The Richness of Autumn Ordinary Time

     It’s already time for a blog.

     More than that, it’s also time for a huge change of season, marked by the end of August vacation time and the beginning of September and the school year if that is an indicator of the passing seasons for you.

     Liturgically, the “Ordinary Time” of September and October is filled with feast days:

          the Nativity of Mary

          the Exaltation of the Cross

          Hildegard of Bingen

          Matthew the Evangelist

         Teresa of Avila

          The Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.

         Meanwhile, our readings for Morning and Evening Prayers range from Kings, Sirach, 

         Zephaniah, Habakkuk, and Isaiah to

         2 Corinthians and 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and the four evangelists. 

         Such a menu provides a variety of sources, something for everyone’s taste.

         While Ordinary Time is ticking away to Advent, take time to enjoy these rich autumn scriptures

         as well as the natural beauty of the season.

                                                  Sr. Martha Walther, OSB

                                                      

                              

Sunshine and Shadows

Sunshine and Shadows

Green warmth of summer; crisp colors of autumn.

Mist rising on a Smoky Mountain morning;

Smog blanketing the Cincinnati skyline.

Six month old teasing with her smile;

Delighting her new parents.

Sweethearts nervous as they await

the celebration of their 75^th wedding anniversary.

Single mom babysits by day, works at McDonalds by night.

Her five little ones hardly aware of why.

Kentucky Benedictines enjoy the hospitality of the Benedictines

who live in the backyard of the Windy City.

Teen-age girls work at the Monastery.

Some serve the meals; some gently tend the sick.

Ninety-eight year old dies, so filled with life;

Twenty-two year old dies, life too much.

Hawks screech on their perch;

then glide majestically on the thermals.

The scent of new mown hay; a favorite of my mother.

A soft breeze; the tinkling of the wind chime.

Zinnias color the garden; adorn the table.

The hum of life as heard;

from the country front porch.

Sights, sounds, scents that change with the seasons.

The anticipation of a wonderful gift fulfilled.

A smile and a wave; you’re okay!

Thank you, Lord, for another day.

Sr. Kathleen Ryan, OSB

Autumn’s Gift

   

Of the four seasons,

some of us resonate most

 with autumn.

October!  With its final burst

 of nature’s color,

its cooling air-touch,

its brilliant clarity

in sun-rinsed days

and sparkling nights

that  make you  want to linger outdoors

to listen silently

to what it is

 that we are seeking 

 in all its fullness

 

until our restless hearts

are stilled,

 and with quiet gratitude

we can move on,

 graced into winter.

Sr. Sharon Portwood, OSB

Seasons of Monastic Life

          I love the changing seasons. There is a unique beauty in each of them. Autumn literally blew into our part of Kentucky on September 22. The trees have just begun to change color. The sky was a brilliant blue and the air had that autumn nip to it.  It’s time to start to get out the long sleeves and the warmer clothes.

          In Saint Benedict’s rule he allowed for the seasonal changes. As the hours of daylight increased or decreased, the daily schedule was adjusted. The monks were to pray and take their meals by daylight. Even the austere menu of two cooked dishes was enriched by a third dish of fresh fruits and vegetables in season. The monks also received clothing that took into account the variation in temperature. In Chapter 41 it says, “From Lent to Easter, Vespers (Evening Prayer) should be celebrated early enough so that there is no need for a lamp while eating, and that everything can be finished by daylight.”

          Saint Benedict also made special provisions for the young and the old --a kind of spring and autumn of life. This summer I spent seven weeks in our infirmary recuperating from foot surgery. I always knew that we were blessed with good people to work in our infirmary and our kitchen.  The nurses and aides tried their best to meet each individual sister’s needs. The kitchen staff supplied us with more than just two cooked dishes plus dessert. I was especially impressed by the high school and college age girls who aided during the summer. Their care and respect for each sister was genuine and delightful.They were a joy to have around.  Even on “bad days” the girls had a cheerful smile specially designed for that particular sister. They were truly a breath of spring awakening a smile from the sisters of autumn.

       Sr. Kathleen Ryan, OSB

Fall: the season of letting go

As I watch signs of fall appearing on the monastery grounds I find myself delighting in the splashes of color, the deer eating the acorns under the oaks, and the crispness of the morning air.   These signs occur at unexpected moments, giving me pause to ponder God’s creation and the value of the little experiences.   It is these little experiences which bring a joy that pierces the daily and reminds me of the possibility for beauty amidst change and transition.  Perhaps it is this bittersweet quality of fall which makes it among my favorite seasons.  Like fall, life is about the journey and transitions; about finding beauty and joy even as what is now is letting go for what is to be.  So as fall continues to unfold I pray that you may find moments which bring you joy and a deeper awareness of God’s presence both within and around you. Sr. Kimberly Porter