We believe in a God who is Three-yet-One. Our God is three distinct persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) yet one divine Being. This part of our faith is a mystery. We will never fully understand it but we are invited to accept it as true in faith.
We live in the presence of this mystery. One of the visible ways in which we show our awareness of this reality and also our reverence to the Holy Trinity is the monastic custom of standing and bowing at the Doxology during our times of common prayer. It reemphasizes the reality of God's presence in our prayer together and in daily life in general.
What are some ways in which I can live my daily life in reverence to the Trinity?
Sr. Catherine
Showing posts with label balance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label balance. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
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:
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
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Example and Teaching
Goodness of life and wisdom in teaching must be the criteria for choosing the one to be made abbot, even if he is the last in community rank. RB80.64.2
Goodness of life (virtue) and wisdom in teaching (example) are to be the criteria for choosing the leader.
The leader needs to be one who is familiar with the rules and guidelines and has shown understanding of them through the way life is lived. Ideally, the person in charge is someone who also is a good follower and a good team player. I need to know how to be part of the group before I can accept the responsibility of directing others. How am I living according to the prescribed guidelines of the group?
It is often said that actions speak much louder than words. Am I showing others through my own example how to live in harmony with others? Do my attitudes and actions betray some form of inner conflict with existing norms or with those in authority?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Goodness of life (virtue) and wisdom in teaching (example) are to be the criteria for choosing the leader.
The leader needs to be one who is familiar with the rules and guidelines and has shown understanding of them through the way life is lived. Ideally, the person in charge is someone who also is a good follower and a good team player. I need to know how to be part of the group before I can accept the responsibility of directing others. How am I living according to the prescribed guidelines of the group?
It is often said that actions speak much louder than words. Am I showing others through my own example how to live in harmony with others? Do my attitudes and actions betray some form of inner conflict with existing norms or with those in authority?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Friday, April 8, 2011
Distribution According to Need
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; yet in all his judgments he must bear in mind God's retribution. RB80. 55.20-22 THINGS!!!!! I have a habit of acquiring more and more things even when I am not intending to. Sometimes it almost seems as if my possessions multiply spontaneously just by being in close proximity to one another. After a while it becomes a question of do I actually possess these things or do they possess me. It's not that I am greedy, a hoarder or never share my things; it's more like people offer me their hand me downs or show me an interesting new craft project and I slowly find myself in a sea of things again. So, how can I keep better track of this and simplify my life so that what I have readily available are the tools I truly need for my daily life?
- Ask myself if the individual things I have are what I need or if there are others who could use some of these things better? Do I really need 3 sweaters that are not the right size anymore or can I give them to charity?
- Are there things that I have that I might be able to share with others? If I only do 1 knitting project every two years do I really need a full set of special knitting needles and an assortment of the best yarns available--just because they were on sale?
- What do I really need for me life to be complete? What can I do with less of?
These are just a few of the questions that I address regularly in my life as I look at my relationship with things.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Monday, March 28, 2011
A Need for Structure
Idleness is the enemy of the soul. Therefore, the brothers should have specified periods for manual labor as well as for prayerful reading. RB80.48.1 As much as I crave unstructured time everyday, time to just be, I know that too much lack of structure and responsibilities can be more a hindrance to my well being than a help. Since childhood, I have dreamed of having entire hours just to read, or sit and think and day dream, or write and be creative. The reality is, however, that when I have had those treasured opportunities I soon get bored and start looking for more interesting endeavors. A little free time goes a real long way with me and unfortunately too much time on my hands leads to ennui and often laziness. So, how do I strike a balance in life? Verse 1 from Chapter 48 gives the beginnings of an answer for me. Realizing that there needs to be a balance between free time and scheduled activity, including a small dose of free/fun time everyday (like 1 or 2 hours) might help me start finding the balance that I need. This free time can also be scheduled so that I do not totally forget to include my need for time to just be--which I sometimes can. I need to remember to include times for exercise, rest, reading, personal prayer, and personal care. This is not to say that I can do this perfectly since I am still a work in progress. I strive each day to be a little better than the last. What am I doing today to achieve a balance in my life? Sr. Catherine, OSB
Friday, March 18, 2011
Providing Choices
It is often easier to get folks to agree to things if they are given some choice and voice in the matter. Today, Benedict talks to us about the food to be provided at meals. He recommends that two cooked options be available at meals so that those who may not choose one entree would still have another option available. Once again St. Benedict's wisdom and familiarity with human nature is shown since he realized that not everything in a person's life needs to be legislated and that in some cases some choice even a small one might be beneficial.
