There ought to be due proportion between the seriousness of a fault and the measure of excommunication or discipline. RB80.24.1
This short verse from the Rule seems to be pretty clear: make sure that the consequence is in proportion to the action. The reasoning behind it makes sense and seems fair--big penalties should not be associated with minor infractions. Both the severity of the action and the particular situation of the person(s) involved should be considered.
This theory holds true in any kind of group whether a family, a team, a classroom or an office. I am reminded of an incident that happened at home with my siblings. My younger sister did not have a whole lot of emotional control as far as I could see. (I had somehow forgotten that I was more than 15 years older than her, so hopefully I had a little more control than she did.) One day she was upset about something and threw a hairbrush at me. She was about two at the time. I was not going to let this offense go by lightly so I flung the brush back at her. She had totally missed me but I had better aim. I hit her on the head. My mom happened to be coming into the room about the time the brush hit my sister. Needless to say, I got in trouble for not using my best judgement in responding to my sister. I had forgotten about the difference in age and strength between us.
I remember that incident when I am in a situation where I need to evaluate how to respond to an action. Do I really need to respond in like manner? Is my proposed consequence disproportionate to the original offense? How would I like others to respond to me in that situation? How forgiving would I like God to be with me?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Showing posts with label forgiveness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label forgiveness. Show all posts
Monday, February 28, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
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
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
Sunday, July 4, 2010
The Superior=The Good Shepherd
He is to imitate the loving example of the Good Shepherd who left the ninety-nine sheep in the mountains and went in search of the one sheep that had strayed, So great was his compassion for its weakness that he mercifully placed it on his sacred shoulders and so carried it back to the flock (Luke 15:5). (RB80.27.8-9)
In discussing how to deal with community members who happen to stray from the community, either physically, mentally or spiritually, Benedict uses an image of the Superior as Christ (The Good Shepherd). Rather than be grateful that at least one trouble has been abolished (through the loss of the wayward and troublesome), the leader is encouraged to try to talk the person into amending his ways.
Maybe he didn't realize how serious the personal fault was. Maybe the person was just straying through inattention--not malice. It might even be something that the person had little control over. Through the compassion, patience and love of the Superior, the erring might return, and might end up stronger in the end.
I find consolation in this since I have done my own share of wandering through potential danger in former days. The security, love and support of my community always gave me the courage to work through the issues involved and to gain wisdom and strength.
May I be a source of wisdom and strength for others when they struggle.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
In discussing how to deal with community members who happen to stray from the community, either physically, mentally or spiritually, Benedict uses an image of the Superior as Christ (The Good Shepherd). Rather than be grateful that at least one trouble has been abolished (through the loss of the wayward and troublesome), the leader is encouraged to try to talk the person into amending his ways.
Maybe he didn't realize how serious the personal fault was. Maybe the person was just straying through inattention--not malice. It might even be something that the person had little control over. Through the compassion, patience and love of the Superior, the erring might return, and might end up stronger in the end.
I find consolation in this since I have done my own share of wandering through potential danger in former days. The security, love and support of my community always gave me the courage to work through the issues involved and to gain wisdom and strength.
May I be a source of wisdom and strength for others when they struggle.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Forgive as We Forgive
Assuredly, the celebration of Lauds and Vespers must never pass by 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)
Three times a day during our common prayer there is a time for praying the Our Father together. Why is there such a need? Isn't a quick sorry enough to cover all the hurts of the day?
Living in a group (family, community, dorm, roommates, etc) there are plenty of opportunities each day to practice forgiveness. The hurts can be the person who cuts me off on the BA on the way to work, the person who did not bother to hold the door open for me when they saw I was juggling five packages, or the visitor I was rude to because I was in a hurry. All of these are daily minor injuries that are part of living with others and interacting, even casually.
Just when I think I might be saved since I am asking God to forgive me, I am stopped by reading the last part of the sentence. It's not just forgive me but forgive me as I forgive others. Would I really want God to be as slow to extend forgiveness to me as I am in extending forgiveness at times? Afterall, I can still remember a careless comment someone made my first day at the monastery (25 years ago), do I really want God to remember my faults that long?
May I remember to be as forgiving and patient with others as I would like them to be with me.
Sr. Catherine
Three times a day during our common prayer there is a time for praying the Our Father together. Why is there such a need? Isn't a quick sorry enough to cover all the hurts of the day?
