Living the Scriptures

The readings from the Rule at this point address community prayer--how the prayer is to be structured, what psalms are recited at each hour, all the practical aspects of praying as a group.

One of the things that strikes me from our passage from Chapter 10 of the Rule (today's selection) is the mention of the reading from Scripture being recited by heart. I happen to have a good memory and find memorizing selections from literature fairly easy. In order for me to be able to memorize and recite a piece fluidly, I need to make the passage part of who I am. I need to develop a relationship with it and incorporate it into my daily life.

That is what ideally should happen to my from praying the psalms daily and from my personal lectio. After engaging with Scripture daily over a period of time, whether 5 years, 50, 70 or a lifetime, ideally my own life would be a version of the Scripture....a vibrant retelling of God's message of love to the world.

I need to ask myself regularly: is the Gospel message that I am living authentic and life-giving? Is it the message that will attract others to follow Christ and to consider living our monastic way of life?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Reception of Guests

Great care and concern are to be shown in receiving poor people and pilgrims, because in them more particularly Christ is received; our very awe of the rich guarantees them special respect. RB80.53.15 The hospitality that Benedict is calling forth in community is an openning of myself, my life, my home, my comfort for the sake of the other...no matter how inconvenient or uncomfortable. He actually recommends that extra kindness and care be shown to those who are least likely to be the "desired" guest--the poor, the traveler, the elderly, the young, the sick. These guests require a little extra effort on my part because they come needier. Benedict makes reference to Matthew 25 in his instructions for the care of the guest since Christ is to be received in all who show up at our doors--no matter how hard it is to see Christ. There are some among us for whom this type of open welcome comes naturally. It is as if they were born with an innate ability to be welcoming and open to all and everyone who crosses their path. That is a true talent. My mom was like that...she was able to see beyond outward appearances and to treat everyone as a treasured friend. This skill is present even to this day in the number of people that my parents know from the neighborhood, church, and town that consider my parents among their special friends. I would like to believe that I learned that skill from my parents and am continuing to grow in that. When I am attentive to my surroundings, I am able to be open to all I meet. I find that most when I am traveling and fellow passengers strike up conversations with me along the way. I always feel richer for the experience of openning myself up to others. How can I be more open to Christ in my life today in others? Sr. Catherine, OSB

The More Vulnerable

Since their lack of strength must always be taken into account, they should certainly not be required to follow the strictness of the rule with regard to food, but should be treated with kindly consideration and allowed to eat before the regular hours. RB80.37.2-3

Chapters 36 and 37 of the Rule of Benedict deal with the sick (chapter 36) and the elderly and the young (chapter 37). These two chapters deal with those who are especially vulnerable and defenceless and can easily be forgotten. Benedict requires that special care be given to those who have special needs but might not be able to advocate for themselves. He relates our treatment of those with special concerns with the Gospel scene from Matthew 25.34-40.

What are some practical ways through which I can be compassionate and aware of the needs of all in the group--whether family, team, office or community?

1. Remembering to treat all as individuals. Taking the time to be aware of the special issues which might be troublesome and relevant for each person. What are the stumbling blocks to avoid?
2. Use the same compassion towards others that I would like to receive myself. Taking the Golden Rule a step further.
3. Not set my expectations or standards unreasonably high. I usually have more issues when I set my personal expectations at a level higher than humanly possible (either for myself or others).
4. Take time to slow down before reacting. Problems arise when I expect everyone to have the some values or beliefs that I have.

God calls me daily to be open and compassionate towards those I encounter daily because it is through relationships that I grow in holiness and self-awareness.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

The Lord's Prayer at Common Prayer

Assuredly, the celebration of Lauds and Vespers must never pass without the superior's reciting the entire Lord's Prayer at the end for all to hear, because thorns of contention are likely to spring up. Thus warned by the pledge they make to one another in the very words of this prayer: Forgive us as we forgive (Matt 6:12), they may cleanse themselves of this kind of vice. RB80. 13.12-13

Anytime that a group is gathered together to work on a project, be part of a team or interact closely for an extended period of time, differences of opinion, misunderstandings and minor hurts are likely to spring up. Benedict seems to have understood this concept from his observations of human nature. Knowing this potential, Benedict sets forth that the Lord's Prayer should be recited at least twice daily (morning and evening). This would serve as a gentle reminder that we are to be a forgiving people if we are to work for any length of time together in peace.

