On Having a Passion for LIFE

I am a person who approaches everything in life whole-heartedly. Whatever I am involved in, you have all of me (sometimes a little too much of me, since I can be hyper at times).

Today, Benedict talks to us about good & bad zeal. Benedict tells us that while good zeal can be healthy and enlivening; evil zeal can deaden the spirit of a community. Benedict invites us to treasure the drive and desire to create a strong bond within groups that can be characterized with love and passion.

May I always bring good zeal to all of my encounters.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Obeying Life

Just when life seems to be planned cozily (just the way I wanted it), there always seems to be something that gets in the way. I prefer life on my terms because then I know what is coming next. Unfortunately, that rarely seems to give God the space needed to interrupt my seemingly perfect life with a bit of grace.

Today I am reminded that part of living life fully calls for an openness to God's intervention daily. It could come in the form of the hurting co-worker, the grieving family member or the ill teammate that needs an extra few minutes in my already crowded life. I have found that it is these encounters that present God to me in various forms.

May I always be alert for God's face in my daily life.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Remembering Who I Am

If I give myself the chance, I can often find many little things that set my teeth on edge. ( I have many qualities that probably drive others wild also.) When I was younger, I would fantasize about what I thought would remedy most of these edgy moments. Fantasize as I might, I am very grateful that I was never able to implement my solutions.

Chapter 70 in the Rule of Benedict talks about the presumption of harshly correcting one's peers. It is not about the proper use of authority because the concept of peer implies that all are at the same level--these are my age cohort, my co-workers, my teammates. If I forget that we are all basically the same, then I tend to become bossy, judgemental and over-bearing. That is not the same as the use of authority. I need to remember to be as forgiving of others and their faults as others are of me. I need to remember that I am not the BOSS of everything, all the time.

May I have the humility required to remember my place in community (all of my communities) and to graciously forgive others as they have forgiven me many times.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Danger of Particular Friendships

Particular Friendships can be deadly to communities, groups and teams. Although most of us do not use the term particular friendships (pf) often, we all recognize them when we see them.

A PF is an exclusive relationship within a group. It is generally divisive, based on a system of double messages and circuitous communication. It is the adult version of an adolescent clique.

What happens in these relationships is that alliances are formed on the basis of likes, similarities, secrets and who's in and who's out. This can be harmful to a group since in many cases everyone needs to interact with one another and work together not according to factions but according to a unifying goal.

I have had an experience of this kind of relationship and found it deadening to my spiritual life and to my relationships within community. I pray daily for stronger relationships.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Stretching Towards the Impossible

I like to believe that I am pretty self-aware and know my gifts and my limitations well. I have realized in community and in other group situations that I am not always the best judge of my capabilities. Many of the things that I thought were impossible when I first entered community, I have discovered I enjoy doing more things than I thought I would.

When asked to do something out of my normal comfort zone, I have learned to take time to pray about things before giving a definite answer. This allows me the time I need to get comfortable with the idea, at least. I have learned that that little bit of trust in another's wisdom gives me the freedom to grow and see new aspects of myself. I am still free to question and discuss the new proposal be I usually find a fuller life in being open to new possibilities.

May I continue to grow daily.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Let What Happens Outside...Stay Outside

I do a fair amount of traveling outside the Monastery for various projects with which I am involved. Traveling sounds glamourous and exotic and exciting. I, personally, love to travel. There are times though when the journey can get long and wearisome (especially since long flight delays, lost luggage or car problems may be involved). And although I do love to see new places and have new experiences, there comes a time when the only place I want to be is HOME.

Benedict advises that it is best or wiser to leave some of the experiences of travel on the road rather than bring them into the community. No one really wants to hear of the trauma of going through Security at the airport or how long the shuttle ride was on my last journey. If I want to share anything about my trip maybe just a summary of what I learned and my gratitude for being home is sufficient.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

A Welcoming Face

Hospitality was vital to Benedict's vision of community. During his time, pilgrims and travelers were very common--most traveled on foot and there were no welcoming hotels along the way. It was up to those who lived along the road to provide housing and shelter for travelers.

Monasteries provided safe places to stop for the night while on a journey. Benedict asks that there be a stable, wise, polite person near the entrance to provide for the needs of the guest. Those are all great qualities to have in a greeter.

I know that when I travel and am needing directions back to the highway or to my destination I am always grateful to those who can clearly tell me where my next turn should be. It is also helpful when the person is able to say they don't know but can direct me to someone who might. There is definite wisdom in knowing our limits.

I hope to be a welcoming face to those who visit our home and to be able to provide reasonable directions.

Sr. Catherine, OSB