Living in a group (family, community, dorm, roommates, etc) there are plenty of opportunities each day to practice forgiveness. The hurts can be the person who cuts me off on the BA on the way to work, the person who did not bother to hold the door open for me when they saw I was juggling five packages, or the visitor I was rude to because I was in a hurry. All of these are daily minor injuries that are part of living with others and interacting, even casually.
Just when I think I might be saved since I am asking God to forgive me, I am stopped by reading the last part of the sentence. It's not just forgive me but forgive me as I forgive others. Would I really want God to be as slow to extend forgiveness to me as I am in extending forgiveness at times? Afterall, I can still remember a careless comment someone made my first day at the monastery (25 years ago), do I really want God to remember my faults that long?
May I remember to be as forgiving and patient with others as I would like them to be with me.
Sr. Catherine
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Living with Hope
…never lose hope in God’s mercy. (RB80.4.74)
“Life is an adventure in forgiveness.” (Norman Cousins) On this adventure God’s mercy is always available. But all too often when one door closes and another opens, we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one God has opened for us. All the great spiritual leaders in history were people who forgot the closed door and walked through the open one. Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Mary, Gandhi, Lincoln, Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandella walked through that open door with a promise of “hope in God’s mercy,” and looked toward the future without the need to know exactly what it would look like.
This is the kind of life adventure Benedict asks of us.
Sr.Veronica,OSB
“Life is an adventure in forgiveness.” (Norman Cousins) On this adventure God’s mercy is always available. But all too often when one door closes and another opens, we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one God has opened for us. All the great spiritual leaders in history were people who forgot the closed door and walked through the open one. Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Mary, Gandhi, Lincoln, Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandella walked through that open door with a promise of “hope in God’s mercy,” and looked toward the future without the need to know exactly what it would look like.
This is the kind of life adventure Benedict asks of us.
Sr.Veronica,OSB
Thursday, May 20, 2010
The Love of Christ
...the love of Christ must come before all else. (RB80.4.21)
Love is the essential element in all of our relationships.
Love is the essential element in all of our relationships.
- It is love that helps us forgive the wrongs done to us.
- I find myself going well beyond myself for the sake of love.
- The largest burdens are soon forgotten.
- Love impels us to try again and again when hope can seem dim.
Love is a gift. The love of God first touched us at creation when God created everything freely out of the abundance of his love. God sent his Son, Jesus, out of love for us. Jesus freely laid down his life for us out of love for God the Father and love for us.
It is this love which pushes us forward daily to proclaim God's saving love to the world.
How am I reflecting God's love today?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
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
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
Sunday, March 7, 2010
She May Bear Fruit
As any gardener will tell you, good soil is essential to a good garden. And the common garden tool every gardener needs is the common garden hoe. Hoeing the garden allows the nutrients of the fertilizer to be absorbed into the soil. Hoeing keeps the weeds under control and keeps the soil moist. Hoeing breaks up the hard crusts and allows the soil to breathe life-giving oxygen. The gardener knows that hoeing keeps the soil in good condition so that whatever is planted there will bear fruit.
Benedict recommends that we need to create this same kind of good soil in forming minds and hearts of the persons of every age and level of understanding in the community. It will take a lot of hoeing and using every tool we have. Loving and listening with the heart are tools that may work with some, while counseling and confrontation may be necessary with others. But the common tool in formation is always prayer. God’s life-giving grace can do what our tools cannot do.
These Lenten days are hoe days for turning over the soil of our soul garden, for reworking the soil of our vocation, for weeding out selfishness and greed so that generosity may bloom.
Benedict recommends that we need to create this same kind of good soil in forming minds and hearts of the persons of every age and level of understanding in the community. It will take a lot of hoeing and using every tool we have. Loving and listening with the heart are tools that may work with some, while counseling and confrontation may be necessary with others. But the common tool in formation is always prayer. God’s life-giving grace can do what our tools cannot do.
These Lenten days are hoe days for turning over the soil of our soul garden, for reworking the soil of our vocation, for weeding out selfishness and greed so that generosity may bloom.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Welcome Home
The prodigal son parable plays out in every family, even the Benedictine community family. We can identify with each son. Like the first son, there is a bit of yearning to take our inheritance, leave the family and make our own way in each of us. And like the second son, there is a bit of self-righteousness and resentment in each of us. Benedict, like the merciful father in the parable, tells us to welcome back those monks who, like the prodigal son take their inheritance, leave the family and set out on their own.