The line that Benedict focuses on is: Forgive us as we forgive (Matt 6.12). This line in the prayer helps me to remember that just as I am seeking God's mercy and forgiveness; others are also seeking the same from me. It helps me to remember that I need to work on my own faults first before I even consider holding others accountable for theirs. Good as I might want to appear, I am not above reproach.

This form of reality check helps me to be more patient and understanding with others. In a sense, we are all doing the best we can given our personal situations. This reminder helps me to be at least a little less judgemental of others (at least in theory).

How am I forgiving others today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Leading By Example

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

In setting forth the principle criteria for selecting leadership, Benedict puts forth goodness of life and wisdom in teaching as the key elements in this selection. Benedict is not looking for the most successful, the most popular or the most brilliant--he is looking for an over-all good monastic who can set a good example for the group.

There is a piece of folk wisdom that asserts that the best leaders are those who have learned to be good team members and who are able to follow another's lead. St. Benedict seems to be saying the same today about leadership. If the leader is not already a good community member familiar with patiently following another's lead, leadership tasks will be much more cumbersome.

How am I training for leadership today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Avoiding Excesses

I can have it ALL--everything that I can dream or imagine.

Growing up that could easily have been seen as my philosophy of life.

Since I am capable, independent and resourceful, I grew up truly believing that there was not much that could place limits on my capacities, especially since I also had an abundance of energy. As I have matured in life, I have come to realize that I am really not unstoppable (possessing all capabilities) and that all of my abilities are a direct gift from God (not a product of my own creativity). It has taken many years but I have slowly learned to accept my human limitations, my dependence of God and my own frailty.

This awareness is what Benedict speaks of when addressing moderation. There needs to be a conscious balance in our lives. I need to work everyday to carve out space for God, leisure and self-care. I work to achieve equilibrium in my life so that my lack of balance does not unduly affect my work or those around me.

How am I balancing my life today.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Calling on God's Presence

Benedict directs that God's divine presence and intervention be called at all community prayer times. The verses he recommends are the following: O God, come to my assistance. O Lord, make haste to help me.

These two short verses help to keep me focused throughout the day and at our prayer times. It is important for me to remember to call on God regularly for assistance in my daily encounters. It is only with God's help and through his grace that any of my plans are able to be successful.

I also need to call on God with urgency. Many times I forget that my many successes and accomplishments are not achieved by virtue of my great power, intelligence or brilliance. It is only through God's graciousness that any of my projects are able to succeed at all. These are two good points for me to remember.

Am I remembering to call on God regularly for help? Do I remember to acknowledge God's providence in my life?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

We Parise You, God

After the fourth responsory, the abbot begins the hymn "We praise you, God." RB80.11.8

Singing eternal praise to God.

Someone asked me recently what my image of heaven was. I must say that since I don't like thinking about death very much, I had never spent much time thinking about heaven (or life after death) much either. It made me stop and realize that if I truly believe that I am destined for eternal life, it might be a good idea to ponder what it might look like.

This morning brings me two instances where the praise of God is mentioned. As I listened, I was struck with the idea that for me that is central to my image of heaven. More than an actual place, it is a state of being in which my total attitude is praise of God and gratitude. I am far from there right now...but there still is time left for me to cultivate this posture within my life.

Here are some practical ways:

• Practice praising God on awaking, thanking God for the gift of life, creation and our many blessings.
• Develop a gratitude list--jotting down small instance of thanksgiving throughout the day. Bedtime would be a good time to review list daily.
• Stopping to say a quick thanks to God throughout the day--rather than stressing over how long the wait is at the grocery store or at the 10th red light I've encountered today.
• Pausing a second before answering the phone to thank God for the gift of the person on the other end of the call.

These are just a few ways in which I can cultivate more gratitude in my life today. In a sense, this practice will not only make my life more enjoyable now but will also prepare me for heaven.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Reverence to the Holy Trinity

As soon as the cantor begins to sing "Glory be to the Father," let all the monks rise from their seats in honor and reverence for the Holy Trinity. RB80.9.7

One of the things that I love about our prayer is the rituals that are involved. I don't like ritual just for the sake of ritual, but I find value in intentional actions performed for a specific purpose.

