in the temple and being in close relationship to God. Samuel is called by God in the middle of the night and given a message for Eli about his sons and their behavior. Even after the message is delivered, Eli seems helpless in getting his sons to acknowledge their wrongdoing and repent. Therefore the sons of Eli are slaughtered in battle and Samuel continues to thrive in God's presence.
Although I might not be at the level of Eli's sons, there is a tendency within me at times to try to cut corners or at least to seek an easier way in life. It's okay to coast through life every once in a while (at least it seems like a good idea at the time). The problem is that once I start to cut corners--I quickly can get sloppy and lazy. What started out as a one time thing soon becomes a way of life. It is easier not to allow myself that much of a break in routine. I need to be watchful of the ways in which I can justify my actions and relax my normal patterns a little too much. Then it is easier to increase in virtue (which is my fundamental desire in life).
Sr. Catherine, OSB
The superior is not to overlook the sins of the followers but address them as soon as they begin to appear. For most of my life, I have been a follower of rules. Although I am not terribly well disciplined or structured, I do understand how rules and guidelines make life function much more smoothly for families, teams, offices, classrooms, etc. Anytime a group gathers to interact there has to be a designated leader and agreed upon boundaries. Otherwise, life becomes utter chaos at best. Image trying to navigate traffic if everyone could set their own laws and standards of behavior.
Benedict understood that there needed to be some structures in place to deal with wrongdoing--whether it be intentional, through ignorance or through malice. He also understood that it is much easier to deal with issues before they become ingrained in us as habits or patterns. In his teaching, Benedict refers to the story of Eli and his sons from 1 Samuel. This passage places the sons of Eli next to the youth Samuel as a contract to one another. While the sons of Eli would abuse the people and even steal from the ritual sacrifice for their own benefit; Samuel is shown to be a youth committed to serving the Lord in the temple and being in close relationship to God. Samuel is called by God in the middle of the night and given a message for Eli about his sons and their behavior. Even after the message is delivered, Eli seems helpless in getting his sons to acknowledge their wrongdoing and repent. Therefore the sons of Eli are slaughtered in battle and Samuel continues to thrive in God's presence.
Although I might not be at the level of Eli's sons, there is a tendency within me at times to try to cut corners or at least to seek an easier way in life. It's okay to coast through life every once in a while (at least it seems like a good idea at the time). The problem is that once I start to cut corners--I quickly can get sloppy and lazy. What started out as a one time thing soon becomes a way of life. It is easier not to allow myself that much of a break in routine. I need to be watchful of the ways in which I can justify my actions and relax my normal patterns a little too much. Then it is easier to increase in virtue (which is my fundamental desire in life).
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Monday, September 12, 2011
Set Apart Through Good Works and Humility
Only in this are we distinguished in his sight: if we are found better than others in good works and in humility. RB80.2.21
I like to be special and set apart. I like to be the one noticed, the one praised and held up for some reason.
Benedict today gives us the criteria for being set apart in community. We are to be raised to a different level of honor only if we are found to be better than others in good works and in humility. So, if I am looking to be praised then I need to make a conscious decision to serve others to the best of my ability and to be selfless in that service. I am to do the service freely out of compassion and concern not out of a desire to receive reward, admiration or adulation. Actually, in order for this to be a truly selfless act done in humility, it needs to be done with no expectation of any notice. I almost needs to be done quietly and secretly.
My tendency is to announce my good works every step of the way so that others can recognize the effort made. Unfortunately, as a friend of mine reminds me often, if I announce my selfless deeds they really weren't that selfless or meritorious from the start. Also, in these situations, I already received my acknowledgement, so probably most of the merit is reduced.
I long to be more generous in my actions and less self-centered. May God give me the grace necessary to accomplish this.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
I like to be special and set apart. I like to be the one noticed, the one praised and held up for some reason.
Benedict today gives us the criteria for being set apart in community. We are to be raised to a different level of honor only if we are found to be better than others in good works and in humility. So, if I am looking to be praised then I need to make a conscious decision to serve others to the best of my ability and to be selfless in that service. I am to do the service freely out of compassion and concern not out of a desire to receive reward, admiration or adulation. Actually, in order for this to be a truly selfless act done in humility, it needs to be done with no expectation of any notice. I almost needs to be done quietly and secretly.
My tendency is to announce my good works every step of the way so that others can recognize the effort made. Unfortunately, as a friend of mine reminds me often, if I announce my selfless deeds they really weren't that selfless or meritorious from the start. Also, in these situations, I already received my acknowledgement, so probably most of the merit is reduced.
I long to be more generous in my actions and less self-centered. May God give me the grace necessary to accomplish this.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Running Toward God
I have always been fascinated with things that move quickly--runners, rabbits, rushing water, airplanes. Things that move at a dizzying speed have always attracted my attention. I also set a goal on speed for myself. I think that what attracted me most about rapidly moving objects was the energy and force that are present. Since I am a very high energy person, I can easily relate to things that carry lots of vibrancy within them.
Today, Benedict speaks of running to do in obedience what will gain us eternal life while there we still have time to renounce our former way of life. There seems to be an urgency in this invitation to leave my former attitudes, ways, opinions behind and to start with fervor on this new path toward God and eternal life.
