Love for the Weak

Rather, as the Apostle says: Let love for him be reaffirmed (2Cor 2:8), and let all pray for him. RB80.27.4

We all have our times of weakness, when our frailty seems to be closely connected with our identity. It is good for me to remember that during these times although life may look bleek it is not a time to dispair.

Today's selection of the Rule, which is from the disciplinary section of the Rule, reminds the community that it is at the time when one is that weakest that the love and concern of the group needs to be reaffirmed in order to gently guide the wayward or weak back into relationship. I know that when I begin to wander away from the boundaries set by the norm it is time for me to reach out to others and ask for extra support.

What does this support look like? It does not necessarily have to be anything spectacular or flashy,,,it can be taking time to listen to another's concerns, it can be a smile, a hug or a touch of the arm. It only needs to be some genuine expression of compassion or concern for the other. Just letting the person know that someone cares. I know that for me these brief moments of connection allow me the space and confidence needed to reassess my current situation and move forward in the future.

Whenever possible, I try to be that connection point for others also. It is in these encounters that we find surprising strength at times. How am I being a connecting point for others today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

True Humility

The sixth step of humility is that a monk is content with the lowest and most menial treatment, and regards himself as a poor and worthless workman in whatever task he is given, saying to himself with the Prophet: I am insignificant and ignorant, no better than a beast before you, yet I am with you always (Ps 72[73]:22-23). RB80.7.49-50

Humility deals with the truth. It is the awareness of who I am without much pretense. It is an acknowledgement that in the great scheme of things I fall somewhere in the middle of the pile. I am not the best or the worst, the first or the last. In a sense, I am with everyone else in the middle somewhere...and that is really okay. My identity and worth is not necessarily attached to being #1 all of the time. It is actually freeing to just be with everyone else.

This is not a vote for mediocrity. It is just an awareness that it is only through God's grace that I possess skills, talents, and life. It is God's gift and constant Presence that allow me to be successful in my endeavors. All of my accomplishments are actually due to God's love and mercy.

The passage from Psalm 72[73] which concludes today's reading recalls the reality of God's constant presence and guidance in daily life. In the RSV Bible, verse 23 speaks not only of God's presence but also that God holds me by the hand--in a sense, leading me along the paths of life. This thought is comforting since it seems to say that if I am willing to let God lead me through life (rather than fight for an illusion of control) God will be there--not just sometimes but all of the time. What more could I ask for?

May I continue to grow in my awareness of God's presence in my daily life.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Trusting in God's Help

Trusting in God's help, he must in love obey. RB80.68.5

There are times in life when the tasks before me seem to take on a life and power of their own. They can seem to be insurmountable and beyond my abilities to accomplish. At times like this, my natural tendency is to become paralized by focusing on the immensity of the challenge rather than using the skills I have to break the "mountain" down into easily mastered pieces. This tendency to over-focus on my perceived deficit rather than my strengths and resiliency is pretty counter-productive because in the end I am usually fearful, confused and frustrated as well as overwhelmed.

This scenario can be turned around will a little bit of creativity and a realistic assessment of the actual issues involved. Benedict knew that there would be times when this could happen in his community, so he included Chapter 68 in the Rule which addresses the performance of what seem to be impossible tasks. In 5 short verses, Benedict acknowledges that a person might be asked to perform a challenging task (one that might seem burdensome and even impossible). He sets up a simple process for addressing the issue. First, the person is to humbly accept the task and try to fulfill the demand. If this proves to be too difficult, then the person may ask to speak to the leader and patiently explain what the obstacles being faced are. If even then the request remains, the person is to accept the challenge as being for the best and trust in God's grace to provide the strength and skills necessary.

When faced with a daunting task (or one that seems so to me), I need to remember to refocus, think and trust in God, in the wisdom of the superior and in the support of the community.

• I need to refocus because obsessing over my frailty and sense of lack will only paralize me further. I need to take a breath and calmly look at the individual steps in a new and creative way. Once I can break the job done into multiple small steps than I can see my progress and also make the job for manageable. I don't need to climb the whole mountain in one leap--I can take it on step at a time. It also keeps me moving forward and out of paralysis.


