My Will vs God's Will

The second step of humility is that a man loves not his own will nor takes pleasure in the satisfaction of his desires; rather he shall imitate by his actions that saying of the Lord: I have come not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me (John 6:38). Similarly we read, "Consent merits punishment; constraint wins a crown." (RB80.7.31-33)

Tenacity, determination, single-mindedness, driven, willful--these are just a few of the terms that can be used as synonyms for STUBBORNNESS. Stubborn is a word that has been used to describe me probably since infancy. I have always known what I wanted things, how I wanted them to be and when I wanted them. When I have my mind and my heart set on a goal or a prize, everyone better stand back because I am determined.

Now how does this will of mine relate to God's will in my life? There are times when my idea of how things should play out and God's will are at odds. What do I do then?

I have slowly learned (and am still learning on a daily basis) to listen for God's voice in my desires. Rather than rush ahead as soon as I think of something, I try to take it to prayer at least a few times before I act on things. This practice allows me to listen to God's will and see where that is leading in relation to my original plan. I do not have it down to a science yet and may not for a long time but there is progress. I also try running my plans by some trusted friends who can often help me see God's plan when I can't.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

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.

Healing Takes Time

Unlike the rich man in the Gospel who could not leave his riches behind, St. Katharine Drexel, whose life we celebrate today, had no trouble using her riches to serve God and those poor in spirit. Katharine inherited a substantial fortune and founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament to work among African and Native Americans. Our Oklahoma schools, hospitals and Indian Reservations were blessed by her fortune. In her early 40s, Katherine suffered a heart attack and spent the next 20 years in prayerful retirement.

Katharine knew healing takes time, and Benedict knew this too. He knew that a person who was trying to work through a situation, to recommit herself, and to gain a new perspective, needed an environment of prayerful retirement. He encourages his monks not to meddle, to agitate nor distract a monk in prayerful retirement by conversing with them or sending them messages.

Sr. Veronica, OSB

Good Shepherds

Let him faithfully shepherd his flock.

Jesus, speaking about us, said: “They are like sheep without a shepherd.” Do you know anything about sheep? They are considered stupid animals; their IQ level is in the single digits. They need a shepherd to take care of them. Once a visitor to the Holy Land came to see a shepherd; he wanted to learn something about sheep. He noted that the pen where the sheep spent the night had no gate. He remarked to the shepherd that he must have an easy job keeping the sheep in the pen and the wild animals out. The wise old shepherd said, “I am glad to tell you about sheep. I am the gate for the pen; the opening is my bedroom for the night. I lead them to good pastures and quiet waters. I will lay down my life for my sheep.”

In Chapter 2 of the Rule, St. Benedict is telling the abbot to faithfully shepherd his flock. He must be the good shepherd nourishing his flock with good example and words of wisdom. We are all shepherds; we are never off duty. We are to nourish one another and those whose lives we touch with good example and words of wisdom.

Sr. Veronica, OSB

The Patience of God

“..the Lord waits for us daily to translate into action, as we should, his holy teachings.” (RB Pro. 35)

I am not good at waiting for anything. I get impatient when meetings don’t start on time. I rip open birthday presents as soon as I receive them whether it’s on my actual birthday or a month before. I like to act on things as soon as I decide. Patience is just not my thing.

But God waits for us—not just once or sometimes, but every single day. God waits for us to be ready to accept his teachings, to follow his way. God waits daily and never tires of the waiting, no matter how long it takes.


I pray that in my "human-ness" I may grow daily in my capacity for patience.


Sr. Catherine, OSB