Part of me would like to believe that my decision to abandon my former way of life was a one time deal that was completed years ago when I entered the monastery. I am realistic enough to know however that this is an on-going, life-long process. That is both good and bad news for me. The good news is that I can always start over again and re-commit myself to this process of spiritual growth. The bad news is that I will never reach the finish line where I can just sit back and coast through life on my merit. That is not part of this journey.
My question today is: What can I do to help myself keep the initial energy of my original commitment going today?
Today, Benedict speaks of running to do in obedience what will gain us eternal life while there we still have time to renounce our former way of life. There seems to be an urgency in this invitation to leave my former attitudes, ways, opinions behind and to start with fervor on this new path toward God and eternal life.
Part of me would like to believe that my decision to abandon my former way of life was a one time deal that was completed years ago when I entered the monastery. I am realistic enough to know however that this is an on-going, life-long process. That is both good and bad news for me. The good news is that I can always start over again and re-commit myself to this process of spiritual growth. The bad news is that I will never reach the finish line where I can just sit back and coast through life on my merit. That is not part of this journey.
My question today is: What can I do to help myself keep the initial energy of my original commitment going today?
- I can set aside a few minutes daily to recall where God has blessed me each day.
- I can call on God's grace and mercy to be with me during the day--something to do while I am waiting in traffic for the light to change, waiting for an appointment, sitting on hold on the phone.
- I can remind myself to stop and take a breath (especially when I am in a frenzied mode about whatever is happening in life). The ability to stop and take a few breaths can do wonders to calm and refocus me.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Friday, September 2, 2011
Opening My Eyes and Ears
Let us open our eyes to the light that comes from God, and our ears to the voice from heaven that every day calls out this charge: If you hear his voice today, do not harden your hearts (Ps 94[95]:8). RB80.Prol.9-10
Today's invitation is to open my eyes and my ears to God and God's grace in my life. It is an call to be alert and aware of what is happening both around me and within me.
Since I am an extreme extrovert, I find it easy to focus on what is going on in my environment. I get energized and engaged looking at all the pretty shiny things that are occurring around me--sights, sounds, movement, swirls of activity quickly grab my attention...until the next distraction comes by.
Part of today's proposal is to pay attention to the stirrings within me. That is something that I can easily ignore since I am busy with all the activity outside. It is in looking within, though, that I find God speaking in the depths of my heart. It is by going within rather that outward that I discover who I am called to be and where my strength and value lies.
This journey within does not seem as glamourous and exciting. Actually, it seems terrifying, at times, since I don't really know what I will find or if I will like who I am after the experience. That is where the challenge and the adventure are. When I can see this scary exploration as a new adventure I can focus on the new information that is unearthed and see it as growth both as a person and in my relationships. This reframing of the experience makes it more palatable to me since I am always looking for new experiences in life.
Psalm 95 invites me to open my ears and my heart to the voice of God within my life. What new adventure is God calling me to at this moment? May I have the courage to accept the challenge offered to me today.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Today's invitation is to open my eyes and my ears to God and God's grace in my life. It is an call to be alert and aware of what is happening both around me and within me.
Since I am an extreme extrovert, I find it easy to focus on what is going on in my environment. I get energized and engaged looking at all the pretty shiny things that are occurring around me--sights, sounds, movement, swirls of activity quickly grab my attention...until the next distraction comes by.
Part of today's proposal is to pay attention to the stirrings within me. That is something that I can easily ignore since I am busy with all the activity outside. It is in looking within, though, that I find God speaking in the depths of my heart. It is by going within rather that outward that I discover who I am called to be and where my strength and value lies.
This journey within does not seem as glamourous and exciting. Actually, it seems terrifying, at times, since I don't really know what I will find or if I will like who I am after the experience. That is where the challenge and the adventure are. When I can see this scary exploration as a new adventure I can focus on the new information that is unearthed and see it as growth both as a person and in my relationships. This reframing of the experience makes it more palatable to me since I am always looking for new experiences in life.
Psalm 95 invites me to open my ears and my heart to the voice of God within my life. What new adventure is God calling me to at this moment? May I have the courage to accept the challenge offered to me today.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Thursday, September 1, 2011
A Matter of Will
Today we begin the Prologue of the Rule once again. We are back at the beginning for another cycle of reading and study.
The question posed today by the reading is: Willingness or willfulness--which of these would best characterize my personality and my life? Although the root word is the same, there a distinct difference between the two concepts. Willingness implies an openness that offers a possibility for change and growth. Willfullness connotes a tendency toward doing my own will--sometimes to my detriment. The will itself is a good but it is the way that I choose to use it that can makes the difference.
There are times in my life that have been highlighted by both. As I begin this new round,
The question posed today by the reading is: Willingness or willfulness--which of these would best characterize my personality and my life? Although the root word is the same, there a distinct difference between the two concepts. Willingness implies an openness that offers a possibility for change and growth. Willfullness connotes a tendency toward doing my own will--sometimes to my detriment. The will itself is a good but it is the way that I choose to use it that can makes the difference.
There are times in my life that have been highlighted by both. As I begin this new round,
- am I willing to listen to God's voice inviting me to open my heart to the possibility for growth or am I choosing to cling to my own way of doing things?
- am I willing to follow my community's way of doing things even when my own particular method seems to be more efficient?
- am I open to the possibility that others around me might have a fuller vision of life and wisdom or do I insist on maintaining my own views, opinions and attitudes?
Today, as I begin this new reading of the Rule, may I be open to the possibilities of growth that are presented to me through life.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
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