• Thinking puts me in control of the situation rather than holding me hostage to my fears. By assessing the task and getting a new perspective on it, I can chart the course that the project can take and even surprise myself with my own abilities.


• Trusting in God, in the wisdom of leadership, and in the support of the community is important for me to remember because it is only through the grace of God and the love and support of others that I can do anything. Although I would like to believe that I am in control and self-sufficient, I need to remember that it is God alone who can provide what I lack within myself if I ask. Also I need to acknowledge that I do not possess full wisdom and others might see a latent talent within me that I cannot see yet. In trusting, even when asked to do what seems daunting, I have often surprised myself in my own strength and ability. I have been able to do many things that I never would have imagined.

May I always remember to trust in God's mercy when faced with overwhelming challenges.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

On Wandering Through Life

At the door of the monastery, place a sensible old man who knows how to take a message and deliver a reply, and whose age keeps him from roaming about. RB80.66.1

Then, there will be no need for the monks to roam outside, because this is not at all good for their souls. RB80.66.7

There are days when I am particularly anxious to find a distraction in my life...any distraction is fine, just something to relieve my boredom, make life interesting or amuse me when I really do not want to deal with the present moment. Benedict seems to be familiar with something similar occuring is his community. In setting up the role of the porter (receptionist at the door), Benedict clearly states twice that wandering, roaming around, or looking for distractions are not highly value qualities.

Benedict seems to say that this desire to escape the dailiness of life can be a sign of immaturity and is not helpful to the health of the soul. If I keep running away everytime something is difficult, then I am probably impeding my own growth--growth in holiness, growth in maturity, growth in virtue. I am never discover my true potential. I may miss many opportunities to both realize my own weakness and vulnerabilities and my inner strength.

I am a person who rarely wants to miss out on new adventures. If I can learn to focus on the potential for new experiences when tempted to run away and find something more interesting, I will see even the painful or the mundane as opportunities for greater growth and success.

When tempted to go through life hopping from distraction to distraction I need to remember to stop and ask myself: What new opportunity for growth am I trying to avoid.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Weighed Down Hearts

Our Lord says: Take care that your hearts are not weighed down with overindulgence (Luke 21:34). RB80.39.9

Today's passage is talking about food and eating. Basically, Benedict is advocating avoiding overindulgence or obsession about food within the monastery and in life.

Although I am definitely a person who loves food. I get pleasure from eating. I enjoying playing with food (one of the reasons I like baking yeast bread from scratch); I like planning meals. I am definitely about food, I do try not to obsess about it too much.

But if my heart is not weighed down with thoughts of food, what are the things that can distract me from single-hearted focus on God? Afterall, one of the hallmarks of monastic life is seeking God in all things.

• I can be destracted by my own plans and vision of life. I can be an extreme planner and totally miss the message that God is imparting today by focussing only on MY plans.


• I can easily be sidetracked by fear. I am not a fan of pain so will often take what looks like the more agreeable plan in order to avoid discomfort.


• I am a dreamer so I can easily get stuck in how things should be and miss the beauty of God's plan.


• I can sometimes be attracted to the glamour of being in control. Control can often seduce me into focusing on myself and my image rather than on reality and God's plans.

This are all things that can weigh my heart down and distract me from my true goal of seeking God in all things and listening to God's word.

What am I doing today to avoid being weighed down by illusions?

Living the Scriptures

The readings from the Rule at this point address community prayer--how the prayer is to be structured, what psalms are recited at each hour, all the practical aspects of praying as a group.

One of the things that strikes me from our passage from Chapter 10 of the Rule (today's selection) is the mention of the reading from Scripture being recited by heart. I happen to have a good memory and find memorizing selections from literature fairly easy. In order for me to be able to memorize and recite a piece fluidly, I need to make the passage part of who I am. I need to develop a relationship with it and incorporate it into my daily life.

That is what ideally should happen to my from praying the psalms daily and from my personal lectio. After engaging with Scripture daily over a period of time, whether 5 years, 50, 70 or a lifetime, ideally my own life would be a version of the Scripture....a vibrant retelling of God's message of love to the world.

