Catholic Benedictine Sisters of St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, Ill., blog with inquirers discerning their religious calling to monastic life.
Posted in Benedictine values on Aug 31st, 2008
Before Morning Prayers, or Lauds, we read a chapter from the Rule of Benedict and it often sets the tone I carry throughout the morning. Yesterday’s reading has lingered longer. It was about obedience. “…obedience to the Prioress and to one another’ is one of my favorite excerpts from the Rule. I have many reasons [...]
Posted in Benedictine values, discernment on Aug 28th, 2008
“Silence is that place just before the voice of God. It is the void in which God and I meet in the center of my soul.” (Illuminated life: Monastic Wisdom for Seekers of Light, Joan Chittister, OSB) Silence is critical to discernment, and during all times that we hope to hear God speak. For my [...]
Posted in discernment on Aug 26th, 2008
I am still having computer glitches, so I have another laptop with me in Dubuque, Iowa for a meeting. I have had trouble staying connected, however, and being unconnected is not a pretty “site”! It is essential to stay connected – yes, via the web, but more important, by any means. Discernment is about recognizing [...]
Posted in discernment on Aug 25th, 2008
A brahmin once asked The Blessed One: “Are you a God?” “No, brahmin” said The Blessed One. “Are you a saint?” “No, brahmin” said The Blessed One. “Are you a magician?” “No, brahmin” said The Blessed One. “What are you then?” “I am awake.”
Posted in discernment on Aug 23rd, 2008
This week was most frustrating with my laptop. Basically, the hard drive is full and can’t handle any more information. When that happens it leads to a very lethargic computer that doesn’t process many commands, including Save, Print, etc. In the midst of my very busy week it was not helpful! This week I received [...]
Posted in discernment on Aug 22nd, 2008
Thursday’s Scripture at Eucharist comes straight from the Prophet Ezechiel. It was my favorite passage from him. Ezechiel writes about new life using the image of dead bones rising with new flesh, new energy and new purpose. He is speaking to the Israelites who have been beaten down into Exile. Ezechiel speaks for the Lord [...]