Welcoming back a sister who has left to find her own way is a time for a deep conversion of heart. It calls for forgiveness from each of us and a welcome echoing God’s gracious mercy and joy. On occasion we have welcome home days for all of the sisters who have left our family.
These days are always days of forgiving and rejoicing.
Welcoming back a sister who has left to find her own way is a time for a deep conversion of heart. It calls for forgiveness from each of us and a welcome echoing God’s gracious mercy and joy. On occasion we have welcome home days for all of the sisters who have left our family.
These days are always days of forgiving and rejoicing.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The Time-Out Chair
If you are a follower of the cartoon Dennis you are aware that Dennis spends many an hour in a time-out chair facing the wall. This seems to be his punishment for almost any kind of offense. He is banished to a corner, isolated from everyone. He cannot see anyone; he faces the wall. He is bereft of his friends, his family, even the outside sights. He has no one to play with, to talk with nor even to look at. It is up to Dennis in this time-out period to make a choice to change his behavior or to find himself spending more and more time in the time-out chair.
Isolation from the table and the oratory is Benedict’s “time-out” chair for monks who are guilty of serious faults. The monk is to take his unblest meal alone, to work alone at the tasks given her. No one in the community can associate or converse with her or even bless her as she passes by. In isolation, it is a time for the monk to ponder what she really wants and needs, and how she must change her behavior to be a happy and holy person in this community.
Sitting in the time-out chair on occasion might be a blessing for each of us.
Sr. Veronica, OSB
Isolation from the table and the oratory is Benedict’s “time-out” chair for monks who are guilty of serious faults. The monk is to take his unblest meal alone, to work alone at the tasks given her. No one in the community can associate or converse with her or even bless her as she passes by. In isolation, it is a time for the monk to ponder what she really wants and needs, and how she must change her behavior to be a happy and holy person in this community.
Sitting in the time-out chair on occasion might be a blessing for each of us.
Sr. Veronica, OSB
Friday, February 26, 2010
Tears of Compunction
I am not a person who accepts responsibility for my actions well. If I am successful in my pursuits, I am definitely the first to jump up and take credit. When I do fall short of the goal, I have a much harder time claiming the credit. My natural tendency is to come up with 1001 or more reasons why the failure was really not my fault. Failures are rarely my fault, actually.
Chapter 20 of the Rule invites me to acknowledge that it is my tears of repentance and true sorrow that God is looking for in my prayer--not my beautiful words. There is comfort in resting in God's arms laying out my faults and concerns before God. God still accepts me and loves me. God's love is free gift to me everyday.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Chapter 20 of the Rule invites me to acknowledge that it is my tears of repentance and true sorrow that God is looking for in my prayer--not my beautiful words. There is comfort in resting in God's arms laying out my faults and concerns before God. God still accepts me and loves me. God's love is free gift to me everyday.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Be Forgiven as I Forgive
The end of the Lord's Prayer asks God to forgive us in the same measure as we forgive others. That can be a dangerous statement in some instances.
Many times, I am not quite as quick to forgive as I wish others were with me. There are times when I can nurse the tiniest of slights or hurts for days, weeks, even years. For example, I can still remember the classmate in 1st grade who pushed me so that I fell and broke my front tooth. I can still remember the name of the person who teased me in high school when I did not have a date for the Prom.
On the other hand, I don't have quite as good a memory about my faults. I can't remember the look on my co-workers face the last time I made a careless comment. Or the response my sister made the last time I nagged her about being more goal oriented. I hope they have forgiven me as quickly as I obviously forgot about these instances.
During this Lent, may God give me the grace to be more forgiving of others and their minor infractions.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Many times, I am not quite as quick to forgive as I wish others were with me. There are times when I can nurse the tiniest of slights or hurts for days, weeks, even years. For example, I can still remember the classmate in 1st grade who pushed me so that I fell and broke my front tooth. I can still remember the name of the person who teased me in high school when I did not have a date for the Prom.