I need to ask myself regularly: is the Gospel message that I am living authentic and life-giving? Is it the message that will attract others to follow Christ and to consider living our monastic way of life?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Doing the Impossible

Trusting in God's help, he must in love obey. RB80.68.5

Okay, so I am asked to do something I consider impossible. This request is not just something outside of my comfort zone but pretty much out of the realm of possibility. What am I to do???

I, personally, have never been known to step away from a challenge--no matter what form it might take. But then, I have never really been asked to do anything that I consider impossible or unbearable, just difficult at times.

When I first entered community, I had a well rehearsed list of things that I would never plan on doing...so don't even ask. This list included everything from never driving on less than ideal roads, to not ever choosing to eat unfamiliar foods, to not wanting to spend hours attached to an office. Needless to say, I have tried doing most of these things at one time or another. The secret was to be open enough to trust that those in leadership might possibly have a fuller vision of the truth than I might have at the time.

In chapter 68, Benedict encourages the person to accept "impossible" tasks quietly and at least try to do what was being asked. There is an opportunity to plead a case to be relieved of the burden but only after an honest attempt has been made to fulfil the request. If even after this the request still stands, the person is to accept the assignment quietly and rely on God's grace.

What I have found for myself is that when I am willing to suspend my own will even for a little while and try a new task...the impossible may actually turn out to be possible and I might even discover that I have new talents.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Mid-Lent Check Up

Today's selection from the Rule of St. Benedict is Chapter 49: On the Observance of Lent. Today we are also at a midpoint in this year's lenten journey. It is a good time to reflect on my progress during this season and check to see where my resolve might be faltering just a bit. This year I chose to take a positive approach to Lent and my resolutions--adjusting my life to allow for more good than trying to actively suppress the vices. Although it has not been super easy I am happy to say that it has been manageable. I am still able to remember what my resolutions are and why I chose them initially. Although I have not fulfilled them perfectly, 100% 0f the time, I can definitely see where progress has been made and where my awareness has been heightened. I pray to continue on this road so that I can say on Easter that I have arrived at Easter with "joy and spiritual longing." What do I need to strengthen today? Where have I fallen in my resolutions that I need to start over again? Sr. Catherine, OSB

A Place of Prayer

Chapter 52 of the Rule sets parameters around the monastic oratory--the designated place for prayer. Benedict states that the oratory is a prayer place and nothing else should be done or stored there.

The oratory is not a place for conversations (unless it is conversation with God). It is not an extra storage space--where I can leave those things that do not fit in my closet, desk or bedroom. The oratory is to be just what its name states--a place of prayer.

In our monastery, the oratory is a place in the center of our building. It is at the intersection between our living/dining space and our public space (our front reception area and our business office). Our oratory is the "heart" of our home.

To this "heart" I bring the concerns of the day, prayer intentions gathered throughout my day of ministry and my hopes/aspirations. I join my prayers with those of others to ask God's blessing and insight. From this "heart" I am strengthened and energized to go forth and take God's life and love to all whom I meet. The oratory is both the "heart" of our home and the living "heart" of our lives.

How am I living the spirit of our prayer today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Being Who I Am Everywhere

Chapter 50 of the Rule of Benedict offers directives for prayer while away from the monastery. It basically boils down to being the same person, no matter where I may find myself.

Ideally, after years of praying the psalms day after day, multiple times a day, scripture should be like the air I breath; the blood flowing through my life. I am called to allow God's Word to permeate my life, my heart, my soul.

I long to be a person of integrity, radical integrity. I desire to always remember that God is with me, accompanying me through my daily life. I need to remember who I am and whose I am.

How am I open to God's Word today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Calling on God's Presence

Benedict directs that God's divine presence and intervention be called at all community prayer times. The verses he recommends are the following: O God, come to my assistance. O Lord, make haste to help me.

These two short verses help to keep me focused throughout the day and at our prayer times. It is important for me to remember to call on God regularly for assistance in my daily encounters. It is only with God's help and through his grace that any of my plans are able to be successful.

