Calling on the Name of Jesus

…a monk controls his tongue… (RB 7.56)

I am definitely an extrovert to the extreme in my thinking. If a thought crosses my mind you can almost bet that I will go ahead and blurt it out. That is not always a good trait to possess.

In the ninth step of humility, Benedict proposes that a monk should be trained not to speak unless asked a question or invited into a conversation. This section causes me to consider how often I could have avoided lots of problems if I had either just kept my comments to myself or, at least, paused long enough to pray for wisdom to say the appropriate words. How much embarrassment and pain might be avoided if I took just an extra few seconds to call on the name of Jesus interiorly rather than just blurt out the first thing that comes to mind.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Following the Rules

…a monk does only what is endorsed… (RB 7.55)

There is no room in monasteries, friendships, families, work places for the perpetually special. No one can be the leader all the time, the star at everything, the exception to every rule.

This section of Chapter 7 reminds us that there is holiness and virtue in doing only what is prescribed and expected. This concept is counter to what society tries to instill in us in encouraging everyone to be the best, be the first, be the most outstanding.

Maybe God’s invitation is to be the best in following the example set before us. Maybe we are invited to be the best in respect, reverence, love and service.

May we all find ourselves winning in this race.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Who is God?

…It is a blessing that you have humbled me so that I can learn your commandments (Ps 118[119].71, 73) (RB 7.54)

Sometimes I forget that God’s name is not Sr. Catherine, Catherine, Cath, SCath, Katrina or any of the other versions of my name to which I respond. To say that I am a little bossy and dominating would be an understatement—although I blame that on being the oldest in my family growing up.

At these times, I need to be reminded that God is God and I am created by God. This passage from Psalm 118 reminds me to keep my focus on God and on God’s law. It is truly a blessing to keep in mind God’s presence and to realize that no matter what happens in the world God is truly in charge.

And all is secure because thankfully I am not God.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

A New Kind of #1

...a monk is content with the lowest and most menial treatment,… (RB 7.49).

Humility is starting to lose its appeal. Not only am I being asked to be honest about whom I really am, now Benedict invites me to be happy with the worst and with being the last! What kind of program would ask that of me?

This section causes major problems for me since I’ve always thought that it is healthy and natural to be competitive, to want to be #1. Here I am invited to be #1 in different way—to be #1 in love, patience, gentleness, trust, listening and serving…a new kind of #1. In this kind of quiet competition, I can strive to be #1 in imitating Jesus and the saints. Those aren’t bad role models to have.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Hiding the Flaws

…Make known your way to the Lord and hope in him (Ps 36[37].5). (RB 7.45)

Have you ever tried to hide a mistake, a failure or a personal flaw from someone? I have.

I found that the more I tried to hide or ignore the flaw the more glaring it became. It could have been a tiny hole in the knee of my new jeans (which grew bigger the more I tried to patch it), a favorite lamp that got broken (and I tried to glue back together…with a few pieces missing), or the new pasta dish I made and tried to cover the mistakes with gallons of tomato sauce and cheese. In the end, it would be much simpler to acknowledge the problem and deal with it.

The fifth step of humility invites me to recognize that there are still areas that I need to work on and to remember that God and others will still be by me as I continue to grow. All I need is honesty and hope. Hope in God’s mercy and forgiveness. Trust that others will be there for me when I ask them to even if I am not fully perfect yet.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Bearing Suffering

…his heart quietly embraces suffering and endures it without weakening or seeking escape. (RB 7.35-36)

I envy people who can suffer silently without making a big deal about it. That is definitely not me. If I am suffering or in pain, I make sure that everyone knows about it, knows the cause, and shares in the sorrow of it. (Sometimes it’s TMI but that’s okay.)

Here Benedict is inviting me to accept hardship and suffering patiently and quietly as a normal part of life. Not only am I supposed to accept suffering but pray for the grace not to weaken or to seek an easy escape path.

May God grant me the grace needed to accept my little sufferings quietly and patiently.

Sr. Catherine

Life Guides

The third step of humility is that a man submits to his superior in all obedience for the love of God…(RB 7.34)

“May I become your disciple?” the seeker asked.

“You are only a disciple because your eyes are closed. The day you open them, you will see that there is nothing you can learn from me,” the holy man answered.

“Then what is a master for”? the seeker asked.

“The purpose of a master,” the holy one said, “is to bring you to the point where you know the uselessness of having one.”

I know I have been taking directions all my life. God has placed guides in my life to give me intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual direction. Admitting that I need direction and accepting it has all been part of growing up. I don’t believe I will ever grow up enough to see the uselessness of these guides. Through them, God has given me a confidence in myself, the power to control myself and the insight to guide others.

Sr. Veronica, OSB