I can really appreciate this thinking in a very practical way in my life. Growing up I was an extremely picky eater. The list of non-edible foods was much longer than the list of acceptable ones. I never went hungry for long so I must have found some things that I liked. As I grew and began having more of a social life, my parents helped me to realize that while pickiness might be mildly accepted at home it was totally unacceptable in other's homes and in public. I could choose to widen my eating experience and have plenty of opportunities to grow or I could remain how I was and have many less options. It did not take me long to acquire a taste so some things that I would never have thought I could stomach.
The same applies for me in many other instances. How can I offer others choices so that they may grow to their potential?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
I can really appreciate this thinking in a very practical way in my life. Growing up I was an extremely picky eater. The list of non-edible foods was much longer than the list of acceptable ones. I never went hungry for long so I must have found some things that I liked. As I grew and began having more of a social life, my parents helped me to realize that while pickiness might be mildly accepted at home it was totally unacceptable in other's homes and in public. I could choose to widen my eating experience and have plenty of opportunities to grow or I could remain how I was and have many less options. It did not take me long to acquire a taste so some things that I would never have thought I could stomach.
The same applies for me in many other instances. How can I offer others choices so that they may grow to their potential?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Friday, March 11, 2011
Free Disposal of Body and Will
We mean that without an order from the abbot, no one may presume to give, receive or retain anything as his own, nothing at all--not a book, writing tablets or stylus--in short, not a single item, especially since monks may not have the free disposal even of their own bodies and wills. RB80.33.2-4
I am reminded once again that life on earth is transitory and that all those things which I am tempted to consider my own and essential to my life are only temporary loans. That is hard for me to accept, especially since I grew up in a family that taught me that I could be the master of my own destiny and that control was ultimate power.
So, what can I do with this new reality? I can I live peacefully knowing that I am basically dependent on God and others for my daily life?
- I can practice trust everyday. Trust in God and trust in those whom God has placed over me on this journey. I do not need to know everything or be in full control all the time.
- I can write down my fears and anxieties and present them to God daily (or hourly, if necessary).
- I can take time at the beginning and the end of the day to just "be". It can be as little as five minutes to just sit and do nothing but be.
These are just some of the ways in which I can practice my trust and my awareness of my dependence on God and God's mercy today.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Monday, February 28, 2011
Don't Overkill
There ought to be due proportion between the seriousness of a fault and the measure of excommunication or discipline. RB80.24.1
This short verse from the Rule seems to be pretty clear: make sure that the consequence is in proportion to the action. The reasoning behind it makes sense and seems fair--big penalties should not be associated with minor infractions. Both the severity of the action and the particular situation of the person(s) involved should be considered.
This theory holds true in any kind of group whether a family, a team, a classroom or an office. I am reminded of an incident that happened at home with my siblings. My younger sister did not have a whole lot of emotional control as far as I could see. (I had somehow forgotten that I was more than 15 years older than her, so hopefully I had a little more control than she did.) One day she was upset about something and threw a hairbrush at me. She was about two at the time. I was not going to let this offense go by lightly so I flung the brush back at her. She had totally missed me but I had better aim. I hit her on the head. My mom happened to be coming into the room about the time the brush hit my sister. Needless to say, I got in trouble for not using my best judgement in responding to my sister. I had forgotten about the difference in age and strength between us.
I remember that incident when I am in a situation where I need to evaluate how to respond to an action. Do I really need to respond in like manner? Is my proposed consequence disproportionate to the original offense? How would I like others to respond to me in that situation? How forgiving would I like God to be with me?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
This short verse from the Rule seems to be pretty clear: make sure that the consequence is in proportion to the action. The reasoning behind it makes sense and seems fair--big penalties should not be associated with minor infractions. Both the severity of the action and the particular situation of the person(s) involved should be considered.
This theory holds true in any kind of group whether a family, a team, a classroom or an office. I am reminded of an incident that happened at home with my siblings. My younger sister did not have a whole lot of emotional control as far as I could see. (I had somehow forgotten that I was more than 15 years older than her, so hopefully I had a little more control than she did.) One day she was upset about something and threw a hairbrush at me. She was about two at the time. I was not going to let this offense go by lightly so I flung the brush back at her. She had totally missed me but I had better aim. I hit her on the head. My mom happened to be coming into the room about the time the brush hit my sister. Needless to say, I got in trouble for not using my best judgement in responding to my sister. I had forgotten about the difference in age and strength between us.
I remember that incident when I am in a situation where I need to evaluate how to respond to an action. Do I really need to respond in like manner? Is my proposed consequence disproportionate to the original offense? How would I like others to respond to me in that situation? How forgiving would I like God to be with me?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Friday, February 25, 2011
In the Presence of God and His Angels
Let us consider, then, how we ought to behave in the presence of God and his angels, and let us stand to sing the psalms in such a way that our minds are in harmony with our voices. RB80.19.6-7
I have a very short attention span and often find my mind drifting in multiple directions if I don't consciously make myself focus and be fully present. After saying this, today's passage from the Rule is more than a little challenging for me at times.
I have been in our community around 25 years. That means that for 25 years I have been participating in our community prayers daily. I can even recite many of the psalms, practically in my sleep. That is where the challenge lies for me...It is possible for me to be physically present at our prayers, and even be mouthing the correct words and not be totally present! My mind could easily be on my last activity or my next activity if I am not watchful.
My basic underlying desire, though, invites me to be awake, alert and fully present at our times of prayer. So knowing my own tendencies, how can I ensure that I am as fully engaged as possible at all times?
I have a very short attention span and often find my mind drifting in multiple directions if I don't consciously make myself focus and be fully present. After saying this, today's passage from the Rule is more than a little challenging for me at times.
I have been in our community around 25 years. That means that for 25 years I have been participating in our community prayers daily. I can even recite many of the psalms, practically in my sleep. That is where the challenge lies for me...It is possible for me to be physically present at our prayers, and even be mouthing the correct words and not be totally present! My mind could easily be on my last activity or my next activity if I am not watchful.
My basic underlying desire, though, invites me to be awake, alert and fully present at our times of prayer. So knowing my own tendencies, how can I ensure that I am as fully engaged as possible at all times?
- I can arrive a few minutes early for prayers and prepare myself in stillness and silence to be fully present.
- I can make sure that I reduce my distractions by refraining from stopping along the way to the oratory.
- I can bring myself gently back to the present moment when I find myself daydreaming.
- I can thank God for the grace to even have this desire for heightened awareness.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Monday, February 14, 2011
On Giving Praise
Today's selection from the Rule speaks about Lauds/Morning Praise/Morning Prayer. It is in all creation to praise God as our creator ceaselessly.
What are some practical ways in which this can be accomplished?
What are some practical ways in which this can be accomplished?
- setting time aside daily to enjoy nature; to marvel at the beauty of creation
- taking time to just sit and think--even for only a few minutes
- writing a blessings/gratitude list, something that I can reread when days can seem long
- spending time with a friend
These are just some of the ways in which I can increase my ability to praise God daily.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Practical Nature of the Rule
Benedict talks today about clothing. He does not really stress about it or over-emphasize his point. Benedict simply states that clothing should be appropriate for the season; should fit the wearer and should be simple. Clothing is seen as a practical tool to fulfill a purpose rather than something to be identified with the person.
Growing up, I loved getting new clothes, shopping, or even just browsing through the Speigel Catalogue--dreaming of what my next outfit would be. As a teen, I spent hours in front of my mirror trying various combinations for the next "free dress" day or party. I obsessed about making sure that the my outside looked polished and sophisticated. Meanwhile, my insides were not as well- ordered.
Today, I realize that it is important for my inner person to match my exterior. It does not work for me to look good on the outside while I am withering away on the inside. I need to be wholly engaged with life--inside and outside.
How am I living as a person of integrity today?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Growing up, I loved getting new clothes, shopping, or even just browsing through the Speigel Catalogue--dreaming of what my next outfit would be. As a teen, I spent hours in front of my mirror trying various combinations for the next "free dress" day or party. I obsessed about making sure that the my outside looked polished and sophisticated. Meanwhile, my insides were not as well- ordered.
Today, I realize that it is important for my inner person to match my exterior. It does not work for me to look good on the outside while I am withering away on the inside. I need to be wholly engaged with life--inside and outside.
How am I living as a person of integrity today?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Avoiding Excesses
I can have it ALL--everything that I can dream or imagine.
Growing up that could easily have been seen as my philosophy of life.
Since I am capable, independent and resourceful, I grew up truly believing that there was not much that could place limits on my capacities, especially since I also had an abundance of energy. As I have matured in life, I have come to realize that I am really not unstoppable (possessing all capabilities) and that all of my abilities are a direct gift from God (not a product of my own creativity). It has taken many years but I have slowly learned to accept my human limitations, my dependence of God and my own frailty.