On the other hand, I don't have quite as good a memory about my faults. I can't remember the look on my co-workers face the last time I made a careless comment. Or the response my sister made the last time I nagged her about being more goal oriented. I hope they have forgiven me as quickly as I obviously forgot about these instances.
During this Lent, may God give me the grace to be more forgiving of others and their minor infractions.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The Enclosure and Stability
Now the workshop in which we shall diligently execute all these tasks is the enclosure of the monastery and stability in the community. RB 4
After listing all 72 "tools" of good works that are to be desired, Benedict tells us that the place where we get practice in using these tools skillfully is in the enclosure of the monastery and in stability in community. In other words, the place where we become skillful in using these tools is the whatever community setting life has give us--whether it be the family, a friendship, a work team, an office, a classroom, or a monastery.
It is in the sticking through things together, working through our difficulties, being God's presence for one another that we truly learn to be patient, generous, loving and kind. Definitely not what I want to hear on some days, when the last thing I want to be is patient and forgiving (when will others be patient with me), or understanding of someone else's life issues.
It is in that going just one step further that true growth happens for me and sometimes God's grace for me even surprises me.
Which tool do I need to practice using today?
Sr. Catherine
After listing all 72 "tools" of good works that are to be desired, Benedict tells us that the place where we get practice in using these tools skillfully is in the enclosure of the monastery and in stability in community. In other words, the place where we become skillful in using these tools is the whatever community setting life has give us--whether it be the family, a friendship, a work team, an office, a classroom, or a monastery.
It is in the sticking through things together, working through our difficulties, being God's presence for one another that we truly learn to be patient, generous, loving and kind. Definitely not what I want to hear on some days, when the last thing I want to be is patient and forgiving (when will others be patient with me), or understanding of someone else's life issues.
It is in that going just one step further that true growth happens for me and sometimes God's grace for me even surprises me.
Which tool do I need to practice using today?
Sr. Catherine
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
On Truth and Deceit
In this section from the Tools of Good Works (RB 4), there seems to be some preoccupation with truth and deceit. We are admonished not to give a false peace, to speak the truth from the heart and not to perjure. All of this advice seems pretty common sense at first, after all, weren't we all taught not to lie and to try to be honest?
On closer inspection the emphasis is not so much on the truth and the deceit as on the heart (the person) that would consider this behavior acceptable. Benedict is calling us to be our best selves, to surround ourselves with models of good behavior and to follow the lead. He seems to emphasize that no matter who I was or what I did yesterday today is a new day and it can be different...radically different if I but remember to be true to my best self.
How are we being called to be our best selves today?
Sr. Catherine
On closer inspection the emphasis is not so much on the truth and the deceit as on the heart (the person) that would consider this behavior acceptable. Benedict is calling us to be our best selves, to surround ourselves with models of good behavior and to follow the lead. He seems to emphasize that no matter who I was or what I did yesterday today is a new day and it can be different...radically different if I but remember to be true to my best self.
How are we being called to be our best selves today?
Sr. Catherine
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
To Discipline or Not To Discipline
In the 1950s I was a lay teacher teaching the 6th grade in a Catholic school. In these days before Vatican II once a month we took the students to the church for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. On such a day the sixth graders and I were all lined up and ready for Confession. Mackey, one of my 6th graders, began causing all kinds of trouble, running around the church, punching on some of the guys, talking out loud. He was certainly not an angel, but he had never caused so much turmoil before. I cornered him and took him outside and asked him what his trouble was. His reply was, “I didn’t have any sins and I had to commit a few.” (As his teacher I think I could have helped him with his list).
This experience brings home to me what Benedict is talking about when he tells the abbot that discipline must vary with the circumstances. Did Mackey need some kind of discipline or did he need some explanation about what sin really is and what the Sacrament of Reconciliation is all about?
Sr. Veronica, OSB
This experience brings home to me what Benedict is talking about when he tells the abbot that discipline must vary with the circumstances. Did Mackey need some kind of discipline or did he need some explanation about what sin really is and what the Sacrament of Reconciliation is all about?
Sr. Veronica, OSB
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Patience of God
I am always grateful that God is much more patient and merciful than I could ever imagine being. Not that I am a bad person or anything yet there is a part of me that sometimes fantasizes about punishing those who have wronged me....probably much more than they deserve.
