Firstly we welcomed a prospective candidate for the oblates, Mrs. Zelda Bigot, who lives just down the road here in Cullman.
We recapped last month's discussion on the role of the Abbot and how this applies to the Oblates of Saint Benedict who are not living in the monastic enclosure. Our first conclusion concerned the role of a father or mother of the family. The spiritual guidance of the family usually comes from the parents or even the grandparents. This a wonderful opportunity to put what is said about the Abbot into practice. The father or mother, must always remember what they are and what they are called, aware that more will be expected of one to whom more has been entrusted. They must realize what a difficult and demanding burden they have undertaken: directing souls and serving a variety of temperaments, coaxing, reproving, and encouraging the4m as appropriate. (RB 2:30ff) Yes, the words of Saint Benedict certainly apply to any head of the house. Which lead us to our second conclusion. Throughout the Rule of Saint Benedict, whenever there is mention of a superior (Abbot, Prior, Dean, Cellarer, etc.) the words of admonishment or the descriptions given for these individuals is nothing more than what is expected of any member of the monastic family. Because of their position of authority they are simply reminded more emphatically to live up to the common standards of the house, recognizing that they have been set apart as an example. Pride lurks in the wings, an ever present temptation and so Saint Benedict doesn't call them to something higher, rather he calls them to the common observance all the more diligently.
Following our discussion of last week's reflection, we moved on to new business. We discussed ideas for the coming year. The decision was made to do some common reading of the Rule. "We are called to live by it, so maybe we should discuss it more closely this year." After some discussion of how best to do this in the time provided we realized that there is no way to cover the whole Rule in a single year. So in true Benedictine fashion we accepted that and will set out to do it anyway, taking as long as is necessary. RB 1980 here we come!
The assignment for the next meeting (October 3, 2010) is this:
1. Read the Prologue of the Rule of Saint Benedict (in whichever translation you have).
2. For the next meeting, bring at least one question AND one insight*.
Insight = in your reading there will usually be something that peeks your interest, resonates with your life, or maybe brings an epiphany. That's the thing. For those who were at the meeting today .... it your version of the priest's "homilometer" ... your "lecti-ometer".
An finally a very brief synopsis of my reflection during the Holy Hour for Vocations:
Reading from RB Chapter 3 - Summoning the Brothers for Council.
Think Trinity ... in the beginning God created us in His image and likeness. And in Genesis 2 He says, "It is not good for man to be alone." God's inner life is a relationship of communion among the three persons. When we are cooperating with Grace, we reflect that same divine communion in our families, our Church, our monastic community. Is it any surprise that Saint Benedict would then call us to live in such a way that communion is at our core? Seek the council of others, because when we try to act alone we get into trouble. Seek communion, even if there is disagreement, the work must be done together, in council, that the Holy Spirit might work in us.
Ok ... so now the challenge for the year. Make sure I remember to keep updating this. Even if it is just a short link to something great. Thank you all for your prayers and patience.
Your servant in Christ, Fr. Bede, OSB
Post Script --- Br. Matthew Mattingly will be our retreat director (Sept 24-26). Join us for this wonderful opportunity to rest and be renewed. And don't forget Benefactor's Day on the 27th of September!
Insight = in your reading there will usually be something that peeks your interest, resonates with your life, or maybe brings an epiphany. That's the thing. For those who were at the meeting today .... it your version of the priest's "homilometer" ... your "lecti-ometer".
An finally a very brief synopsis of my reflection during the Holy Hour for Vocations:
Reading from RB Chapter 3 - Summoning the Brothers for Council.
Think Trinity ... in the beginning God created us in His image and likeness. And in Genesis 2 He says, "It is not good for man to be alone." God's inner life is a relationship of communion among the three persons. When we are cooperating with Grace, we reflect that same divine communion in our families, our Church, our monastic community. Is it any surprise that Saint Benedict would then call us to live in such a way that communion is at our core? Seek the council of others, because when we try to act alone we get into trouble. Seek communion, even if there is disagreement, the work must be done together, in council, that the Holy Spirit might work in us.
Ok ... so now the challenge for the year. Make sure I remember to keep updating this. Even if it is just a short link to something great. Thank you all for your prayers and patience.
Your servant in Christ, Fr. Bede, OSB
Post Script --- Br. Matthew Mattingly will be our retreat director (Sept 24-26). Join us for this wonderful opportunity to rest and be renewed. And don't forget Benefactor's Day on the 27th of September!
No comments:
Post a Comment