This awareness is what Benedict speaks of when addressing moderation. There needs to be a conscious balance in our lives. I need to work everyday to carve out space for God, leisure and self-care. I work to achieve equilibrium in my life so that my lack of balance does not unduly affect my work or those around me.
How am I balancing my life today.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Growing up that could easily have been seen as my philosophy of life.
Since I am capable, independent and resourceful, I grew up truly believing that there was not much that could place limits on my capacities, especially since I also had an abundance of energy. As I have matured in life, I have come to realize that I am really not unstoppable (possessing all capabilities) and that all of my abilities are a direct gift from God (not a product of my own creativity). It has taken many years but I have slowly learned to accept my human limitations, my dependence of God and my own frailty.
This awareness is what Benedict speaks of when addressing moderation. There needs to be a conscious balance in our lives. I need to work everyday to carve out space for God, leisure and self-care. I work to achieve equilibrium in my life so that my lack of balance does not unduly affect my work or those around me.
How am I balancing my life today.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Following Instructions
The eighth step of humility is that a monk does only what is endorsed by the common rule of the monastery and the example set by his superiors. RB80.7.55
There is a special talent in being able to follow directions and not deviate from the expected norm. I know this from experience since I am not a person who cares to follow instructions all the time and ends up working harder to clean up messes.
I enjoy living on the edge and learning by doing so when given the option of reading the manual or recipe or just "winging it" and hoping for the best. I usually just forge ahead and get ready for an adventure. After all, how many great discoveries would have been lost if everyone followed the guidebooks all the time?
In community life, however, Benedict is inviting me to consider adhering to the basic plan for the group...not to head out on my own taking others with me. Not everyone enjoys an adventure as much as I do and there is prudence in being respectful of other's sensitivities. All of life does not have to be lived by my rules. I need to be willing to bend and accept the norm.
I need to pray for the grace to temper my need for innovation and excitement with other's need for security.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
There is a special talent in being able to follow directions and not deviate from the expected norm. I know this from experience since I am not a person who cares to follow instructions all the time and ends up working harder to clean up messes.
I enjoy living on the edge and learning by doing so when given the option of reading the manual or recipe or just "winging it" and hoping for the best. I usually just forge ahead and get ready for an adventure. After all, how many great discoveries would have been lost if everyone followed the guidebooks all the time?
In community life, however, Benedict is inviting me to consider adhering to the basic plan for the group...not to head out on my own taking others with me. Not everyone enjoys an adventure as much as I do and there is prudence in being respectful of other's sensitivities. All of life does not have to be lived by my rules. I need to be willing to bend and accept the norm.
I need to pray for the grace to temper my need for innovation and excitement with other's need for security.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Monday, September 13, 2010
Finding the Balance
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 (1Samuel 2.11-4.18) RB80. 2.26
I am not a good gardener. I do not have the patience necessary to nurture plants to full maturity and to keep the area clean around them. My tendency is to pull everything that seems remotely like a weed from the very beginning. Kind of kill everything that is not pretty or useful at the beginning and hope for the best.
My overzealous attitude towards gardening can be extended to my own personal life. I tend to vacillate between scouring every blemish as soon as it appears (often to the point of exhaustion) or being so laissez-faire about things that my life can appear ultra-chaotic and disorganized. I need to find some point of balance; some spot where the ideal, the reality and the chaos can abide comfortably.
Benedict invites me to listen to God speaking in my life--in Scripture, in events, in relationships. I need to learn to fine tune my listening in all these avenues so that when God asks me to change or when internal warning signs appear, I will be able to recognize them and pay heed. This is the first step towards a more balanced life.
How am I listening today?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
I am not a good gardener. I do not have the patience necessary to nurture plants to full maturity and to keep the area clean around them. My tendency is to pull everything that seems remotely like a weed from the very beginning. Kind of kill everything that is not pretty or useful at the beginning and hope for the best.
My overzealous attitude towards gardening can be extended to my own personal life. I tend to vacillate between scouring every blemish as soon as it appears (often to the point of exhaustion) or being so laissez-faire about things that my life can appear ultra-chaotic and disorganized. I need to find some point of balance; some spot where the ideal, the reality and the chaos can abide comfortably.
Benedict invites me to listen to God speaking in my life--in Scripture, in events, in relationships. I need to learn to fine tune my listening in all these avenues so that when God asks me to change or when internal warning signs appear, I will be able to recognize them and pay heed. This is the first step towards a more balanced life.
How am I listening today?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
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