Running Away or Running Towards?

Do not be daunted immediately by fear and run away from the road that leads to salvation. RB80.Prologue.48a

But as we progress in this way of life and in faith, we shall run on the path of God's commandments, our hearts overflowing with the inexpressible delight of love. RB80.Prologue.49

I enjoy moving at great speeds...so it is no surprise that this image of running found in the Prologue has always intrigued me.

Benedict presents me with the option of running away from this way of life. Running away in fear, in distress, in dejection from thinking the road too strenuous before even starting the race (Afterall, it is still the Prologue). Benedict also considers running towards God, towards fullness of life, towards love.

Which will I choose?

• I choose to run away everytime I let my fears or fantasies rule me.
• I choose to run away when I consider community and relationships not worth the effort even for one hour.
• I choose to run away through looking for distractions in my day to take me away from the dailiness of life.
• I choose to run towards God whenever I remember to pause and acknowledge God's presence with me--I am not in this alone.
• I choose to run towards life in doing things that improve my quality of life.
• I choose to run towards love in my relationship building and my communication skills.

May Christ truly bring us together to have a share in God's kingdom.

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

Profit Forever

“…we must run and do now what will profit us forever.” (RB Pro. 44)

Benedict’s way of life is starting to sound a little like an investment plan—a guide for the present and an investment plan for the future. Benedict proposes that by putting my whole heart and energy into this new way of life it will not only benefit me today but in the future also. He is proposing the road to well-being and to ultimate happiness.

Since I tend to be a person who throws myself whole-heartedly into everything I do anyway, this concept appeals to me. I can live life fully today and know that I am doing what will bring about my ultimate good in the future if I follow this simple plan for life. What more could I want?

Sr. Catherine, OSB