Disturbing My Sense of Order and Justice

In the monastery, they should keep to their ranks as established by the time of entry, merit of life or the abbot’s arrangement. (RB80.63.1)

Benedict is pretty clear about what factors are considered in ordering the members of the community (the monastic version of lining folks up in some kind of order). The three criteria used are time of entry (who got here first?), merit of life (who sets a good example? who knows how to behave well?) and leader's discretion (although that seems to be the weakest element--since it could be considered favoritism). Benedict intends his followers to be able to maintain some kind of order using these directives.

It doesn't take very long working with a group before I start looking around and comparing my position with others.

• Why is that person always first?
• Why does my coworker seem to get more benefits than me?
• Why is my teammate always consulted about things?
• Why does she always get to have lunch with the popular people?

I think you get the point...

I have found that the more attention I pay to others and what is happening with them the more isolated, dissatisfied, and uncomfortable I become. It is a good sign that I might need to turn my gaze inward, towards my own work rather than at what is happening around me. I need to remember that often because what is happening with others can seem so interesting at times.

What or who am I focusing on today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Obeying The Rule

Chapter 62 of the Rule talks about priests in the monastery. It does not just pertain to priests or clergy, however, but to everyone who has ever been placed in a leadership role in a group--parent, teacher, coach, supervisor.

Various times in this selection, Benedict reminds me that although I might have a higher level of authority in a some cases that does not excuse me from having to follow the norm and adhere to the common practice. On the contrary, because of the extra authority and visibility I am invited to monitor my behavior more closely so that I can be an example of obedience to others.

That is not always something I strive for. There are times when I would much rather have a more anonymous role. The Gospel and the Rule both invite me to present my best self--not because I desire the praise of others but so that my actions and life might be a more accurate reflection of God's grace.

How am I reflecting God's love today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Contaminating Others

Instead, he should be politely told to depart, lest his wretched ways contaminate others. (RB80.61.7)

Our attitudes and habits can be contagious for good or ill. If I am in a horrible mood where nothing seems to be going right in the world, it is easy to share some of my misery with others--my co-workers, my clients, my students, my relatives, my friends.

Afterall, isn't it just being honest and being myself to complain to everybody in sight? If something is wrong, shouldn't everyone know about it?

What I find is that I can quickly move on with my life--after sharing my misery with others. I forget quickly. The people I infected with my pain though don't usually recover as fast. Many times others are still suffering well after I have moved on to something else.

Am I being mindful of the damage that my habits and attitudes can cause?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

On Oblation--Offering Oneself

The dictionary defines oblation as:

• the offering to God of the elements of bread and wine in the Eucharist;
• the whole office of the Eucharist;
• the act of making an offering, esp. to a deity;
• any offering for religious or charitable uses.
  

Using these definitions, it seems that all of life need be an oblation (an offering to God of love with my whole self).

It's a good thought but how is it lived out in real life? How do I propose to live in God's presence day after day?

Here are a few thoughts:

• training myself to make God my first thought and my last thought daily. Thanking God for the day--when I feel like reaching for the snooze button on the alarm clock and thanking God for blessings when I turn off my light at night.
• remembering to place myself on the altar as an offering with the Bread and Wine at Eucharist--and bringing all of my concerns to place on the altar also.
• going out of my way (out of my comfort zones) to be present to those around me when they need someone just to be present. Being truly present to others rather than just being physically present.
• remembering God's presence at various times throughout the day (raising my awareness of God's divine presence daily).

These are just a few practical ways in which I can remember to unite myself and my life to God daily.

What are some ways that you can do the same?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Suscipe

After he has put it there [the vows document], the novice himself begins the verse: Receive me, Lord, as you have promised, and I shall live; do not disappoint me in my hope (Ps 118[119]: 116). The whole community repeats the verse three times, and adds "Glory be to the Father." (RB80 58. 21-22)

Suscipe...receive me. What does it take for me to trust God completely with my life?

The above passage from the Rule of Benedict is used as part of the final profession ceremony--when we entrust our lives to God forever (or at least for the next few minutes). I know that it was a permanent commitment that was made on that July morning in 1990 at my profession ceremony. And at that moment, I probably thought that it was a once and forever deal. I was still pretty idealistic about lots of things in those days.

Now, after twenty years of living this life and the dailiness of it, I realize that a daily (sometimes hourly) reaffirmation of that commitment needs to take place within me. I need to remind myself of the goodness of this life (especially when there are doubts or questions in my mind or I lose my focus--which sometimes happens). I need to recall what first drew me here and how that has matured into the reasons I consider this life valuable. It is good for me to reflect on life often.

May I continue to renew my commitment to our life daily.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

What Do You Seek?

What do you seek?

This question which is taken from the ceremony for entrance into our monastic community is a life long question. Chapter 58 of the Rule which addresses the reception of new members into community touches on the central question for monastic life.

What do you seek?

• It is that seeking and yearning for God which sustained me through the hard days of initial formation.
• That desire is what has seen me through times of doubt and pain when I've wondered why I came in the first place.
• It is that relationship with God (and with my Sisters) which is nourished daily through our common prayer and lectio.
• It is that feeling of open welcome that first drew me to this community.

Ultimately, seeking God daily is what makes this life viable. It is the distinctive element that sets this life apart for me.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Monastery Artists

Monasteries are places of art, peace and creativity. They are spaces where the freedom to be spontaneous, avant garde and innovative is treasured. Monasteries have many talented people associated with them--poets, painters, sculptors, musicians, just to name a few.

Benedict was well aware of the gifted-ness of his community and of future generations of monastics. In Chapter 57 of the Rule, Benedict reminds us that all art needs to be practiced with humility. The gift which God has bestowed on me is not for my use alone or to add glory and fame to my name but to benefit others and to add due glory to God and his graciousness. I need to remember that of myself I would have no talent--it is a product of God's generosity to me.

May I always remember to thank God for the bounty of graces and gifts bestowed upon me and share these gifts generously.

Sr. Catherine, OSB