Stability of Place and Heart

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

At the end of this chapter, Benedict states that the place where all of these tools are to be employed is the enclosure of the monastery and stability in the community. Focusing on the concept of stability will bring us to a deeper understanding how the tools can be applied to all. There are two kinds of stability that can be examined--stability of place and stability of heart.

• Stability of place can be seen as staying in one location--similar to the concept of the enclosure. It involves physical presence. I show up for all required events.



• Stability of heart implies commitment and perseverence. I am ready to participate. I am fully engaged in all that happens around me. I am ready to stick around to see the fruits of my labor in this workshop.

One of the benefits of living with 20 other monastic women is that there are always plenty of live examples of all of the qualities mentioned in the Rule.

Sister Cabrini Boland is a wonderful model for us of stability of heart. At 91 years of age and after more than 70 years in our community, she is always an example of enthusiasm and wisdom. Recently, while wheeling Sr. Cabrini outside she asked to visit our St. Benedict statue and recited various passages from the Rule of St. Benedict. The ease with which she spoke these few short passages spoke of her long years of living the monastic way of life.

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

Experience Counts

Therefore, apart from those mentioned above whom the abbot has for some overriding consideration promoted, or for a specific reason demoted, all the rest should keep to the order of their entry. For example, someone who came to the monastery at the second hour of the day must recognize that he is junior to someone who came at the first hour, regardless of age or distinction. RB80.63.7-8 Looking at this selection from the Rule my first reaction is to consider it somewhat picky. I mean, am I really going to be the junior of someone who happened to show up at the door just a few minutes before me??? That is something hard for me to understand at face value. I would much prefer a system where age, or likability, or personality, or something I can achieve carries power. Looking at the passage more closely, though, I realize the inherent wisdom here. It reminds me that status in community is not arbitrary. I do not get automatic status because I am the leader's buddy, or because I can buy myself into a powerful position. I can move up or down in rank only according to the virtue of my life. My living out of this life (how I live out Gospel values daily) is the only means through which I can rise or descend in status. The decision is mine. How do I choose to life my commitments today? Sr. Catherine, OSB

Being a Good Patient

Let the sick on their part bear in mind that they are served out of honor for God, and let them not by their excessive demands distress their brothers who serve them. RB80.36.4

I am fortunate to have been blessed with very good health. My health is a blessing to me and also to those who live with me because I am not sure how good a patient I would be if I was ever really ill.

First, I am not a fan of pain in any form. As soon as I feel a headache, a toothache or itch coming on, I know that whining and complaining is probably not far behind. I can stand pain or discomfort about 30 seconds, then it's time to look for a way out.

Second, patience is not a hallmark of my personality. I am definitely a person who wants everything right now--as soon as I think of it. Unfortunately, relief from pain is usually not quite so automatic. I can not will my pain away, although I might be tempted to try.

Third, I am not one to suffer quietly, if something is wrong, I really believe that everyone around needs to know about it and share my misery.

That being said, how does today's reading about Care for the Sick help me to grow in this aspect of my life?

Benedict reminds the one who is ill that the care and respect offered are out of love of Christ. The person in need is to be humble in all their needs not demanding and overbearing. The sick are to remember that for that particular instance they are taking the place of the weak Christ in the community.

When I can recall these things, I am less likely to be demanding, impatient, and disagreeable and to be humble in my requests.

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

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

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

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

Leading To Growth

...and while helping others to amend by his warnings, he achieves the amendment of his own faults. RB80.2.40

Benedict invites those in leadership to remember that there is a responsibility to help others avoid sin and to also amend his own faults. This is a special aspect to leadership--being responsible for own actions yet also assuring that the example provided is one of growth and good behavior.

Being the oldest in our family by quite a few years (15 year span from oldest to youngest), I was provided with multiple opportunities daily to provide modeling and example to my brother and sister. Growing up, I hated this role. It always made me feel like I was on display and that my behavior might come back to haunt me some day. During a recent visit with my family, I realized that although I was an example of sorts for the younger ones, it was often more of the subtle interactions which have really impacted others in my family. It is healing to be able to see this in retrospect.

We are created to live in community (all different kinds of communities). We are called to be examples and teachers to one another.

What kind of example am I providing today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Expecting More

More is always expected from those who possess more (more wealth, more skill, more strength, more talent). This precept is the basic message of today's reading from the Rule of St. Benedict. The leader, who is naturally considered to possess more wisdom and virtue, is expected to be an example of how the monastic life is to be fulfilled; how to do this Christian living graciously.

I have never been the prioress but I have been in positions of leadership--teacher, mentor, supervisor, elder sister. Someone once told me that I am always an example for others. I can choose to be an example of good or I can model poor behavior. What kind of example I am will always be my choice but ultimately I will be one type of role model or another.

