Holding the Place of Christ

In more than one place in the Rule, Benedict reminds us that the leader of the monastery or the group should be considered to stand in the place of Christ. That is an enormous task for anyone to consider.

In being in the place of Christ, I need to try to adopt the attitudes and mindset of Jesus whenever I am offered a position of authority. What are some of the characteristics of this mindset?

• Humility--In his ministry, Jesus was very aware of his relationship with God and with those to whom he ministered. He led out of that awareness.
• Service--Jesus was more likely to be the one to serve the rest rather than claim authority.
• Prayer--Prayer, solitude and silence were essential to his leadership and his ministry.
• Truth--He spoke the truth that he heard within himself. He was consistent in his message without counting the cost.

What am I doing today to put the mindset of Christ into practice today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Running Away or Running Towards?

Do not be daunted immediately by fear and run away from the road that leads to salvation. RB80.Prologue.48a

But as we progress in this way of life and in faith, we shall run on the path of God's commandments, our hearts overflowing with the inexpressible delight of love. RB80.Prologue.49

I enjoy moving at great speeds...so it is no surprise that this image of running found in the Prologue has always intrigued me.

Benedict presents me with the option of running away from this way of life. Running away in fear, in distress, in dejection from thinking the road too strenuous before even starting the race (Afterall, it is still the Prologue). Benedict also considers running towards God, towards fullness of life, towards love.

Which will I choose?

• I choose to run away everytime I let my fears or fantasies rule me.
• I choose to run away when I consider community and relationships not worth the effort even for one hour.
• I choose to run away through looking for distractions in my day to take me away from the dailiness of life.
• I choose to run towards God whenever I remember to pause and acknowledge God's presence with me--I am not in this alone.
• I choose to run towards life in doing things that improve my quality of life.
• I choose to run towards love in my relationship building and my communication skills.

May Christ truly bring us together to have a share in God's kingdom.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Using Grace

What is not possible to us by nature, let us ask the Lord to supply by the help of his grace. RB80.Prologue.41

Realizing that human nature will often fall short, Benedict invites us today to ask for God's grace to help in the accomplishment of good deeds.

No matter how sincere my intentions, the fact still remains that I often fall short. Six days into the New Year and I have already restarted my resolution to "listen" at least once daily. It is only through asking for God's grace and relying on it that my intentions and resolutions will ever bear fruit.

What am I doing today to remind myself to rely on God's providence and grace?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Translating Good Works

And indeed the Lord assures us in his love: I do not wish the death of the sinner, but that he turn back to me and live (Ezek 33:11). RB80.Prologue.38

In today's passage, Benedict reminds of us God's mercy and patience towards us. God does not take pleasure in my pain and misery. God waits for me to turn back and start anew.

This assurance is heartening--especially somedays when it feels that I am constantly turning back from my intended path. God's patience and love waits for me to realize my mistakes or wrong choices and to turn back on a straighter path. I find comfort in that and pray always for that awareness.

How am I turning back to God today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Running With Good Deeds

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



So far, Benedict has encouraged us to give up our former, haphazard ways in order to follow Christ. Today, Benedict is instructing us that the easiest way to reach God's kingdom is through the performance of good actions.

It is the accumulation of virtuous acts, good actions, and positive habits that move me ever closer to the reality of dwelling with God, in God's presence. It is not that I do not already live in God's presence; it is more that the closer my thoughts and deeds are connected to God the easier it is for me to remember that God is with me always. I desire to increase that presence within me. It reminds me that I am not alone in this life journey.

What am I doing to increase my awareness of God today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

The Gospel--A Guide for the Journey

Clothed then with faith and the performance of good works, let us set out on our way, with the Gospel for our guide, that we may deserve to see him who has called us to his kingdom (1Thess 2:12). RB80.Prologue.21

It is important to have a good plan and a good map when setting out on a journey. As we begin another cycle of the reading of the Rule of Benedict, it is necessary to have a road map also.

Benedict fills his short Rule with a multitude of allusions to scripture. He uses these references as freely as many of us use regional expressions or idioms in daily speech. He intends for his followers to be that familiar with the Bible also...especially wisdom literature.

I enjoy travelling so I can relate to the need for a trustworthy map or at least a good compass to help orient me in my daily journeys. That map can be pretty worthless if I do not understand the symbols it contains or it's information. In that same way, I need to become so familiar with the Scriptures that they become part of who I am. I need to take the time to allow these beautiful passages to become more than just mere words to know and memorize but words to live by.

What am I doing to allow God's word more space in my life today?

New Year's Resolutions

I generally avoid making New Year Resolutions or setting concrete goals...mostly because I am not fond of accountability and I tend to see things in extremes so the potential for failure if not perfect is terrifying. Who wants to start the year making promises that you know you will probably fudge on before the 1st week of the year is complete?

This year I decided to do things a little differently. I would make just one resolution...it would be one word long and is supposed to be one of the key elements in my life today. My resolution for 2011 is to LISTEN. Listen to God's Word in my life, listen to those around me, listen to God's stirrings in nature, maybe even listen to myself and my body.

Listening is more than the physical act of hearing. It is a choice to pay attention and to stay with the message being delivered. Listening requires my full presence because it is easy to miss a piece of the message if I am distracted. It asks me to put aside what I already know or think I know and open myself to a new perspective.

Listen is the first word of the Rule of Benedict and needs to be an essential value in my life and in my relationships.

How am I listening to God's voice today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB