Mar 30 - Holy Week Mystery

Purge me from my sin, and I shall be pure; *
Wash me and I shall be clean indeed.
Psalm 51:8

Those who are sick or weak should be given a type of work or craft that will keep them busy without overwhelming them or driving them away.
Benedict's Rule 48:24 (Chittister, Pg. 216)

At every stage of our lives, every one of us has a sign of hope and faith and love and commitment to share with the people around us.
Chittister, Pg. 217

Stages of life -- I look with wonder at what is the same and what changes, where I let go and where I don't... 44 years ago I first listened to Jesus Christ Superstar. I was at a place where I was first trying on my own understanding of God's call and first pondering the mystery of Christ's sacrifice and God's salvation. Many Holy Weeks since I still listen to Jesus Christ Superstar, and still fall deeply into the music and words finding yet new meaning in Christ's sacrifice and God's salvation. As I ponder the events of Holy Week I am still amazed at the mystery and wonder of our Lord's precious gift.

A Note To Readers:

This entry is part of a series that is developing as I read The Rule of Benedict, A Spirituality for the 21st Century, Joan Chittister, OSB, Crossroads, 2010. I am offering this both to those at St. George's Episcopal Church, Arlington VA, that may be reading this book and to anyone that is interested.

Unless stated otherwise quotes from St. Benedict's Rule are from the translation in this same book. Psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer, The Episcopal Church, 1979 unless otherwise noted.

Mar 28 - Joy, A Common Part of My Life

By the waters of Babylon we sat down and wept, *
when we remembered you, O Zion.
As for our harps, we hung them up *
on the trees in the mist of that land.
Psalm 137:1-2

Idleness is the enemy of the soul. Therefore the community members should have specified periods for manual labor as well as for prayerful reading.
Benedict's Rule 48:1 (Chittister, Pg. 211)

The function of the spiritual life is not to escape into the next world; it is to live well in this one.
Chittister, Pg. 211

Yes, there are times I want to escape. There are times I have wanted the joys of "the next world". It is important to be reminded of the balance of living now -- Doing work and growing spiritually right here in our world. When I hold tightly to control, try and schedule everything, and worry and put myself down for not doing everything I schedule for myself, life is difficult. When I relax, let go, and keep prayer, study, work, and recreation in balance joy becomes a common part of my life.

A Note To Readers:

This entry is part of a series that is developing as I read The Rule of Benedict, A Spirituality for the 21st Century, Joan Chittister, OSB, Crossroads, 2010. I am offering this both to those at St. George's Episcopal Church, Arlington VA, that may be reading this book and to anyone that is interested.

Unless stated otherwise quotes from St. Benedict's Rule are from the translation in this same book. Psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer, The Episcopal Church, 1979 unless otherwise noted.

Mar 27 - Immersed in Prayer and Scripture

They stare and gloat over me; *
they divide my garments among them;
they cast lots for my clothing.
Psalm 22:17

...let this be done with humility, seriousness, and reverence, and at the bidding of the prioress or abbot.
Benedict's Rule 47:4 (Chittister, Pg. 209)

...unless the group becomes more and more immersed in prayer and the Scriptures, giving them priority no matter what the pressures of the day, the group will cease to have any authenticity at all.
Chittister, Pg. 209

Reading the Psalm I think of the casting of lots for Jesus cloak as Jesus is Crucified. Can I live a life that honors Jesus' sacrifice? Do I become immersed in prayer and Scripture? Do I provide needed support as the groups I am in try and immerse the members in prayer and Scripture? Where can I do better?

A Note To Readers:

This entry is part of a series that is developing as I read The Rule of Benedict, A Spirituality for the 21st Century, Joan Chittister, OSB, Crossroads, 2010. I am offering this both to those at St. George's Episcopal Church, Arlington VA, that may be reading this book and to anyone that is interested.

Unless stated otherwise quotes from St. Benedict's Rule are from the translation in this same book. Psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer, The Episcopal Church, 1979 unless otherwise noted.

Mar 26 - Be Available Always

I do not occupy myself with great matters, *
or with things that are too hard for me.
But I still my soul and make it quiet, like a child upon its mother's breast; *
my soul is quieted within me.
Psalm 131:2-3

When the cause of sin lies hidden in the conscience, the monastic is to reveal it only to the prioress or abbot or to one of the spiritual elders...
Benedict's Rule 46:5 (Chittister, Pg. 207)

The challenge of community lies in whether we ourselves care enough about anyone else to be willing to be their light, to treat their wounds well, to protect their reputations when they try to walk with us.
Chittister, Pg. 207-208

It is not about me, it is about everyone else around me. I need engage only when asked -- be available always, but insert myself never. It is about always being available.

A Note To Readers:

This entry is part of a series that is developing as I read The Rule of Benedict, A Spirituality for the 21st Century, Joan Chittister, OSB, Crossroads, 2010. I am offering this both to those at St. George's Episcopal Church, Arlington VA, that may be reading this book and to anyone that is interested.

Unless stated otherwise quotes from St. Benedict's Rule are from the translation in this same book. Psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer, The Episcopal Church, 1979 unless otherwise noted.

Mar 24 - Self Knowledge

My help comes from the Lord, *
the maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:2

They do so until they [the abbot or prioress] give them blessing and say "Enough."
Benedict's Rule 44:10 (Chittister, Pg. 203)

This chapter forces us to ask, in an age without penances and in a culture totally given to individualism, what relationships we may be betraying by selfishness and what it would take to cure ourselves of the self-centeredness that requires the rest of the world to exist for our own convenience.
Chittister, Pg. 203

Am I the only one that sees my own self-centeredness? I expect not. But the reminder to ask the question of myself is needed. It is my experience that after being reminded that I am selfish, and noting the selfishness and self-centeredness, there is a gradual decrease in my awareness until the next reminder...

Lord help me not forget may fallibility and self-centeredness, and to keep a healthy respect for my failures. I further ask for balance in self-knowledge, that I also not forget what I do well and to your satisfaction...

A Note To Readers:

This entry is part of a series that is developing as I read The Rule of Benedict, A Spirituality for the 21st Century, Joan Chittister, OSB, Crossroads, 2010. I am offering this both to those at St. George's Episcopal Church, Arlington VA, that may be reading this book and to anyone that is interested.

Unless stated otherwise quotes from St. Benedict's Rule are from the translation in this same book. Psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer, The Episcopal Church, 1979 unless otherwise noted.

Mar 23 - Failure and Growth

I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy; *
for you have seen my affliction;
you know my distress.
Psalm 31:7

No one is to presume to eat or drink before or after the time appointed.
Benedict's Rule 43:18 (Chittister, Pg. 200)

Both community and prayer, therefore, are essential elements of Benedictine spirituality, and we may not neglect either.
Chittister, Pg. 201

As a Benedictine oblate I face struggle and imperfection in my attempts to fully participate in, live, and accept the norms and rules of the School of God's Service that I am enrolled in. How wonderful to have our Lord who fully accepts my failures and struggles, always loving me and expecting me to grow beyond each failure.

A Note To Readers:

This entry is part of a series that is developing as I read The Rule of Benedict, A Spirituality for the 21st Century, Joan Chittister, OSB, Crossroads, 2010. I am offering this both to those at St. George's Episcopal Church, Arlington VA, that may be reading this book and to anyone that is interested.

Unless stated otherwise quotes from St. Benedict's Rule are from the translation in this same book. Psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer, The Episcopal Church, 1979 unless otherwise noted.

Mar 22 - Just Start Again

The Lord is my strength and my song, *
and he has become my salvation.
Psalm 118:14

Indeed nothing is to be prefered to the Opus Die.
Benedict's Rule 43:3 (Chittister, Pg. 197)

Nothing in life qualifies as an exchange for the Word of God, not good work, not a job almost finished, not an interesting conversation, not the need for privacy... Benedictine spirituality says Stop. Now. A spiritual life without regular prayer and an integrated community consciousness is pure illusion.
Chittister, Pg. 198, 199

I start back after my "day off" with this reading, a gentle reminder about the importance of prayer time. Already I am making excuses: I needed sleep, my schedule didn't allow time, I did other good things...

Enough! Let's get down to basics: I am committed, I needn't worry about if or how to continue. The answer is simple: Just take the time today to read, pray, meditate, then plan that I will continue tomorrow and the next day...

A Note To Readers:

This entry is part of a series that is developing as I read The Rule of Benedict, A Spirituality for the 21st Century, Joan Chittister, OSB, Crossroads, 2010. I am offering this both to those at St. George's Episcopal Church, Arlington VA, that may be reading this book and to anyone that is interested.

Unless stated otherwise quotes from St. Benedict's Rule are from the translation in this same book. Psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer, The Episcopal Church, 1979 unless otherwise noted.

Mar 20 - Gifts, Regardless

Incline your ear to me; *
when I call make haste to answer me,
For my days drift away like smoke, *
and my bones are hot as burning coals.
Psalm 102:2-3

Similarly, they should so regulate and arrange all matters that souls may be saved and the members may go about their activities without justifiable grumbling.
Benedict's Rule 41:5 (Chittister, Pg. 191)

It is so easy to go through life looking feverishly for special ways to find God when God is most of all to be found in doing common things with uncommon conscientiousness.
Chittister, Pg. 194

How often do I look only for the "special" rather than the realistic and common? Do I complain that the weather gets in my way, or do I look to the dark raining morning as the special and individual celebration of "Today"? What about the third, fifth, or tenth rainy morning in a row?

Can I see each encounter with the world, or people in the world, as a unique and special gift? Gifts regardless of my understanding, gifts regardless of how I feel after the encounter, gifts even when I grumble and cannot see the goodness in my day?

Lord, help me. I don't like it when I can't see joy, or when I fail and close my mind to all. Help me see your love, forgiveness, and guidance in every encounter.

A Note To Readers:

This entry is part of a series that is developing as I read The Rule of Benedict, A Spirituality for the 21st Century, Joan Chittister, OSB, Crossroads, 2010. I am offering this both to those at St. George's Episcopal Church, Arlington VA, that may be reading this book and to anyone that is interested.

Unless stated otherwise quotes from St. Benedict's Rule are from the translation in this same book. Psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer, The Episcopal Church, 1979 unless otherwise noted.

Mar 19 - Acid?

You know my reproach, my shame, and my dishonor; *
my adversaries are all in your sight.
Psalm 69:21

Above all else we admonish them to refrain from grumbling...
Benedict's Rule 40:9 (Chittister, Pg. 190)

Complaining is the acid that shrivels our own souls and the soul of the community around us as well.
Chittister, Pg. 190

Grumbling and complaining, who among us hasn't done that at times? But hearing Sister Joan describe it as "acid" is strong indeed. But what happens when constant complaints are bandied about? I certainly don't enjoy that environment. I have been in groups so filled with grumbling, and in the particular case I am thinking of, a grandiose feeling of self-worth, that group progress was squelched for several months.

Lord help me to stop my grumbling and to look for creative and helpful ways of responding.

A Note To Readers:

This entry is part of a series that is developing as I read The Rule of Benedict, A Spirituality for the 21st Century, Joan Chittister, OSB, Crossroads, 2010. I am offering this both to those at St. George's Episcopal Church, Arlington VA, that may be reading this book and to anyone that is interested.

Unless stated otherwise quotes from St. Benedict's Rule are from the translation in this same book. Psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer, The Episcopal Church, 1979 unless otherwise noted.

Mar 16 - Compassion When Overwhelmed

You rule the raging of the sea *
and still the surging of its waves.
Psalm 89:9

...but should be trusted with kindly consideration...
Benedict's Rule 37:2 (Chittister, Pg. 177)

Benedict builds compassion right into the Rule so that oppression in the name of God will not become a monastic sin.
Chittister, Pg. 178

We must have compassion and realistic expectations for the situation and time of life people are in. For example, we expect tired children to be cranky and to cry. We don't expect them to make rational adult decisions. We don't even expect fully rational decisions from ourselves and other adults when we are over tired, sick, or overextended.

