This week we celebrate two
major feasts—St. Joseph and St. Benedict.
In reflecting first on St.
Joseph and then on St. Benedict the same thought keeps coming to mind: WHAT IF?
What if St. Joseph had
said, “No thanks” to the angel? What if he had left Mary to face her future on
her own? What if he had not been able to accept the unexpected? What if he had
not had the faith to accept the responsibilities and blessings and
uncertainties that his life would have?
Our salvation history
would be different—not that I know what it would have been, but the important
people would not have been the same.
What if St. Benedict had
remained in his cave at Subiaco and not allowed others to join him? What if he
had not envisioned a monastery with an abbot? What if he had not written the
Rule that would be followed by thousands of men and women throughout the
centuries?
My history would be
different—not meeting Benedictine sisters from first grade onward, not being
part of St. Walburg Monastery, not writing this blog!
And I ask, “What if” we
make our decisions with faith and generosity? Where will that lead?
Sr. Nancy Kordenbrock, OSB
Dear Sister, thank you for this good word, "what if." We are certainly supposed to use this word in our reading of the Bible. My dear, how about this fragrant fig? It's from the tree. I have wanted you to eat this forever. -- No, I will pass on that. Where would we be now? Turn the stones into bread. All of them? Just some of them would suffice. OK here we go. Oh No! How could that happen when he is the holy one. Thank God he doesn't and so he teaches us and teaches us. He stood to the end, firm and resolute and carries the family to heaven. Thank God for Easter! Happy soon God bless OSB amen.
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