Today, St. Benedict talks to us about silence and restraint of speech. In verse 1 of this chapter, Benedict asserts that there are times when even good words are to be foregone for the sake of silence. That sounds a little confusing to me...especially since I tend to be a person who loves to talk as much as possible. Why would I willingly refrain from speaking good words?
It's easy enough to understand the damage that can be done with false words, hurtful comments, and the truth that is used as a weapon against another rather than as a helpful tool...but not to say good words???
Maybe part of the key to this passage lies in understanding my attitude towards words. I often use words to avoid looking at hard issues within myself or listening to God speaking in the silence of my heart...in my prayer. It is much easier to distract myself with chatter and with trying to solve my own problems or help you solve yours than to sit still and listen to God's presence in my life. I need to remember that part of life's goal for me is not to have all the answers but to be at witness to God's presence in my life. I need to cultivate silence for that.
If I desire to be a person of depth and wisdom, I need to become familiar with silence and comfortable with it.
What am I doing to cultivate silence in my life today?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Please pray for the 55&Under All Federation Benedictine Sisters Gathering this weekend in Atchison, KS. Almost 100 professed Benedictine women from around the country will be gathering for prayer, friendship and education.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Enclosure and Stability
The workshop where we are to toil faithfully at all these tasks is the enclosure of the monastery and stability in the community. RB80.4.78
We have reached the end of the chapter on The Tools of Good Works. After listing 77 verses worth of instructions on how to use the various tools and virtues of the spiritual craft, Benedict tells us what the workshop for the spiritual craft is--the monastery and stability. Stay exactly where I am and do the next appropriate task.
That seems simple but it is not easy. It is simple since there is only one thing I need to focus on to achieve the task. It is not easy in that maintaining focus can sometimes be strenuous work.
It is in staying right where I am, doing just what I am supposed to do that will bring me growth, virtue and true joy. Maintaining my focus during the rough periods that are sure to come and persevering to the end will bring eternal rewards and great growth. I just need to remain faithful to the task.
What am I doing today for my own growth?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
We have reached the end of the chapter on The Tools of Good Works. After listing 77 verses worth of instructions on how to use the various tools and virtues of the spiritual craft, Benedict tells us what the workshop for the spiritual craft is--the monastery and stability. Stay exactly where I am and do the next appropriate task.
That seems simple but it is not easy. It is simple since there is only one thing I need to focus on to achieve the task. It is not easy in that maintaining focus can sometimes be strenuous work.
It is in staying right where I am, doing just what I am supposed to do that will bring me growth, virtue and true joy. Maintaining my focus during the rough periods that are sure to come and persevering to the end will bring eternal rewards and great growth. I just need to remain faithful to the task.
What am I doing today for my own growth?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Thursday, January 20, 2011
God's Gaze
Hour by hour keep careful watch over all you do, aware that God's gaze is upon you, wherever you may be. RB80.4.48-49
I grew up with a very real sense that God is everywhere and is an active part of my life. Much of this sense was nurtured by my grandparents who would spend hours telling me about the saints and how the Christian life was part of everyday life.
When my grandmother would teach me about God being her father and Jesus being her brother...I took it literally. This understanding encouraged me to make my faith my own also as I matured.
Today, Benedict invites me to reexamine this thinking and find new ways in which I can make God's presence active for those whom I meet today.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
I grew up with a very real sense that God is everywhere and is an active part of my life. Much of this sense was nurtured by my grandparents who would spend hours telling me about the saints and how the Christian life was part of everyday life.
When my grandmother would teach me about God being her father and Jesus being her brother...I took it literally. This understanding encouraged me to make my faith my own also as I matured.
Today, Benedict invites me to reexamine this thinking and find new ways in which I can make God's presence active for those whom I meet today.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Monday, January 17, 2011
Calling All to Counsel
In the monastery no one is to follow his own heart's desire, nor shall anyone presume to contend with his abbot defiantly, or outside the monastery. RB80.3.8-9
The good of the whole should outweigh the wants or desires of the individual. This is another way of saying, "I can't get my own way all the time. The good of the whole group will always take precedence."
As hard as it is to learn and accept this precept, it is one that is definitely needed for working well in groups--family, team, workplace, community. Without some compromise and dialogue on all sides, very little productive work can be accomplished.
While my natural tendency might be to throw a temper tantrum and let the world know just how unfair and miserable things are for me--having to submit my own desires and will, these tirades do little to better my situation or to help me build community.
It is in fully participating in the decision making process that I grow within the group and that the whole benefits from whatever wisdom I may have to share.
What am I doing today to improve the quality of community?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
The good of the whole should outweigh the wants or desires of the individual. This is another way of saying, "I can't get my own way all the time. The good of the whole group will always take precedence."
As hard as it is to learn and accept this precept, it is one that is definitely needed for working well in groups--family, team, workplace, community. Without some compromise and dialogue on all sides, very little productive work can be accomplished.
