Think about it

         In our infirmary on the nurses’ desk, there is a small blackboard which has a new saying every day. This one caught my eye. “Silent and listen are spelled with the same letters. Think about it.” My immediate thought was, “The first word in the Rule of Benedict is ‘listen.’” Later I thought, “The Rule has a chapter on silence.” Finally, I thought, “This would be a good topic for my upcoming blog.”

          I believe it was Carl Jung, the noted psychologist, who said, “People pay $100.00 an hour just to have someone listen to them.” To be a good listener we must give our full attention to the one speaking. That is, we must silence all the voices inside and out. We ought not to be planning dinner menu for the next day or what we will say when the person is finished talking or what have to do at the office the next day. It takes discipline to be attentive and to recognize and still our inner voices.

          At worship and at prayer it is necessary to have inner silence to be present and active. Again, from experience we know how difficult it is to still the inner voices that keep from listening and participating. We have to let go and keep returning to the inner silence. (One writer says that he makes distraction part of his prayer.

          Even to enjoy fully a spring day we need to be inwardly still so that we can hear the sounds around: the birds singing, the branches swaying and the crickets doing whatever it is that they do!

          Regarding our relationship with God, Scripture says simply, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Ps. 46:10)

          Silent and listen are spelled with the same letters. Think about it. 

          Sr. Justina Franxman, OSB

Have a Listening New Year

This time of year often feels bittersweet to me as I reflect on the experiences of the past year and celebrate the start of the New Year.  For me 2014 is marked by joyful moments, significant losses, acceptance and stretching of my limits, opportunity, grace and gratitude.  As I sit here and write I find myself both smiling and teary as the memories flash like pictures through my mind.  I find myself wondering where 2014 went and breathing a sigh of relief that it is done.

As 2015 starts I am abandoning my usual list of resolutions and am turning to Benedict whose first word in the Rule is “Listen.”  In seeking to listen, I hope to live with mindfulness and presence, not too far in the past or the future.  To listen carefully to God’s work in daily experiences, creation and the people whom I encounter.  I want to listen and be present so that I can savor the joy, experience gratitude and ride the waves of challenge.  I will listen my way into New Year and keep working at listening whatever 2015 may be bring.  Have a blessed and listening New Year!

                                      Sr. Kimberly Porter OSB

Discernment and Chapter of Election

     Electricity is in the air of the monastery as we prepare for the chapter of election.We are approaching   a very holy time.The chapter of election for the prioress to lead us for the next four years is our version of the conclave to elect the Pope. But there is a major difference in that our chapter includes all the members in the discernment and voting. All of the sisters living at a distance will be at the monastery for this blessed event.  That in itself brings joy and excitement. We have spent the last month offering special prayers for each other and as we come to the end of the list the anticipation grows.

      As you may know “Listen” is the first word of the Holy Rule of St. Benedict. We have been preparing ourselves to listen intently to our hearts and to the Holy Spirit speaking through each one of us. This discernment captures the spirit of our obedience to one another as we actively listen and respond. We truly believe each of us has a piece of the wisdom. No one comes into the process to “win” but the entire community “wins” because the voice of the Spirit has been heard. In the prayerful silence of our hearts we are open to pray, to hear, to speak, to let go and ultimately to hear and respond to the will of God as expressed at this time and in this community.

     I ask for your prayers and thank you for your prayerful participation in this holy event.

            Sr. Mary Rabe, OSB

Listen to the Word

     I enjoy beginnings. It’s the middle parts where the struggles occur: too boring, too difficult, too painful. During this past month or so we have celebrated many beginnings both liturgically and civilly: Christmas, the New Year, the Epiphany, the first week of Ordinary Time, the inauguration, Jesus’s first miracle at the wedding feast of Cana.

     It wasn’t the fact that this was the first miracle of Jesus that struck me. Rather it was the authoritative words spoken by Mary to the servers at the wedding when she said “Do whatever he tells you.”  One commentator on this Gospel suggests each of us hear these words as though they are a personal invitation to each of us: “Do whatever he tells you.” 

     I confess I have not heard these words as though they are directed to me. And, how can this come about? I realize this can only happen through the taking of the necessary time to listen to the Word in order to do what the Word asks. In the parable of the sower, the Gospel for today, only the seed that falls on the rich soil yields abundantly. This time we hear her son Jesus, speak a direct invitation: “whoever has ears ought to hear.”  A response to both these summons requires patience, time and commitment.

     As January concludes and February begins and soon Lent I am hoping to have more resolve to follow Benedict’s admonition “to listen with the ear of the heart” and to the doing of whatever Christ asks.  
     Sr. Aileen Bankemper, OSB 

Brief Reflection on Feast of St. Benedict

Stillness and inner quiet 

are needed to hear

A word spoken by another

 and the soft whisperings of the Spirit.

Surrendering quick responses

Allowing prejudices to slip away

Listen.

Listen, carefully, my child,

Benedict urges
 If today you hear God’s voice

                                       Harden not your heart.

  Sr. Sharon Portwood, OSB