Trusting in God's Help

Trusting in God's help, he must in love obey. RB80.68.5

There are times in life when the tasks before me seem to take on a life and power of their own. They can seem to be insurmountable and beyond my abilities to accomplish. At times like this, my natural tendency is to become paralized by focusing on the immensity of the challenge rather than using the skills I have to break the "mountain" down into easily mastered pieces. This tendency to over-focus on my perceived deficit rather than my strengths and resiliency is pretty counter-productive because in the end I am usually fearful, confused and frustrated as well as overwhelmed.

This scenario can be turned around will a little bit of creativity and a realistic assessment of the actual issues involved. Benedict knew that there would be times when this could happen in his community, so he included Chapter 68 in the Rule which addresses the performance of what seem to be impossible tasks. In 5 short verses, Benedict acknowledges that a person might be asked to perform a challenging task (one that might seem burdensome and even impossible). He sets up a simple process for addressing the issue. First, the person is to humbly accept the task and try to fulfill the demand. If this proves to be too difficult, then the person may ask to speak to the leader and patiently explain what the obstacles being faced are. If even then the request remains, the person is to accept the challenge as being for the best and trust in God's grace to provide the strength and skills necessary.

When faced with a daunting task (or one that seems so to me), I need to remember to refocus, think and trust in God, in the wisdom of the superior and in the support of the community.

• I need to refocus because obsessing over my frailty and sense of lack will only paralize me further. I need to take a breath and calmly look at the individual steps in a new and creative way. Once I can break the job done into multiple small steps than I can see my progress and also make the job for manageable. I don't need to climb the whole mountain in one leap--I can take it on step at a time. It also keeps me moving forward and out of paralysis.


• Thinking puts me in control of the situation rather than holding me hostage to my fears. By assessing the task and getting a new perspective on it, I can chart the course that the project can take and even surprise myself with my own abilities.


• Trusting in God, in the wisdom of leadership, and in the support of the community is important for me to remember because it is only through the grace of God and the love and support of others that I can do anything. Although I would like to believe that I am in control and self-sufficient, I need to remember that it is God alone who can provide what I lack within myself if I ask. Also I need to acknowledge that I do not possess full wisdom and others might see a latent talent within me that I cannot see yet. In trusting, even when asked to do what seems daunting, I have often surprised myself in my own strength and ability. I have been able to do many things that I never would have imagined.

May I always remember to trust in God's mercy when faced with overwhelming challenges.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Revisiting the Shepherd

In this way, while always fearful of the future examination of the shepherd about the sheep entrusted to him and careful about the state of others' accounts, he becomes concerned also about his own, and while helping others to amend by his warnings, he achieves the amendment of his own faults. RB80.2.39-40

Once again, Benedict reminds the leader that his role is to be that of the shepherd of the flock; always aiming to assure that all are brought back safely. This time Benedict also adds the well being of the superior. So not only is the Prioress/Abbot responsible for all those others in community but also himself. This provides yet another reason for the superior to remember to teach by example as well as by words.

All of us have the role of leadership to others in big or small ways. It can be as an elder to the young, as a mentor to those new at a job, as a parent, a teacher or a coach. These all require that we model for one another the appropriate behaviors that are expected.

How am I being a good example in life today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Doing the Impossible

Trusting in God's help, he must in love obey. RB80.68.5

Okay, so I am asked to do something I consider impossible. This request is not just something outside of my comfort zone but pretty much out of the realm of possibility. What am I to do???

I, personally, have never been known to step away from a challenge--no matter what form it might take. But then, I have never really been asked to do anything that I consider impossible or unbearable, just difficult at times.

When I first entered community, I had a well rehearsed list of things that I would never plan on doing...so don't even ask. This list included everything from never driving on less than ideal roads, to not ever choosing to eat unfamiliar foods, to not wanting to spend hours attached to an office. Needless to say, I have tried doing most of these things at one time or another. The secret was to be open enough to trust that those in leadership might possibly have a fuller vision of the truth than I might have at the time.

In chapter 68, Benedict encourages the person to accept "impossible" tasks quietly and at least try to do what was being asked. There is an opportunity to plead a case to be relieved of the burden but only after an honest attempt has been made to fulfil the request. If even after this the request still stands, the person is to accept the assignment quietly and rely on God's grace.

What I have found for myself is that when I am willing to suspend my own will even for a little while and try a new task...the impossible may actually turn out to be possible and I might even discover that I have new talents.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Example and Teaching

Goodness of life and wisdom in teaching must be the criteria for choosing the one to be made abbot, even if he is the last in community rank. RB80.64.2

Goodness of life (virtue) and wisdom in teaching (example) are to be the criteria for choosing the leader.

The leader needs to be one who is familiar with the rules and guidelines and has shown understanding of them through the way life is lived. Ideally, the person in charge is someone who also is a good follower and a good team player. I need to know how to be part of the group before I can accept the responsibility of directing others. How am I living according to the prescribed guidelines of the group?

It is often said that actions speak much louder than words. Am I showing others through my own example how to live in harmony with others? Do my attitudes and actions betray some form of inner conflict with existing norms or with those in authority?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Proper Timing

Necessary items are to be requested and given at the proper times, so that no one may be disquieted or distressed in the house of God. RB80.31.18-19

Timing is everything. The timing of a legitimate request and the filling of the request can make a person's day more stressful, more anxiety producing or more calm and peaceful. If I am not sure exactly when my need will be filled after I have politely asked, I can become more worried or hypervigilant. That is unnecessary stress for everyone involved--for me, for the person filling the request and for those around me.

As the person filling the request of another, Benedict continually reminds me that I should not use whatever power I may have at the time to stress others out, to see how much they can beg before I fulfill their request. That would not be in the realm of proper use of authority in any group, it would be more like tyranny. Benedict reminds the person designated to fill the material needs of the community to be humble and gentle in filling needs even when the answer must be "No" to someone.

How do I respond when others ask me for something?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Submitting to Authority

The third step of humility is that a man submits to his superior in all obedience for the love of God, imitating the Lord of whom the Apostle says: He became obedient even to death (Phil 2:8) RB80.7.34

I like things MY way...I have always liked things MY way. MY way is generally best. There is a slight problem here, though. Most people I encounter feel the same about their system for doing things. So when there are so many different ways and all are the best, how to I decide what plan to follow to avoid chaos.

In the 3rd step of Humility, Benedict recommends obedience to legitimate authority for the love of God in keeping with Jesus' own obedience to the Father--an obedience that led to the Cross. That type of obedience definitely has a price...am I ready to be that obedient?

On my best days, I would like to say that I am ready to embrace another's way with only slight reservation...but that is only on my really awesome days. On most regular days, I am willing to at least consider obedience. How can I get more of those best days in my regular life?

LISTENING seems to be the key: listening to myself, to others, and to daily encounters opens me up to that obedience that I desire and of which Benedict speaks.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

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

Receiving What Is Needed

The abbot, however, must always bear in mind what is said in the Acts of the Apostles: 'Distribution was made to each one as he had need' (Acts 4:35). In this way the abbot will take into account the weaknesses of the needy, not the evil will of the envious; yet in all his judgments he must bear in mind God's retribution. RB 55.20-22

All of my needs are taken care of--that is a comforting thought. I do not have to worry about my own clothing, my supplies, my tools for ministry, the equipment I need to fulfill my daily tasks. What I do need is to practice trust--trust in the leadership of the group and trust the group to get me what is necessary.

• There is no need for me to devise my own private stash of food, supplies, tools, necessities for a day that might not be as plentiful. Although it is comforting to know that I have enough for myself and everyone else.
• There is no need to look over what others have and long for their possessions. Unless, of course, I am also willing to take on the responsibilities that often come with new gadgets. The iPhone does not look as appealing when I realize that having it will require that I also take on two new responsibilities within our group.
• I do not need to compare what I have with what others seem to get because I know that everyone has exactly what is needed at that time.

May I always remember to keep my focus on my own piece of creation.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Getting What I Need

It is written: 'Distribution was made to each one as he had need' (Acts 4:35). By this we do not imply that there should be favoritism--God forbid--but rather consideration for weaknesses. RB80.34.1-2

Parents will often say that they love all of their children...but show that love and care in different ways for each. Everyone responds in a different manner to various situations; being an individual particular interests and need should be taken into account. For example, my younger brother could easily be coaxed into doing things with the promise of more tech time; whereas I would probably more interested in a new book or more social time with friends.

Today, Benedict reminds us that all need to receive what they need. There is really no 'one size fits all' in any community--family, team, classroom, workplace. The talented leader is able to look at the group and assess what will be the most successful for the whole. Do they need more encouragement? Do they need to be challenged? Do they respond well to more time? What is the 'magic blend' for each person on the team?

When I am called to be a leader even in a small way, I need to remember the individual as well as the whole. I need to be aware of what will help the group as well as what the member needs to succeed.

How am I being aware of the needs of those I work with today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Grudging Obedience

If a disciple obeys grudgingly and grumbles, not only aloud but also in his heart, then, even though he carries out the order, his action will not be accepted with favor by God, who sees that he is grumbling in his heart. RB80.5.17-18

There is a way in which I can seem to obey (and maybe obey fairly readily) in my actions yet be complaining or arguing within myself. This outward obedience is a skill that I perfected during my teens and early adult years. It was an outward compliance usually accompanied with an eye roll and inner rebellion. I could be made to obey but I would not do so willingly.