I also need to call on God with urgency. Many times I forget that my many successes and accomplishments are not achieved by virtue of my great power, intelligence or brilliance. It is only through God's graciousness that any of my projects are able to succeed at all. These are two good points for me to remember.

Am I remembering to call on God regularly for help? Do I remember to acknowledge God's providence in my life?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Grudging Obedience

If a disciple obeys grudgingly and grumbles, not only aloud but also in his heart, then, even though he carries out the order, his action will not be accepted with favor by God, who sees that he is grumbling in his heart. RB80.5.17-18

There is a way in which I can seem to obey (and maybe obey fairly readily) in my actions yet be complaining or arguing within myself. This outward obedience is a skill that I perfected during my teens and early adult years. It was an outward compliance usually accompanied with an eye roll and inner rebellion. I could be made to obey but I would not do so willingly.

I would hope that maturity has brought about different behavior from me but that is not always the case. I need to examine my motivations and evaluate my obedience or hesitancy towards it.

Here are some questions that I find valuable at times to consider:

• Is the request unreasonable or does it seem so because I don't want to obey?
• What is the cost of obedience today? Is it worth the extra energy to fight against the request?
• Am I hesitating because of a power struggle?
• Is my reluctance fear based?
• In the larger picture, is this a negotiable issue or something that I can learn a life lesson from?

These are just a few of the questions that I ask myself when considering my reluctance towards obedience. I need to be able to trust whoever is in authority over me and God to be looking out for my good.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Leading To Growth

...and while helping others to amend by his warnings, he achieves the amendment of his own faults. RB80.2.40

Benedict invites those in leadership to remember that there is a responsibility to help others avoid sin and to also amend his own faults. This is a special aspect to leadership--being responsible for own actions yet also assuring that the example provided is one of growth and good behavior.

Being the oldest in our family by quite a few years (15 year span from oldest to youngest), I was provided with multiple opportunities daily to provide modeling and example to my brother and sister. Growing up, I hated this role. It always made me feel like I was on display and that my behavior might come back to haunt me some day. During a recent visit with my family, I realized that although I was an example of sorts for the younger ones, it was often more of the subtle interactions which have really impacted others in my family. It is healing to be able to see this in retrospect.

We are created to live in community (all different kinds of communities). We are called to be examples and teachers to one another.

What kind of example am I providing today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Expecting More

More is always expected from those who possess more (more wealth, more skill, more strength, more talent). This precept is the basic message of today's reading from the Rule of St. Benedict. The leader, who is naturally considered to possess more wisdom and virtue, is expected to be an example of how the monastic life is to be fulfilled; how to do this Christian living graciously.

I have never been the prioress but I have been in positions of leadership--teacher, mentor, supervisor, elder sister. Someone once told me that I am always an example for others. I can choose to be an example of good or I can model poor behavior. What kind of example I am will always be my choice but ultimately I will be one type of role model or another.

This can be a sobering thought since often I can desire to live life in a vacuum...live a life that does not impact others. Actually, none of us has that luxury because through our lived example we can influence toward the good or toward ill.

I desire always to be an example for good.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Better in Good Works and in 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 have a secret desire to be special, to be the star, to be the center of the universe. Actually most people that know me well would say that it is a not so secret desire.

I am always looking for the tip that will give me that edge to a successful and distinguished life. That has pretty much been a lifetime goal since I do tend to be pretty driven and intense about life at times.

Benedict today provides me a glimpse at what really matters in life for God. I am to strive to be better than others at good works and in humility. Okay, I might be able to do the good works piece--I know all the right actions and I am pretty good at being nice to others and helping out when needed (even without being asked). That first part I think I might be able to handle for a while. BUT to do all of these things in humility?

I bet that means that I cannot announce every good deed that I perform. I can't be showy in my good actions. I need to remember not be do good works only when there is an audience around to praise me. Acting like a martyr in the midst of all this action probably negates humility also.

Today's question for me: How can I be better in both good works and humility today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

What Do You Seek?

What do you seek?

This question which is taken from the ceremony for entrance into our monastic community is a life long question. Chapter 58 of the Rule which addresses the reception of new members into community touches on the central question for monastic life.

What do you seek?