The Prologue of the Rule tells us that God patiently waits for us to return through good deeds and listening to the Word. God constantly offers us opportunities to repent of our past and to be renewed in newness of heart. That is a good message to hear as we begin a new year.
How will 2010 be a year of grace and mercy from the Lord for us?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
The Prologue of the Rule tells us that God patiently waits for us to return through good deeds and listening to the Word. God constantly offers us opportunities to repent of our past and to be renewed in newness of heart. That is a good message to hear as we begin a new year.
How will 2010 be a year of grace and mercy from the Lord for us?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Monday, November 23, 2009
Forgiveness in Community
Few things can tear apart a family, community or team faster than resentments and unresolved hurts.
I know that when I realize that I have hurt or wronged someone for whatever reason there is an uncomfortable feeling within myself as I struggle to find a way to make things better and to start rebuilding the relationship. That is not always easy to do since it will require lots of humility on my part to admit that I was wrong. There is also the fear of what the other person's reaction might be.
If I happen to be the person who was hurt, sometimes I try to make the person feel as miserable as I felt initially. There might even be a slight feeling of power as I realize that I can choose to accept the apology or not.
In the end, however, it is living with these unacknowledged wounds that slowly eat away both at the people involved and at community in general. It is in forgiving the hurts that I can start repairing the damage done in the past.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
I know that when I realize that I have hurt or wronged someone for whatever reason there is an uncomfortable feeling within myself as I struggle to find a way to make things better and to start rebuilding the relationship. That is not always easy to do since it will require lots of humility on my part to admit that I was wrong. There is also the fear of what the other person's reaction might be.
If I happen to be the person who was hurt, sometimes I try to make the person feel as miserable as I felt initially. There might even be a slight feeling of power as I realize that I can choose to accept the apology or not.
In the end, however, it is living with these unacknowledged wounds that slowly eat away both at the people involved and at community in general. It is in forgiving the hurts that I can start repairing the damage done in the past.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Friday, October 30, 2009
Correction of Faults
I tend to be a wimp when it comes to dealing with interpersonal issues. Benedict gives us a three strikes policy for issues in community.
When someone is disruptive to community, Benedict asks that the person be addressed privately. Giving the opportunity for the person to change. If that does not work, the person is to be disciplined publically. If the person is still unwilling to change, Benedict advocates expelling the person from the community.
I have had times when my own behavior has been destructive to myself and others around me. The wisdom of giving the offender three opportunities to amend has provided me with the strength needed to continue to grow.
Sr. Catherine
When someone is disruptive to community, Benedict asks that the person be addressed privately. Giving the opportunity for the person to change. If that does not work, the person is to be disciplined publically. If the person is still unwilling to change, Benedict advocates expelling the person from the community.
I have had times when my own behavior has been destructive to myself and others around me. The wisdom of giving the offender three opportunities to amend has provided me with the strength needed to continue to grow.
Sr. Catherine
Monday, October 19, 2009
Saying Alleluia--Giving Praise
Alleluia has always been a word that reminds me of joy, praise and excitement. Maybe it is my need for action and movement that makes me literally feel like clapping my hands and dancing when I hear the word. It feels like a very life-giving word. ALLELUIA!!!
In the Rule, Benedict gives guidelines for the use of Alleluia during communal prayer times. Basically, it is to be used throughout the Easter Season (between Easter Sunday and Pentecost) at all times in prayer. On all Sundays throughout the year, except Lent, it is also to be used. This practice is to remind us of the rejoicing that needs to be part of our lives.
Part of our task as Christians is to praise God unceasingly for the many great gift received--life, health, creation, forgiveness.
Have I remembered to thank God today?
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Saturday, October 17, 2009
The Lord's Prayer
Assuredly, the celebration of Lauds and Vespers must never pass by 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. (RB 13. 12)
In our community, the Lord's Prayer is recited at least 3 times daily in our common prayer. Benedict requires recitation of this prayer at least twice daily. Since we live in community and at times bitterness and resentments can arise, Benedict recommends that we also put forgiveness into practice daily.
The phrase "forgive us as we forgive" is meant to remind us that we should give others the same forgiveness and benefit of the doubt that we desire for ourselves. It is sometimes difficult for me to forgive those who have slighted me in some way. When I consider how much I have been forgiven any injury to me suddenly pales.
May God continue to be more gracious to me than I might tend to be to others.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