One of the monastic rituals that has a special place in my heart is the bow at the "Glory be to the Father." When I was younger, I had very little sense of why we would stand at the beginning of this prayer and bow during the portion that praises God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I guess I had never read to the end of the sentence quoted today since the reason for the bow is stated quite clearly--it is to show honor and reverence for the Holy Trinity.

If I truly believe that I live in God's presence all the time, everywhere, then my interior disposition should be one of honor and reverence to God in whose presence I abide. Through my actions, words and attitudes I need to look for ways that speak of that honor and reverence daily. That belief needs to be one of the elements that sets me apart from the world both as a Christian and as a monastic woman.

How am I showing honor and reverence to God around me today?

Sr. Catherine

Stability in the Community

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

Chapter 4 of the Rule of Benedict speaks of the Tools of Good Works or as some translators refer to it, The Tools of the Spiritual Craft. We have just finished listing the various tools or skills which are necessary in order to live Christian/monastic life well. It is a list which includes the 10 Commandments, the Golden Rule, the 2 Great Commandments as well as bits of common folk wisdom.

Living a life according to the Tools of Good Works sounds a bit like an ideal at times. After all, there are 78 verses of wisdom contained in this chapter. Who but the most diligent among us can live up to these precepts if not all the time, at least half the time??? I know I can't.

My natural tendency would be to run in the face of such a daunting task. I do not like to fail...so if failure is a possibility (or a sure certainty) I think I will just opt out. But this is about living life fully, I have to at least make the attempt.

Today's passage gives me a glimmer of hope to persevere. It invites me to remain at the task I committed to at the start. It reminds me that although I may not get it perfectly all the time, or even any of the time, all I am asked to do is to remain faithful to the life I chose when I said yes to the monastic life. I don't have to get it right, I just have to keep trying with everyone else.

How am I using the tools of good works in my life today?

Sr. Catherine

Yearning for Everlasting Life

Yearn for everlasting life with holy desire. RB80.4.46

I LOVE life. I thoroughly enjoy the experience of awakening every morning to all the new opportunities available. To me, every new day is filled with a myriad of new experiences, adventures and ways to discover God in our world.

That being said...I need to examine whether I truly yearn for everlasting life with holy desire. Is it the fullness of life that I love or is it a life which is basically more of the life I live now? I would like to say that I seek the fullness of life...afterall, who would settle for anything less?

But what does this life look like? What is this fullness to which we are called through our baptism?

We are taught that the essential vocation of all baptized Christians is a life of holiness, modeled after Jesus. We are called to be "saints-in-progress." We are called to a life of love of God and others. We are invited to serve others within our respective communities and to be witnesses to the life,death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

If I am truly seeking to life the fullness of life daily, I need to ask myself: What face of Christ am I showing today to those I encounter?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Seeking Advice of All

The reason why we have said all should be called for counsel is that the Lord often reveals what is better to the younger. RB80.3.3

It seems counter-intuitive to seek the advice of the young among us especially in very important matters. Yet, that is exactly what Benedict is suggesting. Benedict recommends seeking input for all...but why?

The explicit answer Benedict provides is that the Lord often reveals what is better to the younger. Here we are reminded of the stories of Samuel, Daniel, David and Solomon. All of whom were known to be quite young and not a very likely choice for wisdom when God chose them to lead the Israelite community in different ways.

There is also a more practical reason for consulting the young. While our elders provide us with the wisdom of experience, the young can often ask the tough, incisive questions which will take us into the future. The young are often unafraid of change and trying things a new way to make carry the vision and mission of the group into the future. They often have the energy we need to implement changes.

May we never be afraid of listening to the wisdom of the young.

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

Leading By Word and Deed

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)

Parents are often criticized for leading their families with a "Do as I say, not as I do" attitude. It seems more than a little incongruous for a leader to say one thing and then act in a manner opposite to the teaching. Children tend to be sponges who absorb their environment much more than follow straight teaching--even when it seems that they are not really paying attention.

I am a good example of this theory. Growing up, I made it a point to appear as though I really did not care about anything and that I was not paying attention to life around me. Secretly, though, I was assessing everything I saw and passing judgement on all. I was also learning by watching everything carefully.

The things that stick out in my mind the most are the examples of lived faith that I saw in our household. Although we did not speak about religion, church and belief much growing up, I watched my parents and grandparents care deeply for the needy and the stranger. I saw multiple examples of compassion as my parents took on various local and world wide causes--either through awareness raising or through actual charitable works. I was fortunate to get a world wide education through my travels with my grandparents as a child.