We do expect ourselves, as adults in good condition, to make allowances for when we are "out of sorts", avoiding most (I would say all, but I am realistic) of the melt-downs we see in children.

I am thinking this expectation is the easy part. The "real" part happens when we keep driving ourselves, denying we have reached, or even exceeded, our normal capabilities, where we don't make allowances for being over tired, or deny we are ill, or that life is simply over taxing our capabilities. Or, perhaps even worse, when we hide behind being tired, sick, and overwhelmed to avoid responsibilities...

Balance. Again we come to balance in our own lives, and in what we expect of others.

Praise and thank you to our Lord for being with us, holding us, and keeping us through the all too many times we fail on our own.

A Note To Readers:

This entry is part of a series that is developing as I read The Rule of Benedict, A Spirituality for the 21st Century, Joan Chittister, OSB, Crossroads, 2010. I am offering this both to those at St. George's Episcopal Church, Arlington VA, that may be reading this book and to anyone that is interested.

Unless stated otherwise quotes from St. Benedict's Rule are from the translation in this same book. Psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer, The Episcopal Church, 1979 unless otherwise noted.

Mar 15 - Into the Snare with Heavy Burdens

You brought us into the snare; *
you laid heavy burdens upon our backs
Psalm 66:10

Care of the sick must rank above and before all else so that they may truly be served as Christ...
Benedict's Rule 36:1 (Chittister, Pg. 174)

How much of our own precious time do we spend on those with little time left?
Chittister, Pg. 176

...Into the snare...heavy burden on our (my) backs...

I have shied away from focusing on passages that I have seen as difficult or hard to hear recently, but today this passage from Psalms puts words to how I feel. I am called out of my comfort zone, I am called away from being placid and being able to sit back and just do what I want (or not do anything...) I am called to actively care for myself and others, and to spend time with God.

This calls me to face what I want to avoid, to take responsibility in my life...

A Note To Readers:

This entry is part of a series that is developing as I read The Rule of Benedict, A Spirituality for the 21st Century, Joan Chittister, OSB, Crossroads, 2010. I am offering this both to those at St. George's Episcopal Church, Arlington VA, that may be reading this book and to anyone that is interested.

Unless stated otherwise quotes from St. Benedict's Rule are from the translation in this same book. Psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer, The Episcopal Church, 1979 unless otherwise noted.

Mar 12 - All We Need

As the deer longs for the water-brooks, *
so longs my soul for you, O God.
Psalm 42:1

First and foremost, there must be no word or sign of the evil of grumbling...
Benedict's Rule 34:6 (Chittister, Pg. 168)

Destitution and deprivation are not monastic virtues.
Chittister, Pg. 168

I was traveling yesterday, up early and on the road, so I skipped the chapter in the Rule of Benedict on private ownership. In that chapter Benedict describes how in Benedictine communities there is no private ownership, all property is owned by the community. This community ownership, rather than personal ownership, is the context of the reading today. Monastics are to be provided what is needed, they are not to be destitute, nor are they to grumble about this.

This is another one of the areas where Benedict's rule, at first reading, may not seem all that relevant to those of us that are not living in full-time monastic communities. But on second thought this can be quite useful. If we hope to live a life that approaches, even a bit, the life of Jesus, it seems we must recognize that God is truly the owner of all, regardless what the deeds and titles say, and we must look to God for all we need...

A Note To Readers:

This entry is part of a series that is developing as I read The Rule of Benedict, A Spirituality for the 21st Century, Joan Chittister, OSB, Crossroads, 2010. I am offering this both to those at St. George's Episcopal Church, Arlington VA, that may be reading this book and to anyone that is interested.

Unless stated otherwise quotes from St. Benedict's Rule are from the translation in this same book. Psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer, The Episcopal Church, 1979 unless otherwise noted.

Mar 9 - Largesse of Spirit

Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; *
show the light of your countenance and we shall be saved.
Psalm 80:18

Above all, let the cellarer be humble.
Benedict's Rule 31:13 (Chittister, Pg. 162)

The person with a Benedictine tenor learns here to err on the side of largesse of spirit.
Chittister, Pg. 163

Do I show largesse of spirit? Why yes, of course I do! Really, all the time? Well, err, no...

