Although I have little problem seeing the value of work--especially physical/manual labor--I would not consider myself an extremely hard or focused worker. I do not particularly like getting hot and sweaty. Although some might feel great after accomplishing some major physical project admiring their handiwork, I generally just tend to feel tired and hot. I am the type of worker that is ready to quit once I break my first fingernail or about the time I finish half of the project.
In Chapter 48 of the Rule of Benedict, he deals with daily work in community. I would expect to find in this chapter some strong rationale for manual labor. Reading the chapter, however, lectio is mentioned three times in the first 9 verses. It seems to be more of a schedule for lectio divina (which is a sense is our principle work) than it is a treatise on the value of physical labor. Most of the horarium is centered on the hours for community prayer. This realization gives a new perspective to the whole discussion about work.
In some contexts prayer has been called the work of God--the opus dei. How do I use my times of lectio and private prayer as a true work or ministry? Is my attitude toward this spiritual work tainted by my concept of physical work? How can I turn my prayer into a true work of God?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
In Memory of Sr. Cabrini Boland, OSB
Sister Mary Cabrini Boland entered eternal life on March 19, 2012. As her monastic community, we prayed with her and spoke to her during the days of her final illness. After her passing, we again gathered around her bed as a community and prayed, sang, cried and rejoiced as we entrusted her to God's care.
Many consider her one of the "giants" in our community...one of our spiritual giants, one of our giants in faith and in monastic life. Although her speech was sometimes labored, she often had wisdom to share with her words. Whenever there was a specially intention or need that required prayer attention, the request always came to her door. One could always be assured of her most fervent and sincere prayers. She will truly be greatly missed.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord. And may perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
Sister Mary Cabrini Boland, OSB
January 31, 1920--March 19, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Celebrating the Gift of Each
In Benedict's section on the proper amount of drink (Chapter 40), he starts out by stating that everyone has their own particular strength or gift. Everyone in life is challenged by something and everyone also has areas that are assets to who they are.
Since this is a universal phenomenon then, I need to find ways in which to celebrate the giftedness of others and to accentuate my strengths also. I don't need to be upset that I am not #1 in everything in life--much as I would like to believe that I am truly extraordinary in all areas. Part of my task is to find ways in which we can work together to make a stronger whole--whether in family, on a team, in the office, or in a community.
It is good to be able to stand back and genuinely appreciate the contribution that all make to the tapestry which is our life.
Blessed feast of St. Joseph to all. May God's blessing be with us as we continue our lenten journey.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Since this is a universal phenomenon then, I need to find ways in which to celebrate the giftedness of others and to accentuate my strengths also. I don't need to be upset that I am not #1 in everything in life--much as I would like to believe that I am truly extraordinary in all areas. Part of my task is to find ways in which we can work together to make a stronger whole--whether in family, on a team, in the office, or in a community.
It is good to be able to stand back and genuinely appreciate the contribution that all make to the tapestry which is our life.
Blessed feast of St. Joseph to all. May God's blessing be with us as we continue our lenten journey.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Monday, March 12, 2012
Distribution of Goods
I am a person who seems to attract "stuff" everywhere I go. I am kind of like a stuff magnet...even though I might not intend on acquiring more paper, more books, more gadgets, etc. Stuff seems to accumulate around me no matter where I am. I am not even necessarily attached to things, things just seem to be a part of what I am about. (Most of the things that are around me actually are there for the purpose of my ministry or other duties.)
Today's reading, from Chapter 34 of the Rule of Benedict, is one that I have studied often. I am invited to ask myself what is really necessary in order for me to be able to function reasonably. Although I enjoy using the gadgets available to me, I need to remind myself that these are available to me because they often come with responsibilities and requirements. For example, while having a smart phone had some appeal, once I stop and realize all of the responsibilities attached to having the phone some of the shine and wonder of the phone begins to be tempered by reality.
Today's selection from Chapter 34 reminds me that the goods that are presented to me are available for the good of the whole group and for others. I need to remember that and thank God for the awareness necessary to keep material goods in proper perspective in life.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Today's reading, from Chapter 34 of the Rule of Benedict, is one that I have studied often. I am invited to ask myself what is really necessary in order for me to be able to function reasonably. Although I enjoy using the gadgets available to me, I need to remind myself that these are available to me because they often come with responsibilities and requirements. For example, while having a smart phone had some appeal, once I stop and realize all of the responsibilities attached to having the phone some of the shine and wonder of the phone begins to be tempered by reality.
Today's selection from Chapter 34 reminds me that the goods that are presented to me are available for the good of the whole group and for others. I need to remember that and thank God for the awareness necessary to keep material goods in proper perspective in life.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Relationship With Everyone
Relationships are an essential part of life. Since we all function in a communal setting of some sort throughout the day, our interactions with one another and with the world around us shape our daily lives.
Whether those I encounter daily are my classmates, my co-workers, my roommates, my fellow team members or my spouse, life does seem to be an experience of learning to relate to others. That is not always easy, even for those of us who actually thrive on being social and relationship almost 24/7. It is in interacting with those in my community that I am often challenged to grow (often in ways in which I would rather not). It is in this growth that I am invited to examine myself, my actions and my attitudes and often concede that there is space for change. I am not always right...and I don't need to be. I do not have to have things my way all the time in order for me and others to live peacefully.
Chapter 31 of the Rule of St. Benedict starts by listing the qualities that are necessary for the cellarer (the one responsible for all material goods in a monastery). Although the some of the essentials pertain to goods and the administration of material possessions, a large amount of emphasis is placed on how relationships are handled between the members of the community. The person who distributes the goods is not to be someone who upsets others on purpose either by delaying distribution of items or by being rude or abrupt in response to a request. The members of the group are not to try to upset one another on purpose.
This reminds me in my daily encounters to remember to be as gracious as possible no matter what the response of others might be. It is part of my role in relationships to try to help others to see God present in everyday life. I need to ask myself at the end of the day. How did I make God present in life today?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Whether those I encounter daily are my classmates, my co-workers, my roommates, my fellow team members or my spouse, life does seem to be an experience of learning to relate to others. That is not always easy, even for those of us who actually thrive on being social and relationship almost 24/7. It is in interacting with those in my community that I am often challenged to grow (often in ways in which I would rather not). It is in this growth that I am invited to examine myself, my actions and my attitudes and often concede that there is space for change. I am not always right...and I don't need to be. I do not have to have things my way all the time in order for me and others to live peacefully.
Chapter 31 of the Rule of St. Benedict starts by listing the qualities that are necessary for the cellarer (the one responsible for all material goods in a monastery). Although the some of the essentials pertain to goods and the administration of material possessions, a large amount of emphasis is placed on how relationships are handled between the members of the community. The person who distributes the goods is not to be someone who upsets others on purpose either by delaying distribution of items or by being rude or abrupt in response to a request. The members of the group are not to try to upset one another on purpose.
This reminds me in my daily encounters to remember to be as gracious as possible no matter what the response of others might be. It is part of my role in relationships to try to help others to see God present in everyday life. I need to ask myself at the end of the day. How did I make God present in life today?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
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