Adaptation and Flexibility

Adaptation and flexibility in all things is one of the hallmarks of Benedictine Spirituality. That is a good thing considering all the changes that have happened in the world in the last couple of decades, not to mention in the last 1500 years.

After laying out the structure that would ideally be followed in the praying of the night office on Sundays, Benedict puts in a contingency plan, in case for some reason the community awakens to late to be able to follow the prescribed plan. He does not want this to be the standard practice of the community, however. He adds ways in which to address whatever caused the change in the plans.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Prayer

Statue of Stained Glass

Mary from in Marian Chapel

Bavaria (over

100 years old)

Reverence for God

As soon as the cantor begins to sing "Glory be to the Father," let all the monks rise from their seats in honor and reverence for the Holy Trinity. RB 9.7

It took me a while to get used to the extra standing and bowing which is part of the monastic office when I first entered. I could never get the rhythm of the movement and it seemed that I was just starting to get comfortable in my chair when it was time to stand and bow again. I just could not get the hang of it.

This passage from Chapter 9 of the Rule sets the rising and bowing into context. Just as we would stand in acknowledgment of a celebrity or recognized dignitary we should also stand and bow in the presence of God. We should acknowledge God's presence and bow in reverence at the mention of God's name.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Prayer--Our Ministry

I am often asked what monastics do (what our main ministry is). Monastics are basically professional pray-ers, who often also happen to be professionals in other fields. Our main ministry is prayer. It is out of our prayer (common and private) that we discern our ministries, our outreach projects and other aspects of our community life.

We invite all who visit us at our monastery and also those who are associated with us through our various external ministries to bring us their prayer intentions or to contact us at sisters@stjosephmonastery.org with prayer requests.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

No Pain, All Gain

Through this love, all that he once performed with dread, he will now begin to observe without effort… (RB 7.68)

When I took piano lessons growing up, I loved to play but hated the practice. I like the exhilaration I feel when exercising but hate getting sweaty and dirty. In school I was bright and got good grades but never really mastered the discipline of studying well. I hate practice and discipline but love the rewards of it.

The second half of this passage appeals to me—I want to have all the benefits of the twelve steps of humility but I don’t like the pain that is involved in mastering the skills and attitudes necessary. No pain, all gain.

By focusing on my love for God (and my desire to continue growing in that love), all that had seemed difficult or burdensome or impossible initially will become joy and pleasure. The key to this transformation is love and the knowledge that I am not alone in this task.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Wise Speech

…”A wise man is known by his few words.” (RB 7.61)

Someone once said that the value of being a silent person is that when that person speaks others listen to hear the wisdom shared. (I must not have paid much attention to the comment or I don’t desire to be considered wise because silence has rarely been considered one of my virtues.)

Benedict is encouraging his followers to be discerning and prudent in speech. Every thought that passes the mind does not need to be expressed. There are factors such as tact and appropriateness of comments that need to be considered before speaking.

May I learn daily to be wise and prudent in my speech.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Ready Laughter

…he is not given to ready laughter… (RB 7.59)

Everyone loves a good joke. A healthy sense of humor is a valuable thing to possess in life—especially when I start taking myself too seriously or start thinking that everything in life should center on me.

At our monastery it is not uncommon to arrive at meal time and find lots of conversation and banter…and, yes, even quite a bit of laughter at times. I don’t think that Benedict would object to healthy laughter and sharing.

Sr. Catherine, OSB