Loving Your Neighbor as Yourself

Growing up, as the oldest in our family, I learned quickly that there is always someone smaller, more frail, or more in need that needs care and protection.  By virtue of being the oldest and the biggest, my task in life was to care for the younger or whoever might have a need before taking care of myself.  Being an overachiever by nature, I took this on as my life motto and soon learned to be very focused on the needs and concerns of others.  Often to the point of enabling dependencies and totally denying that I had any needs of my own.

Today's reading from the beginning of Chapter 4 on the tools for good works brings up the point that I can only really care for others and their needs to the extent that I am caring and compassionate towards my own needs.  It's that whole concept that I can not possibly give to others what I am denying to myself.  So, in a sense, as well-meaning as my parents message of caring for others was, I really need to remember to care appropriately for myself first so that I have a wealth from which to share. 

In my adult years, I have worked hard to find that balance within myself of love and care of self and concern for others.  It is still so much easier to drop whatever my needs are and run to rescue someone else, but I have come to realize that not only is it often not helpful but it can encourage others to depend on me.

Today, I am called to show the same measure of concern for others as I do for myself.  How am I helping others today to grow in their self-care?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

A School for the Lord's Service

Therefore we intend to establish a school for the Lord's service.  RB80.Prol.45

I am a life-long learner by nature.  I have always been curious asking lots of questions and trying to increase my awareness of the world around me.

Today we hear that monastic life is intended to be a school for the Lord's service.  So, what is the curriculum in this school supposed to be?  And who are to be the teachers?  We already have gotten a glimpse of the proposed end-goal in the earlier allusions to participation in God's kingdom but some of the finer details have not been presented yet.

In my years of living this life, I have come to realize that the curriculum is embedded within the monastic community and fully participating in that life.  It is the lessons of patience, humility, and service that we learn daily.  It is in the forgiveness that we extend to one another and the mercy received as we interact at table, in work, at recreation and other times.  We are all the "teachers" in this school...just as we all have an opportunity to be the students at various times also.  We do this together...helping one another along, one step at a time, one day at a time.

What am I doing to be the best "teacher" I can be in this school today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Running Towards the Kingdom

If we wish to dwell in the tent of this kingdom, we will never arrive unless we run there by doing good deeds.  RB80.Prol.22

I have recently embarked on a personal journey toward greater wellbeing which has included an exercise/activity component as well as nutrition and other aspects.  Since my new found interest in exercise, the concept of running towards the kingdom of God in monastic life grabbed my attention.

What are the components that are necessary to move towards God in daily life?  What is the training program that I need to commit to for living intentionally and faithfully?

Although I will probably never get all the pieces of life just right, there are small steps that I can take daily in my training for life. 

• I can commit to full participation in monastic life as it is lived at St. Joseph Monastery.  I can show up for prayers, meals and community gatherings ready to be engaged in whatever is happening.
• I can do my part to be a good example of our life for our employees, students, guests and those with whom I live.
• I can strive daily to maintain some of the initial fervor and excitement which was present initially when I first entered our community and was in initial formation.

By doing these small things, I will eventually inch my way towards the kingdom of God with my monastic community.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

After an extended summer hiatus, this blog will resume posting reflections on monastic life and the Rule of St. Benedict.

The Rule of Benedict begins with the word listen.  I am a person who loves to talk, words and communication, so I am fascinated with the idea of listening.

Listening is more than hearing.  Whereas hearing is a natural function, listening requires my acknowledgement that sound was produced that needed to be heard.  Listening is an intentional activity.  Listening invites me to open my ears and my heart to the message that the other person has to share.  Often, it is in listening to another person that I can find God's voice in my life.

Am I willing to open my heart to listen to God's voice today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB