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?

• 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

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

On Lukewarmness

For monks who in a week’s time say less than the full psalter with the customary canticles betray extreme indolence and lack of devotion in their service. We read, after all, that our holy Fathers, energetic as they were, did all this in a single day. Let us hope that we, lukewarm as we are, can achieve it in a whole week. RB80.18.24-25

It is not uncommon for older generations to look upon the younger with dismay over they lack of energy, motivation, enthusiasm and fervor displayed in the younger. Parents often remind children that when they were young things were much tougher in life. Elders often shake their heads wondering what will happen to the coming generations.

That is the sense portrayed today in Benedict's reference to the holy Fathers who were much more devoted and energetic than the present group. I can choose to dwell on the shortcomings of the present generation or I can choose to be grateful for those thousands who have gone before me in this life of faith. I can decide today to take them as my models of strength, fidelity and perseverance. I can be grateful for the life which they founded for us.

How am I showing my gratitude today for our founding generations? How can I be an example for those who come after me?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Prefering Nothing to Christ

Let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ, and may he bring us all together to everlasting life. RB80.72.11-12

I have a bookmark that has this quote from the Rule in Spanish. It is probably my favorite bookmark....not because of its artistic beauty but because it reminds me what is most important in life. Most important in my life, and in the life of any Christian.

I must remember to put on Christ daily and to use Christ as the model of who I am today and who I am called to be (my true identity). If I follow Christ with all the passion that exists within me, Christ will bring everyone to everlasting life (our end goal).

This is not always easy. I have to remember to choose Christ daily, sometimes hourly. I need to be reminded of my initial commitment from time to time. But, ultimately, I do want to follow Christ and be brought to everlasting life.

How am I showing that Christ is my true goal today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Protecting Your Soul

The monastery should, if possible, be so constructed that within it all necessities, such as water, mill and garden are contained, and the various crafts are practiced. Then there will be no need for the monks to roam outside, because this is not at all good for their souls. RB80.66.7-8

Benedict envisioned a monastic complex which would be self-sufficient. There would be little need, if any, to leave the property to take care of the needs of the members. That probably was reasonable in the 6th century but is highly improbable in the 21st.

So...how does a person maintain the focus of monastic values even as they navigate the daily challenges of life in our world. Part of the answer, I think, is in remembering that we are meant to be in the world but not necessarily of the world. We are to function within the parameters of society but also show a different response to the events around us. We are called to be radically counter-cultural.

• Where society might encourage us to value a person for their productivity, I am to take time to listen to the old and the young, the sick, the weak, the poor....and value their insights.
• When my natural tendency is to rush from one thing to the next, I am to be mindful of the world around me and God's love in each moment. I need to take time to listen and be present to life.
• When I am encouraged to think only of #1 and to be competitive in all aspects of life, Benedict encourages me to be #1 only in showing respect and love to others.

How am I called to be present to the world but not of the world today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

First in Respect

They should each try to be the first to show respect to the other (Rom. 12:10)

Benedict uses this short verse from Paul's letter to the Romans to emphasize the attitude that should exist within the community--between members. Benedict knew that many are competitive by nature and strive to be first...so why not try to be the first at showing others respect (in treating them as Christ).

That is an appealing concept to me since I love being noticed for my accomplishments and am always looking for new ways to excel in life. How about trying to win the gold medal in showing care and respect to others? That sounds live a goal to strive for--one that would take daily practice and lots of work.

What are some ways in which I can show respect to my friends, teammates, coworkers today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Preparing for the Race

...we must run and do now what will profit us forever. (RB80.Prol. 44)

I am very competitive and I am generally successful in competitions. For me, my success is mostly luck rather than skill and training.

When I was younger, the thing that distinguished me from being a good student and a superior one was the amount of time and effort placed on studying. If I could get an A by listening, guessing well, and knowing how to talk or write myself out of any difficult question--why bother studying? Consequently, I would get the A's but not the A+s, which unfortunately held the scholarships and great prizes.

Now, I am being faced with running and putting into practice those principles which will eventually profit me in the end. Running sounds a little too sweaty and strenuous for me. I would much rather consider the requirement and slowly put them into practice after much sincere consideration. Obviously, that is not Benedict's plan. What are the practices to which he is alluding here? They are God's commands from before: seek peace, love good not evil, be sincere, always have the truth in my heart, and seek God. Can I live by these? The way to show that I am willing to live by these is to make an immediate change with God's grace. It will not be easy but it can be done.

I pray always to be willing to follow God's plan for me.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

On Naming

There is power in a name.



I remember growing up that I could always tell whether I was in trouble by the way my parents called my name. There was a particular form of my name they used that can still strike fear in my heart. There was also a way of calling me that would calm me down if I was extra nervous or anxious.



Today, Benedict talks about people, names and forms of respect in Chapter 63 of the Rule. Benedict reminds us to strive to be the first to show respect and reverence to the other person. This is yet another way in which our acting should be different from the world's way. I am invited to show respect, reverence and care for the others even in the way that I address them.



May I always remember to show the same respect for others that I would like shown to me.



Sr. Catherine, OSB

Preparing Our Hearts and Bodies

In order to be an accomplished athlete, musician, artist, training and diligent practice are necessary. I would never consider signing up to run a marathon if I can barely jog to the end of the block; it would be ridiculous to sign up for MENSA if I barely made it past 5th grade. Common sense tells us that there are many things that cannot be attempted successfully without proper training. Some things might even be dangerous to try without training.

Isn't our spiritual life worth the effort needed to become spiritually fit? Isn't the time invested in learning scripture, studying our faith, building a relationship with God, just as necessary to our well being?

Above are two photos taken at the recent FOCUS Conference in Orlando.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Service Within Community

One of the most striking ways in which monastic communities are different from secular culture are in the way we elect leadership in community.

The word "election" brings images of campaigning, voting, competition, promises to mind--all of which are part of the American election process. In a monastic context though, there are surprisingly few instances of campaigning, competition or promises found. In a monastic setting, election is made after much prayer, discernment, discussion and goal setting. It is a very dialogical type of process. The community strives to set goals for the future and to select the person who God seems to be preparing to help lead the community in the meeting of these goals. There is little illusion of power and most times the person feels somewhat overwhelmed at the task at hand.

Taking this model of servant-leadership that is directed by prayer, I often wonder what corporate America would look like if directed in this way.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Following the Rules

…a monk does only what is endorsed… (RB 7.55)

There is no room in monasteries, friendships, families, work places for the perpetually special. No one can be the leader all the time, the star at everything, the exception to every rule.

This section of Chapter 7 reminds us that there is holiness and virtue in doing only what is prescribed and expected. This concept is counter to what society tries to instill in us in encouraging everyone to be the best, be the first, be the most outstanding.

Maybe God’s invitation is to be the best in following the example set before us. Maybe we are invited to be the best in respect, reverence, love and service.

May we all find ourselves winning in this race.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

A New Kind of #1

...a monk is content with the lowest and most menial treatment,… (RB 7.49).

Humility is starting to lose its appeal. Not only am I being asked to be honest about whom I really am, now Benedict invites me to be happy with the worst and with being the last! What kind of program would ask that of me?

This section causes major problems for me since I’ve always thought that it is healthy and natural to be competitive, to want to be #1. Here I am invited to be #1 in different way—to be #1 in love, patience, gentleness, trust, listening and serving…a new kind of #1. In this kind of quiet competition, I can strive to be #1 in imitating Jesus and the saints. Those aren’t bad role models to have.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

An Upside Down World

…Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted (Luke 14:11; 18:14) (RB 7.1)

This is an upside down world. What should be up is down and the down is up! How confusing!

Humility seems to tell me that I should never think about myself or acknowledge my strengths and uniqueness. At first glance, humility is asking me to melt into the background, become invisible. An image which to me is about as appealing as luke warm dishwater. Yuck!

True humility, though, has to do with an awareness of the truth of who I really am. I know that I am not the best at everything or the worst. I am created and loved by God. I have been given many talents and abilities that I am invited to use for the sake of others.

How am I using these gifts today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

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.” (RB 2.21)

So, St. Benedict understands competition as a part of human nature and so do we. He is brilliant here as he calls us to good works and humility. The paradox and internal reality of this challenge is outlined in the coming chapters of the Rule. Good works and humility draw us deeply into the love of God which surpasses all we might have “expected” of ourselves and others.

Sr. Barbara, OSB