I can be quick in my response, resenting interruptions and changes in "my" plans. I am lucky that I live and work with patient companions and coworkers. And I am blessed by the Lord God who knows I will fail and provides grace and forgiveness when I (finally) realize what I have done and ask...

A Note To Readers:

This entry is part of a series that is developing as I read The Rule of Benedict, A Spirituality for the 21st Century, Joan Chittister, OSB, Crossroads, 2010. I am offering this both to those at St. George's Episcopal Church, Arlington VA, that may be reading this book and to anyone that is interested.

Unless stated otherwise quotes from St. Benedict's Rule are from the translation in this same book. Psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer, The Episcopal Church, 1979 unless otherwise noted.

Mar 8 - Manifesting Myself?

The waters have lifted up, O Lord,
the waters have lifted up their voice; *
the waters have lifted up their pounding waves.
Psalm 93:4

The cellarer will regard all utensils and goods of the monastery as sacred vessels of the alter.
Benedict's Rule 31:10 (Chittister, Pg. 158)

The call to be what we say we believe becomes a measure of authenticity for teachers, parents and administrators everywhere.
Chittister, Pg. 158

What do I believe? What do my actions manifest? Is what I manifest what I expect? Yesterday at one of the meetings I regularly participate in the topic was relationships. We discussed how often that which we most dislike in another is what we are most dissatisfied with in ourselves. Bingo! As I think about things I take my spouse to task for, they really are things about myself that I dislike. I can wrap it up in high sounding justification, but that is just me trying to avoid looking at myself. It brings home that if I am called to be what I say, I have work to do...

A Note To Readers:

This entry is part of a series that is developing as I read The Rule of Benedict, A Spirituality for the 21st Century, Joan Chittister, OSB, Crossroads, 2010. I am offering this both to those at St. George's Episcopal Church, Arlington VA, that may be reading this book and to anyone that is interested.

Unless stated otherwise quotes from St. Benedict's Rule are from the translation in this same book.Psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer, The Episcopal Church, 1979 unless otherwise noted.

Mar 7 - To Heal Not To Destroy

Do not toss your horns so high, *
nor speak with a proud neck.
Psalm 75:5

Every age and level of understanding should receive appropriate treatment.
Benedict's Rule, 30:1 (Chittister, Pg. 156)

...Benedictine punishment is always meant to heal, never to destroy; to cure, not to crush.
Chittister, Pg. 157

To heal, not destroy... While my roles may include helping others to identify faults, I cannot forget I have faults as well. It doesn't matter my anger or my frustration, my role is to build through respect, not belittle through frustration or anger.

A Note To Readers:

This entry is part of a series that is developing as I read The Rule of Benedict, A Spirituality for the 21st Century, Joan Chittister, OSB, Crossroads, 2010. I am offering this both to those at St. George's Episcopal Church, Arlington VA, that may be reading this book and to anyone that is interested.

Unless stated otherwise quotes from St. Benedict's Rule are from the translation in this same book.Psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer, The Episcopal Church, 1979 unless otherwise noted.

Mar 4 - Utmost Care

May his Name remain for ever
and be established as long as the sun endures; *
May all the nations bless themselves in him and call him blessed.
Psalm 72:17

The abbot and prioress must ensure the utmost care and concern for the wayward
Benedict's Rule 27:1 (Chittister, Pg. 149)

The spiritual life is a process, not an event. It takes time and love and help and care. It takes our patient presence. Just like everything else.
Chittister, Pg. 151

Sr. Joan also reminds me "What we have in monasteries and parishes and all fine social movements and devoted rectories and most families are just people, simple people who never meet their own ideals..." You mean I am responsible here too? I can barely get my own act together and you expect me to be there for others that are struggling? Wow, this puts an interesting light on what I must do, what my role is, whether I am at work, at home, or in class... I need the Lord whose Name remains forever.