This can be a sobering thought since often I can desire to live life in a vacuum...live a life that does not impact others. Actually, none of us has that luxury because through our lived example we can influence toward the good or toward ill.

I desire always to be an example for 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

Building Strong Relationships

Let him strive to be loved rather than feared. (RB80.64.15)

Many have heard the old saying, "You can draw more flies with honey than with vinegar." This short sentence from the Rule on the election of leadership seems to take a similar view.

It is much easier for me to follow the advice of someone that I consider to be on my side, looking out for my interest rather than a tyrant or dictator. The trust that has been developed in the past serves as a strong backdrop for current relationships.

I have been fortunate to have leaders that I treasure as dear friends and that I truly respect. This relationship makes it much easier to accept correction from them--because I sense that they love me and care about me also.

When I find myself in leadership as either a teacher, a team leader, or a supervisor I strive to build a strong relationship with my colleagues first, then work from their. I try to remember what a treasure their trust is to me and to be worthy of that honor.

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

Moderation in Speech

Guard your lips from harmful or deceptive speech. (RB80.4.51)

The Desert Fathers tell a story of a young monk who said to his abbot.
“Why don’t you edify our guests with some of your spiritual words.”

The Abbot replied, “If our guest is not edified by my silence, he will certainly not be edified by my words.”

Benedict is telling us the same thing. If we are more attuned to silence and less attuned to chatter, we can guard our lips from harmful and deceptive speech.

Sr. Veronica, OSB

A Good Example Will Do

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)

In speaking about leadership, Benedict took into account the strengths and weaknesses of the team members. Some might learn better by looking at the instructions, some by hearing an explanation, some by experimenting on their own, and some by following an example. Benedict warned the superior to be prepared for all types of learners among his disciples; adapting as necessary.

I have found that the best way for me to learn is through experimentation and questioning when stuck. My tendency when finding a new gadget or encountering a problem is to jump in first and start working with what I can figure out. My younger sister, Juli, is an instruction person. She looks at manuals and reads all the directions (even the fine print) before getting started. We both are pretty successful at getting our goals met. So there are benefits to both approaches.

Benedict invites the leader to use instruction for some and a good, lived example for those that need it. That way more will understand what is taught.

I pray that I will remember to be both an example and an instructor for others through my life.

Sr. Catherine, 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

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

Community Rank

In many ways, Benedict tried to form a classless society. A group where your former status in life (wealth, power, prestige) had little to do with your new form of life. This was a way in which the rich and poor could interact daily, the noble and the peasant could work side by side and enemies could share a table and not be aware of former differences. In some cases, this could be valuable to keep physical peace.

There needed to be some way of putting a neutral order to community and that was rank. Persons were placed in order according to their date of arrival. Once the order was established the only way of moving up or down was based on the person's behaviour. Habitually good behaviour and an exemplary life could raise one's status. Consistent exhibits of pride, disobedience or vices could move a person down.

Although rank is not as prominent these days for setting place in community, I need to remember that my own choices can help raise me in virtue or bring me down in vice. I need to ask myself daily, how am I living in God's grace today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

On Clothing

I grew up as a clothes horse. Growing up my closets were filled to bursting with outfits of every color, texture and description. What I could not wear was handed down to younger cousins, in almost new condition. I could not imagine a life without clothes being the thing that defined me and my personality.

In entering our monastic community, I really did not encounter clothing to be the issue that I thought it might be. When I entered our community, I discovered that the bond and the attachment I had to our community and to our way of life far surpassed the thought of not being able to wear a rainbow of colors daily. I found that God's love and my awareness of that and my desire to pray and serve within this group actually made everything worthwhile.

As I have matured in community, I have come to realize that our choice of simple dress and a veil not only simplify our life but also provide a unifying symbol for our society that we are different. It speaks of the values that we hold and also invites a conversation among people of who we are. There is a value to this differentness.

I pray to continue being a witness within our world of who we are.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

The Old and The Young

One of the things that appealed to me about Monastic Communities when I was first considering religious life was the multigenerational aspect of our life. The young and the old interact freely together and amazingly the young and the older learn from each other. This appealed to me because I grew up in a multi-generational family.

Growing up we were fortunate to always have at least one grandparent living with us and coming from a family with lots of aunts and uncles there was always someone young around. Those of us that were young learned to respect the wisdom of the elders. We learned traditions and culture from them and we loved to hear stories of how life used to be. The older folks made life interesting for us.

The older folks, on the other hand, were always interested in what the young had to say and in what our ideas were. They wanted to know what made life work for our generation and they always had time to play games with us.

In this interaction between the young and the old, we learned naturally to be flexible, to have a sense of humor and to honor differences. I think that St. Benedict knew about this dynamic and was striving to instill it into his communties. I value this aspect of my life.

May God continue to make me sensitive to the needs of the older and to the insights of the young.

Sr. Catherine, OSB