The Benedictines Strike Back

[stlmom]

Lovely prayer!

[memory-singer]

Hi friends,

Today is July 26 which means 18 days until St. Emma's. This doing a countdown thread is very demanding. It means that i have to take time each day to reflect on what's happening and then relate it to something that touches on it/me in the RB. It's been a blessing-- an awkward blessing at times (ah sloth).

My colleagues and I are under a bit of pressure these days. There have been several vehement discussions, some rather ugly as intensity of opinion meets fear of doing nothing (or the wrong thing.) I see in myself how the desire to help mutates into the "need to be right." In today's excerpt from the Rule, I find much for my own personal reflection.

It is easy to recognize the bitter spirit of wickedness which creates a barrier to God's grace and opens the way to the evil of hell. But equally there is a good spirit which frees us from evil ways and brings us closer to God and eternal life. It is this latter spirit that all who follow the monastic wayof life should strive to cultivate, spurred on by fervent love....They should value nothing whatever above Christ himself and may he bring us all together to eternal life.
Chapter 72, Rule of St. Benedict


Pax,

Dare

[memory-singer]

Hello Again.

Today is July 27--17 days to go. As the days get closer I'm beginning to feel a curious harmony. Can't explain it better than that. I also reviewed my company's policy on Leaves of Absence and provisionally scheduled an appontment with my boss in late August (after his vacation.)
The only way I will have the time necessary to seriously discern with a community (especially with the geographical distance) is to take a leave. I'm actually eligible for a year's "education leave" but will have to give 90 days notice to have it approved. I downloaded the application forms today.

The Young Adults Group at my parish will be fasting and having adoration on Saturday to pray for peace in the middle east. It's our response to our Holy Father's request for prayers. Please pray with us. And now from the Rule:

YOUR HOPE OF FULFILLMENT SHOULD BE CENTERED IN GOD ALONE.

Chapter 4, Rule of St. Benedict


Love and peace,

dare

[puellapaschalis]

[quote name='Mercy's Child' post='1032117' date='Jul 27 2006, 10:03 PM']

YOUR HOPE OF FULFILLMENT SHOULD BE CENTERED IN GOD ALONE.

Chapter 4, Rule of St. Benedict
Love and peace,

dare
[/quote]



Love and prayers,

PP

[memory-singer]

July 28, 2006

16 DAYS TO GO---THANK GOD

Yesterday I received a very sad letter from my mom, asking once again, if I really have to do this.
I can't tell you (and probably don't have to) how much it hurts to know I'm causing her such pain and distress. My hope is that when I'm a bit further along in the application process, to spend a few days shopping and doing shows with her in NYC and then drive over (a state or two) for a visit to the sisters. That should ease the worst of her fears (if not her unwillingness to believe her daughter could actually want to do this.)


Today the following excerpt from the Rule gives me comfort.

When the time comes for one of the divine offices to begin, as soon as the signal is heard, everyone must set aside whatever they may have at hand and hurry as fast as possible to the oratory.....[b]The essential point is that nothing should be accounted more important than the work of GOD [/b]
Chapter 43, Rule of St. Benedict



Pax,

Dare

[stlmom]

You sound like a very caring daughter. I hope your mother will be open to visiting St. Emma's with you; many times, the fear of the unknown is far worse than reality, isn't it? From what I have read on phatmass about St. Emma's, it seems to be a family-friendly monastery. St. Emma's has a great relationship with the outside community, due in no small part to Mother Mary Anne. She would do her best to make your mom more at ease, I'm sure. Hang in there, dear.

[VeniteAdoremus]

Is there a thread to pray for parents of discerners and people in the religious life? If there isn't, there should be.

I'm not discerning (more like slightly considering to do it after I finish my degree, and in the meantime being dragged around by the hair by PP), but my mother is already 'stressed out'. It doesn't really help that she's had traumatic experiences with nuns during her boarding school period, AND that my only other sibling has just decided that any continuance of the family line will have to through me.

Of the seminarians I know, about half has had trouble with their parents beyond the "are you really sure"-level! It's comforting that in the end they all got love and support from them, though.

[memory-singer]

July 29, 2006


15 DAYS TO GO.

Long talk with Mother Mary Anne last night. I wonder if I'll ever have that much sense and wisdom.

and now: THE RULE

Whoever you may be, then in your eagerness to reach your Father's home in heaven, be faithful with Christ's help to this small Rule which is only a beginning. Starting from there you may in the end aim at the greater heights of monastic teaching and virtue...and with God's help you will then be able to reach those heights yourself. AMEN

Chapter 73, Rule of St. Benedict


Pax,
Dare

P.S. Mother told me she would be meeting me at the airport. (Plane due around 11:00 p.m. if on time)



Now that's Benedictine Hospitality!!!

Love and prayers,
Dare

[puellapaschalis]

[quote name='VeniteAdoremus' post='1033549' date='Jul 29 2006, 01:51 PM']
Is there a thread to pray for parents of discerners and people in the religious life? If there isn't, there should be.

I'm not discerning (more like slightly considering to do it after I finish my degree, and in the meantime being dragged around by the hair by PP), but my mother is already 'stressed out'. It doesn't really help that she's had traumatic experiences with nuns during her boarding school period, AND that my only other sibling has just decided that any continuance of the family line will have to through me.

Of the seminarians I know, about half has had trouble with their parents beyond the "are you really sure"-level! It's comforting that in the end they all got love and support from them, though.
[/quote]

Let's pray for each other's parents.

Consider that if she's stressing about it now, then perhaps by the time you're actually able to do something concrete, she'll be a little more used to the idea. Her unfortunate experiences with religious in the past are just that - hers. God has His plans for you, and if that plan means you becoming a nun, then it will be a wonderful opportunity for your mother's wounds to heal. If it doesn't then she can meet me and her sores can perhaps heal that way instead

Nothing in impossible to God, especially when it comes to being able to follow His will.

Love and prayers and knuffels and and and and,

PP

PS You know full well that I only drag you to places that you secretly really do want to go to!