A Note To Readers:

This entry is part of a series that is developing as I read The Rule of Benedict, A Spirituality for the 21st Century, Joan Chittister, OSB, Crossroads, 2010. I am offering this both to those at St. George's Episcopal Church, Arlington VA, that may be reading this book and to anyone that is interested.

Unless stated otherwise quotes from St. Benedict's Rule are from the translation in this same book.Psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer, The Episcopal Church, 1979 unless otherwise noted.

Mar 3 - Just Listen

God has spoken once. Twice have I heard it, *
that power belongs to God.
Psalm 62:13

If anyone, acting without an order from the prioress or abbot...
Benedict's Rule 26:1 (Chittister, Pg. 148)

Benedict wants the cure to have the time to heal. Meddling, agitating, distracting a person from the great work of growth at such an important time in a person's life is a grave fault itself.
Chittister, Pg. 148

In our budding community we started studying "Listening" this week. Sister Joan's admonition to allow time to work is appropriate to hear during this study. It is not always easy for me to listen, to let another have the floor, to not anticipate what they are going to say, but to instead simply let them say it.

A Note To Readers:

This entry is part of a series that is developing as I read The Rule of Benedict, A Spirituality for the 21st Century, Joan Chittister, OSB, Crossroads, 2010. I am offering this both to those at St. George's Episcopal Church, Arlington VA, that may be reading this book and to anyone that is interested.

Unless stated otherwise quotes from St. Benedict's Rule are from the translation in this same book.Psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer, The Episcopal Church, 1979 unless otherwise noted.

Mar 2 - Keep Growing

They have laid a net for my feet, and I am bowed low; *
they have dug a pit before me,
but have fallen into it themselves.
Psalm 57:5

Those guilty of a serious fault...
Benedict's Rule 25:1 (Chittister, Pg. 146)

The point of the rule is simply that we have to take intervals to explore consciously what we ourselves are holding back from the group that depends on us.
Chittister, Pg. 147

We change. I change. We do so in an imperfect way (well, at least at times). That does not mean we stop or that God does not love us and expect us to keep growing.

A Note To Readers:

This entry is part of a series that is developing as I read The Rule of Benedict, A Spirituality for the 21st Century, Joan Chittister, OSB, Crossroads, 2010. I am offering this both to those at St. George's Episcopal Church, Arlington VA, that may be reading this book and to anyone that is interested.

Unless stated otherwise quotes from St. Benedict's Rule are from the translation in this same book.Psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer, The Episcopal Church, 1979 unless otherwise noted.

Mar 1 - Ascending The Hill

Who can ascend the hill of the Lord? *
and who can stand in his holy place?
Psalm 24:3

There ought to be due proportion between the seriousness of the fault and the measure of excommunication or discipline.
Benedict's Rule 24:1 (Chittister, Pg. 144)

And, Benedict insinuates, once you have broken the bonds that make a community a community, a family a family, a team a team, there is no growth possible until we all face the fact.
Chittister, Pg. 145

We all, we hope, wish to ascend the hill of the Lord, we want to stand in the holy place. But our path is not always straight. We are amid eight chapters of the Rule of Benedict that discuss "punishment." In our class, as we read Benedict's rule, we are not likely to need much punishment. However, we may find we have broken a rule here and there. (Hopefully not often, but we are human, we do sin...)

These readings remind me of two things: 1) When something is broken we need to recognize the break and fix it, not let it slip by and become bigger and bigger, and 2) When we respond, we respond proportionately to the actual damage. If we recognize the break when it is small we can often resolve it and make amends quickly. Often with a simple apology and sincere change of heart.

So, let me continue to ascend the hill of the Lord, small stumbles recognized quickly are easily recovered.

A Note To Readers:

This entry is part of a series that is developing as I read The Rule of Benedict, A Spirituality for the 21st Century, Joan Chittister, OSB, Crossroads, 2010. I am offering this both to those at St. George's Episcopal Church, Arlington VA, that may be reading this book and to anyone that is interested.

Unless stated otherwise quotes from St. Benedict's Rule are from the translation in this same book.Psalms are from The Book of Common Prayer, The Episcopal Church, 1979 unless otherwise noted.