All of these things became part of my own lived faith as I matured and have served me well in ministry and in life. We cannot underestimate the value of lived faith as an example for others.

How am I reflecting God's love today?

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

Sharing at Table

When I first entered community, table conversation was one of the skills that I was definitely lacking in me. I totally missed the point of conversation and sharing at table. I came from a family that although we were physically present for every meal together it was often much easier to eat rapidly and in silence (less arguments among siblings and less unpleasant encounters).

When I entered community, most of my conversation skills were weak. I did not know how to make "small talk" and it really did not make a whole lot of sense to me since it seemed like politeness without a purpose. Since then, I have worked at learning the art of table conversation--not always successfully.

Table conversation and real listening are skills that are hard to establish. I need to work on those everyday and make slow progress. I need to be okay with baby steps as frustrating as they might appear.

May I always be willing to learn new skills.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Distribution of Goods

Chapter 55 of the Rule uses the following sentence from the Acts of the Apostles as its starting point: "distribution was made to each according as anyone had need" (Acts 4:35). This sentence implies that every person will receive what is needed not necessarily what is wanted. Although I am generally clear on the difference between my needs and my desires, I do get confused at times and will often look around to see what others have that I don't.

Why does my neighbor get an upgraded cell phone when I have the same one I've had for the last five years?

Why do I only have two pairs of shoes when everyone else seems to have at least four?

Why does this person always seem to be excused from table dishes and cooking while some of us are on the schedule more frequently?

It is always best to keep my heart and mind centered on what I need not on what I find so appealing that others might have--more gadgets, more time, better clothes. I have found that often with these "more" things that I envy comes more responsibilities and more headaches.

May I always remember the difference between needs and wants.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Simplicity in Life

Things tend to multiply spontaneously for me. The more I try to run from bits of paper, books, notebooks, etc. the more the pile seems to grow. For every piece of paper or other thing that I either throw out, regift, or return to its rightful place, there is always something to replace it--or various somethings. I have heard that nature abhors a vacuum but this is ridiculous.

Unfortunately, this is not only an exterior phenomenon in my life--I tend to collect interior clutter also. Things like anger, resentment, envy, and bitterness can seem to overtake ever bit of space within my mind and heart at times. I find it much easier to remember the one cross word rather than the thousand kindness that are shown to me.

How can I remove the excess negativity within my soul so that I can better reflect God's love to others?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

A Transforming Moment

Twenty-six years ago today, our community accepted three young women into the monastic community. The same thing happened the following year, again on August 6, the Feast of the Transfiguration. I was in the second group of three that entered.

In my twenty-something mind, I remember being scared as the entrance hour approached ("What am I getting myself into?") and excited since this was a new adventure. I looked at my classmates and assessed their ability to sticking it out forever (I was pretty naive and idealistic at that time.). I recall looking around and being amazed at the many women of faith that I saw around me--wondering if I would ever "grow up to be like them."

Twenty-five years later, much of the initial glow and excitement has settled into dailiness yet I never cease to be amazed at the women that I live with daily. I thank God for the gift of community and for God's gift of fidelity to our monastic way of life.

Hospitality--Accepting All as Christ

Great care and concern are to be shown in receiving poor people and pilgrims, because in them more particularly Christ is received; our very awe of the rich guarantees them special respect. RB80.53.15

Hospitality is one of the monastic values that I took to quite easily as a young Sister. Afterall, I am an extrovert and enjoy spending time visiting with people and making them feel comfortable. In my time in community, I have had various opportunities to practice hospitality and to gain deeper insight into its meaning.

For about 7 years, I was fortunate to work at a social service agency that emphasized the dignity of all people and encouraged all to treat others with equal respect--whether client, staff, volunteer, etc. During my years there I made it a point to try to connect with as many of the regular clients and volunteers as I could. I would try to remember something specific about the person as well we their name. When I saw these people coming to our offices, I made it a point to ask them about whatever was significant about them. Many were amazed that I would recall facts about their lives. For me, it just seemed part of the ministry of hospitality--meeting Christ in the other, no matter what the disguise. I have continued to carry on this habit in my personal life.

How is Christ coming to me today? Who does Christ look like? How can I best respond to Christ in my life?

Sr. Catherine, OSB