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

God's Will

And in the Prayer too we ask God that his will be done in us (Matt 6:10). (RB80.7.20)

What is God's will for me and my life? How do I know God's will for me?

For many years, these two questions haunted me pretty much 24/7. I knew that I wanted to do God's will...but I was never really sure what that was so I always acted with a fair amount of hesitancy. I wanted to do God's will but I also wanted certainty. I desired to listen to God and to know beyond any doubt that I was on the right path...I wanted the RIGHT answer.

I have come to realize that God's main desire for me is my true happiness. Not that I will be laughing and smiling my way through life--but my lasting happiness (that which will make me happy through all eternity). God has this desire for my good because of his love, the same love that created me in the first place.

God's ultimate will for us is that we be holy and eternally happy. That is what we are all created for. Although God has different paths for all of us, the end goal is the same...happiness forever.

What am I doing to further God's plan in my life?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Back to the Beginning

Just when I think that I have gotten to the end--as in the end of the year, the end of the Rule, the end of this continuous reading, it is time to start all over again. The monastic life is not about reaching end goals, "making it," or achieving perfection--at least not in this life.

Benedict reminds us that after we have read the Rule through from beginning to end, we are all still basically beginners in the monastic way of life. It gives us the impression that monastic life is a life long process. While we are in the school of the Lord's service, this is a school that no one graduates from until death. That is a challenge and a comfort also because I do not have to have everything together yet.

As we prepare to begin the new year, let us resolve to continue the journey on this monastic way of life together.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

A View into History

This past weekend some of our Sisters were able to take a journey to Dallas to visit the exhibit on the History of Religious Life in the United States at the Women's Museum in Dallas. We were joined by the Little Flower Teen Group and some of their moms. We later got to have dinner with the group, spend the night with them and attend Eucharist with them before returning to Tulsa.

On the way home we reflected on what we had seen and what had impacted us the most during this journey. For me, one of the things that was highlighted was the impact that these faithful women had on our society--often serving in silence and doing many of the tasks that no one felt comfortable doing or would want to do. I am grateful for the many women who have gone before us as our models and examples of prayer and fidelity.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

The Way of Life

See, how the Lord in his love shows us the way of life. (RB Pro. 20)

I am directionally challenged. Not that I get lost very often…I just find a new way to arrive at most places. The idea of having the path of life marked out for me so that even though I might stray a little I can be sure of arriving at the right destination is appealing.

The Rule, the Gospels, and community life provide that GPS function that I was born lacking. If I remember to listen attentively with “the ear of my heart” to God’s promptings in my life, I can be confident that I will find God’s path to happiness for me. It is our daily prayer together that keeps me focused on this path of life, everyday in all circumstances.

Sr. Catherine, OSB