While my natural tendency might be to throw a temper tantrum and let the world know just how unfair and miserable things are for me--having to submit my own desires and will, these tirades do little to better my situation or to help me build community.
It is in fully participating in the decision making process that I grow within the group and that the whole benefits from whatever wisdom I may have to share.
What am I doing today to improve the quality of community?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Do Not Gloss Over Faults
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 (1Sam2.11--4.18). RB80.2.26
The leader today is called to remember the fate of Eli and act accordingly with the community. The story referenced in this passage is an account of the evil deeds performed by the sons Eli, while he was priest of Shiloh. His sons would regularly abuse the power that was part of their office--disdain the Lord, steal from the sacrifice and abuse those who were coming to worship. Eli was not able to get his sons to change their bad behavior or reprove them. Therefore, God punished Eli and his sons for their deeds.
The abbot or superior is to be like the priest who was the guardian of the Temple. Keeping watch over the actions of all who worshiped.
Benedict reminds the abbot to call to the attention of the individual areas of concern that needed to be addressed. It is the responsibility of the leader to bring up faults that need amending and to support those who stray as they strive to change their ways. Neglecting to do so could endanger both the group and the individual. The leader does no one any favors by ignoring areas of growth.
As a community member, I also have a duty to respond honestly and to remain open to the call to growth. How am I growing today?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
The leader today is called to remember the fate of Eli and act accordingly with the community. The story referenced in this passage is an account of the evil deeds performed by the sons Eli, while he was priest of Shiloh. His sons would regularly abuse the power that was part of their office--disdain the Lord, steal from the sacrifice and abuse those who were coming to worship. Eli was not able to get his sons to change their bad behavior or reprove them. Therefore, God punished Eli and his sons for their deeds.
The abbot or superior is to be like the priest who was the guardian of the Temple. Keeping watch over the actions of all who worshiped.
Benedict reminds the abbot to call to the attention of the individual areas of concern that needed to be addressed. It is the responsibility of the leader to bring up faults that need amending and to support those who stray as they strive to change their ways. Neglecting to do so could endanger both the group and the individual. The leader does no one any favors by ignoring areas of growth.
As a community member, I also have a duty to respond honestly and to remain open to the call to growth. How am I growing today?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Good Works and 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 am always looking for that one thing which will set me apart from others...that special little thing that gives me the desired edge in life. Today, Benedict gives me insight into what sets me apart in community, on a team, in God's sight.
The secret: being better than others in good works and in humility. Doing what I am called to do; being who I was created to be and working diligently at that.
How can I accomplish this?
I am always looking for that one thing which will set me apart from others...that special little thing that gives me the desired edge in life. Today, Benedict gives me insight into what sets me apart in community, on a team, in God's sight.
The secret: being better than others in good works and in humility. Doing what I am called to do; being who I was created to be and working diligently at that.
How can I accomplish this?
- Doing the loving, caring thing...even when no one is watching.
- Doing the next appropriate thing quietly. I don't have to announce everytime I do something kind or unexpected for another.
- Offering to help out but not insisting on being the center of attention.
- Remembering that everything in life does not have to be about ME.
- Using my competitive nature to the best in doing good quietly and patiently.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Teaching by Example
Furthermore, anyone who receives the name of abbot is to lead his disciples by a twofold teaching: he must point out to them all that is good and holy more by example than by words, proposing the commandments of the Lord to receptive disciples with words, but demonstrating God's instructions to the stubborn and the dull by a living example. RB80.2.11-12
We have all heard it said that actions speak louder than words. Today, Benedict takes a similar approach when addressing the leader about teaching God's ways. To those who are docile and agreeable teach through words; for those who might be more resistant teach through the example of your life--be a role model for others for the good.
When I was younger, I remember someone telling me once that I could take any of my elders as a role model--they could either show me what to do to have a happy and successful life or I could learn what not to do by learning from the mistakes of others. The choice is totally mine whether to follow the good example of others or the misguided example. I can choose my destiny everyday.
That idea has stuck with me as I have matured in community. It has also occurred to me that I can be that same kind of role model for others also. Do I want to be a model for the good of community or a model of what not to do?
I pray for the grace to consistently be a model of good and virtue. What kind of model am I today?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
We have all heard it said that actions speak louder than words. Today, Benedict takes a similar approach when addressing the leader about teaching God's ways. To those who are docile and agreeable teach through words; for those who might be more resistant teach through the example of your life--be a role model for others for the good.
When I was younger, I remember someone telling me once that I could take any of my elders as a role model--they could either show me what to do to have a happy and successful life or I could learn what not to do by learning from the mistakes of others. The choice is totally mine whether to follow the good example of others or the misguided example. I can choose my destiny everyday.
That idea has stuck with me as I have matured in community. It has also occurred to me that I can be that same kind of role model for others also. Do I want to be a model for the good of community or a model of what not to do?
I pray for the grace to consistently be a model of good and virtue. What kind of model am I today?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
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