Opening My Eyes and Ears

Let us open our eyes to the light that comes from God, and our ears to the voice from heaven that every day calls out this charge: If you hear his voice today, do not harden your hearts (Ps 94[95]:8). RB80.Prol.9-10

Today's invitation is to open my eyes and my ears to God and God's grace in my life. It is an call to be alert and aware of what is happening both around me and within me.

Since I am an extreme extrovert, I find it easy to focus on what is going on in my environment. I get energized and engaged looking at all the pretty shiny things that are occurring around me--sights, sounds, movement, swirls of activity quickly grab my attention...until the next distraction comes by.

Part of today's proposal is to pay attention to the stirrings within me. That is something that I can easily ignore since I am busy with all the activity outside. It is in looking within, though, that I find God speaking in the depths of my heart. It is by going within rather that outward that I discover who I am called to be and where my strength and value lies.

This journey within does not seem as glamourous and exciting. Actually, it seems terrifying, at times, since I don't really know what I will find or if I will like who I am after the experience. That is where the challenge and the adventure are. When I can see this scary exploration as a new adventure I can focus on the new information that is unearthed and see it as growth both as a person and in my relationships. This reframing of the experience makes it more palatable to me since I am always looking for new experiences in life.

Psalm 95 invites me to open my ears and my heart to the voice of God within my life. What new adventure is God calling me to at this moment? May I have the courage to accept the challenge offered to me today.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

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

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

Prefering Nothing to Christ

Let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ, and may he bring us all together to everlasting life. RB80.72.11-12

I have a bookmark that has this quote from the Rule in Spanish. It is probably my favorite bookmark....not because of its artistic beauty but because it reminds me what is most important in life. Most important in my life, and in the life of any Christian.

I must remember to put on Christ daily and to use Christ as the model of who I am today and who I am called to be (my true identity). If I follow Christ with all the passion that exists within me, Christ will bring everyone to everlasting life (our end goal).

This is not always easy. I have to remember to choose Christ daily, sometimes hourly. I need to be reminded of my initial commitment from time to time. But, ultimately, I do want to follow Christ and be brought to everlasting life.

How am I showing that Christ is my true goal today?

Sr. Catherine, OSB

On Having a Passion for LIFE

I am a person who approaches everything in life whole-heartedly. Whatever I am involved in, you have all of me (sometimes a little too much of me, since I can be hyper at times).

Today, Benedict talks to us about good & bad zeal. Benedict tells us that while good zeal can be healthy and enlivening; evil zeal can deaden the spirit of a community. Benedict invites us to treasure the drive and desire to create a strong bond within groups that can be characterized with love and passion.

May I always bring good zeal to all of my encounters.

Sr. Catherine, OSB

Good & Evil Zeal

I am not a person who is known for half-measures. Whatever I may be doing, I will probably jump in whole heartedly, enthusiastically participating with every part of myself. I thoroughly enjoy life.

Today, Benedict talks to us about good and bad zeal. There is a passion which can separate and be isolating or divisive. There is also a passion that can unify, inspire, and encourage others to join. The latter is good zeal. It is that spirit which can make anything seem possible and that gives teamwork a selfless edge.

I desire always to be an example of good zeal--of a passion for life and for the good of the whole that transcends the person and speaks much more of God and God's presence in the world today.

Sr. Catherine, OSB