I would hope that maturity has brought about different behavior from me but that is not always the case. I need to examine my motivations and evaluate my obedience or hesitancy towards it.

Here are some questions that I find valuable at times to consider:

• Is the request unreasonable or does it seem so because I don't want to obey?
• What is the cost of obedience today? Is it worth the extra energy to fight against the request?
• Am I hesitating because of a power struggle?
• Is my reluctance fear based?
• In the larger picture, is this a negotiable issue or something that I can learn a life lesson from?

These are just a few of the questions that I ask myself when considering my reluctance towards obedience. I need to be able to trust whoever is in authority over me and God to be looking out for my good.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Leading by Example

...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. RB80.2.12

Many have heard that actions speak louder than words. This principle is as valid for children as for adults. It is always easier for me to understand a new concept by seeing it lived out than by hearing someone talk or teach about different ideas.

I need to remember that also when I am in a leadership position. Many times the actions and attitudes of a person are much more influential than the actual words used. Friends who have known me for a while will tell me what a gesture or action of mine helped them to do something a little differently. I've usually forgotten the action by now. It helps me to realize that I can be an agent for growth to others many times during the day. That is an awesome responsibility.

How am I helping others to grow today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Characteristic of Leadership

To be worthy of the task of governing a monastery, the abbot must always remember what his title signifies and act as a superior should. RB80.2.1

Who can be considered worthy of leading a group (coaching, teaching, parenting, supervising)? In the leadership positions I have held, I quickly came to realize that while leadership can be an honor there is also a responsibility and a great burden involved.

Here are some of the thoughts that can travel through my mind when I am in a leadership role:

• How will I respond when something goes majorly wrong (afterall, it will happen eventually)?
• How do I adjust my style to other's needs? I know that I can tend to be really intense and somewhat overbearing at times.
• How do I acknowledge everyones gifts appropriately?
• Did I communicate my expectations well?
• I need God's grace and wisdom in every situation.

Something I have learned over the years is that every project does not have to be all about ME and how good I will look at the end. Everything I do is actually for God's greater honor and glory and for the good of the whole group--not for my own pride and recognition. If I remember that it is actually a team effort that I am part of (greater than just Catherine), I can more easily give God thanks for successes and also learn to roll when things do not work out perfectly.

How am I leading others today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

The Cellarer

As cellarer of the monastery, there should be chosen from the community someone who is wise, mature in conduct, temperate, not an excessive eater, not proud, excitable, offensive, dilatory or wasteful, but God-fearing, and like a father to the whole community. He will take care of everything, but will do nothing without an order from the abbot. Let him keep to his orders.
He should not annoy the brothers. If any brother happens to make an unreasonable demand of him, he should not reject him with disdain and cause him distress, but reasonably and humbly deny the improper request. Let him keep watch over his own soul, ever mindful of that saying of the Apostle: He who serves well secures a good standing for himself (1 Tim 3:13). He must show every care and concern for the sick, children, guests and the poor, knowing for certain that he will be held accountable for all of them on the day of judgment. He will regard all utensils and goods of the monastery as sacred vessels of the altar, aware that nothing is to be neglected. He should not be prone to greed, nor be wasteful and extravagant with the goods of the monastery, but should do everything with moderation and according to the abbot’s orders. (RB80.31.1-12)

Benedict provides us today with the qualities required of the monastery cellarer. Every group has a "cellarer" of sorts...just under a different guise. Families have parents, sports teams have the team manager, work places have HR. There is a need for a person or persons who are the "go to" person on projects, events or activities.

Benedict's ideal person is not excitable, reasonable, kind, considerate and wise. This person has the skill necessary to say no and leave the person feeling as though they received a gift. The superior possesses many qualities that parallel those required for the cellarer. They are so close that the cellarer is warned twice to not do anything that would not be readily endorsed by the leader. There needs to be a trust that whether the superior asks it or one of her assistants ask that the same values and philosophy will be proposed.

The qualities of the cellarer are personal traits that I hope to possess someday. May I remain open to God's voice in my life to accept these qualities when they are offered to me.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

The Right Touch

Every age and level of understanding should receive appropriate treatment. RB80.30.1

Growing up as the oldest in our family, I never really understood why the younger ones always seemed to receive different treatment than I did. I believed in a world of justice and fairness where everyone is treated equally. That all makes lots of sense as long as everyone is identical and all situations are equal. Unfortunately, that is rarely the case.

So...did I seriously want my parents to treat me with as much care as they did my brother who was often sick (and never really got to have much fun)? Did I really want to be protected like my sister who being the youngest probably did need a bit more protection? Do I really want to be held to the same standard as everyone else (even though it might not be as effective for me)? Benedict relied on the wisdom of the superior to be able to discern what was the best approach to deal with each situation.