• It is that seeking and yearning for God which sustained me through the hard days of initial formation.
• That desire is what has seen me through times of doubt and pain when I've wondered why I came in the first place.
• It is that relationship with God (and with my Sisters) which is nourished daily through our common prayer and lectio.
• It is that feeling of open welcome that first drew me to this community.

Ultimately, seeking God daily is what makes this life viable. It is the distinctive element that sets this life apart for me.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

A Place of Prayer

The oratory ought to be what it is called, and nothing else is to be done or stored there. After the Work of God, all should leave in complete silence and with reverence for God, so that a brother who may wish to pray alone will not be disturbed by the insensitivity of another. (RB80.52.1-3)

Reading this section from Chapter 52 of the Rule seems like a "no brainer" to me. Of course, the place of prayer needs to be just that (a place of prayer).

When I think though of how "familiar" and relaxed I might become with my prayer this selection carries a different message. How often to I show up to community prayers in body only? How often am I preplanning my next event rather than really present to prayer, God and to community? How many times lately have I foregone or shortened my lectio time to get I more task done?

Prayer is an activity that requires my full attention and participation. May I always desire to grow in my prayer relationship.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Absences from the Norm

If someone does not arrive at table before the verse, so that all might say the verse together and pray and sit down to table as one, and if he comes late through his own negligence or bad will, he should be rebuked up to the second time. But if he still does not reform, he should be denied participation in the common table. He should eat alone and cut off from the company of all; his portion of wine should be taken away; and let this go on until he has made amends and changed for the better. Whoever is not present at the verse that is said after the meal should suffer the same punishment. © Benedict's Rule: A Translation, Terrance Kardong, 1996 by The Order of St. Benedict, Inc., Collegeville, Minnesota. 43.14-17. All rights reserved.

When talking about tardiness to community prayers and meals (what Benedict considers essentials), Benedict has little tolerance for those who show up late, leave early, or are consistently disruptive to the community schedule. He seems to feel that attendance for the whole event is necessary for a group to function well.

I have seen in my life how I tend to isolate myself and pull away from community at those times when I look for excuses to be absent. Although I generally love being in the midst of community events there are times when it seems that I almost long for any reason to be away from the norm. When I notice this happening, I need to stop and see where my heart is drifting to and bring it back to my community and to my primary commitments.

I am grateful for those times when I am brought back into the group after straying. How am I living out my commitments today?

Please pray for the staff and participants at Life Awareness Retreat this weekend for the Diocese of Tulsa.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Mixing the Generations

What happens when you get people from different generations interacting with one another? What teenager or young adult would find it interesting to spend an evening praying, eating and sharing with religious women and seminarians? These were questions that surfaced in my mind when I was approached by members of the vocations committee for the Church of St. Benedict in Broken Arrow, OK.

Last evening, our community joined with this parish in hosting a Seminarian and Sisters Summer Social which included evening prayer, dinner, games and prizes. Everyone had an opportunity to make new friends and to visit with one another.

Our community was able to show our hospitality in various ways including sharing in an informal interview game that showed how diverse our Sisters are in their interests and personalities.

Benedict envisioned a community that would embrace the old and the young, the weak and the strong, the healthy and the ill. In our day, it is our task to give a face to that spirituality and to Gospel living.

How have I shown God's hospitality to others today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Mutual Service

The brothers should serve one another. Consequently, no one will be excused from kitchen service unless he is sick or engaged in some important business of the monastery, for such service increases reward and fosters love. RB80.35.1-2


Benedict knew that work, service and ministry were essential not only in community but also in society. He designed a system where all--the young, the old, the rich, the poor, the strong, the weak--would be able to serve one another. He understood that when everyone does their part (however small) great things can be accomplished through the efforts of many.

Currently, the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma (cfbeo.org) is providing a unique opportunity for residents in Northeast Oklahoma to be of service to their needy neighbors. The Food Bank has be fortunate to receive a large grant for emergency food this summer but now needs thousands of volunteer hours to help pack the items into boxes for distribution. I, myself, have participated on various occasions this summer as have many of our Sisters, Oblates and friends. If you would like to participate, please follow the link above for more information.

Sr. Catherine, OSB