Consent and Constraint

Following my own will, my wishes, my personal desires can lead me down the wrong path. Experience has proven this fact time after time, yet it seems to be one of those life lessons that I can not quite embrace gracefully.

I find that when I start dictating how life needs to be or start placing boundaries on what is acceptable, I am actually closing myself off from opportunities for potential growth and insight.

When I can open myself to the possibilities offered, I find that surprising gifts and graces are in store for my life. All I need to do is let go of my thoughts of how "things ought to be" and step into the process with faith.

I pray for the ability to be present to God's voice in my life.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Whole-Hearted Obedience

In the Latin text of the Rule of St. Benedict, today's selection from Chapter 5--On Obedience contains three words that caught my attention: trepide (fearfully), tarde (slowly), tepide (half-hearted). Each of these words is preceded by the word non, implying that these words should not describe the monastics obedience. A person is not to obey with fear, hestitation or half-heartedly. This is a life that calls for full commitment.

These words have always caught my attention since I would like to believe that in most cases I do face life without undue fear, slowness or a partial commitment. I strive to be fully invested in life--at least when I am my best self.

What are those things that stop me from this goal? What are the challenges that crop up for me that cause me to pause and lose my way?

I find for myself that whenever I lose sight of my values or begin to think that I have it all together--it is time to start becoming concerned because I have actually lost everything. I need to remember to set aside time daily to just be and refocus so that I can continue on the journey whole-heartedly, full of life.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

The Way to Life

See how the Lord in his love shows us the way of life. RB80.Prol. 20

The way of life...the way to life...the secret of a happy fulfilled life.

Seeking life seems to be an age-old quest. There are stories and legends of heroic journeys in search for the key to life--the answer to what gives purpose to one's life. I have been a life-long seeker myself...always searching for that something that would make life complete.

In the time of our desert ancestors, young monastics would travel days to reach an elder who would impart a word to them--some secret piece of wisdom that would carry them for their journey.

Who are our wisdom figures today? What can I do to bring a word of life or encouragement to someone else on the road?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Run in the Light

Benedict does not seem to be a fan of half-hearted commitments. He poses the image of running four times in the Prologue of the Rule. In the first three instances it is an image for fleeing something--the darkness (of sin and self-will) [v 13], former deeds [v 22], waiting too long to change [v 44]. The fourth reference to running [v 49] has us impelled by the power of the unspeakable sweetness of the delight of love. It seems to imply that before I am ready to fully accept God's love in my life, I must first turn away from some of my current tendencies and preferences. In a sense, it is an invitation to prepare the soil of my life by practicing running from what is not of God so that when God's true presence does appear not only am I ready to accept it joyfully but there is also space in my life for it.

At the beginning of this new year, I am invited to look at my current life and see what adjustments are necessary to be more open to God's presence daily. This is not a quick plan to lose 20 pounds in 3 months or to declutter a little to simplify my life for a day or two but a life-long plan of action.

What am I willing to revise today to make more space for God in my life?

Sr. Catherine, OSB