May I trust leadership enough to handle situations as is wisest.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Unhesitating Obedience

…they walk according to another’s decisions and directions…(RB80.5.12)

I never seem to stop being amazed and edified at the manner in which some of my sisters accept what the superior asks of them. It is not difficult to accept an assignment in the profession in which you are already trained, but it is most difficult to accept an assignment in a profession for which you are untrained and for which you have no desire to enter. But my friends—Sr Assumpta and Sr Scholastica were asked to do that. They were asked to be teachers. Sr Assumpta wanted to spend time on the farm with the chickens, cows and the garden; Sr Scholastica was a carpenter of sorts and an artist with many talents. But both put aside their concerns and their own will and prepared to be teachers. Both spent some 20+ years in the classroom: Sr Assumpta with 1st graders and Sr Scholastica with art classes. Both are among our most successful and beloved teachers. Sr Assumpta is teaching 1st graders in heaven now, but Sr Scholastica is still among us using her carpentry and artistic talents.

They both “walked according to another’s decisions and directions” and God blessed them and our community for doing so.


Sr. Veronica, OSB

The Buck Stops Here

The abbot must, therefore, be aware that the shepherd will bear the blame wherever the father of the household finds that the sheep have yielded no profit. Still, if he has faithfully shepherded a restive and disobedient flock, always striving to cure their unhealthy ways, it will be otherwise: the shepherd will be acquitted at the Lord’s judgment. Then, like the Prophet, he may say to the Lord: I have not hidden your justice in my heart; I have proclaimed your truth and your salvation (Ps 39[40]:11), but they spurned and rejected me (Isa 1:2; Ezek 20:27). (RB80.2.7--9)

When I was young, I always fantasized about how things would be if I ever got a chance at leadership. To me, being the leader seemed exciting and fascinating. I had great desire for power and control even as a child (probably also a hidden desire to be bossy). I had solutions and opinions about world issues, school issues, family issues, even playground concerns. Things would be different if I were in charge.

Looking at today's passage from the Rule, though, I get a different impression of leadership. It is not about the power and prestige but about who gets the blame for how the group as a whole behaves. At Judgment Day, the leader will be evaluated according to how well the team listened and obeyed. If the superior did her best job at explaining the spiritual life and what was expected then the members are responsible for themselves in whether they obey or not. If, however, the leader was careless about his duties in showing others how to live then their failure will be the leader's fault. It makes leadership seem a little less glamourous but does call me to remember my share of responsibility for my actions.

As I travel through life, being a leader in small ways, I pray that I will be one that brings others closer to God and everlasting 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

Proper Use of Authoriry

For me, one of the hardest aspects of authority is communication and equality issues. I strive always to be clear and fair in my communication and decision making (sometimes to the point of examining an issue to death). My concern is to make sure that I am not speaking from hidden motives. I long to be a person of integrity.

Being the oldest in my family, I had many opportunities to exercise my leadership and responsibility skills. I learned to use various different approaches to help others see where there is benefit to compromise and dialogue. I have increased my tolerance and patience over the years. Where I would have yelled or cried when I was younger, I have now learned to take many of these issues to prayer or to a wise friend. I am still far from an expert at this--but I hope to become more skilled in this art daily.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Getting the Right Blend

Benedict asks the leader of the community to have a multitude of people skills. It would almost be easier for all leaders to be extroverts but then we would lose much wisdom from the more reserved leaders among us.

In reading the list of qualities and attributes that the superior needs to lead a group well, I am reminded of an artist mixing paints. My parents and younger sister are all artists of sorts and I remember watching them spend hours mixing and blending paints to get various nuances of colors. Where I (a definite, non-artist) would be tempted to just slosh some colors together and call it good enough, my sister would patiently add a dab of two or three colors, stir and evaluate before finishing. That is the type of care that is required of the Prioress.

Every person and every situation must be considered individually--what is good in one situation is totally inappropriate in another. Care must be taken to ponder every option and do what seems best. This process is usually not a rush job. The leader holds the burden of everyone's failure as well as the glory of all successes. Benedict encourages those in authority to pray well and to adjust all responses to the particular circumstance.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Qualities of A Leader

The qualities of the prioress or superior of a community are proposed by Benedict in Chapter 64 of the Rule. The two major criteria for leadership are: merit of life and wisdom in teaching. So, it seems that for Benedict setting a good example and teaching truth seem to be what is necessary to lead. No where in this chapter do we hear about the leader being the most popular, the most charming, or the most powerful. It is more important to be authentic and to have integrity. A very different picture from what is seen in our social and political lives.

I get the image of the leader in Benedict's model as a conductor of an orchestra that can blend the various instruments and their qualities into a beautiful tapestry of sound--even those of us that are sometimes slightly out of tune.

May we continue to learn to live this life in the footsteps of our founding generations.

Sr. Catherine, OSB