Benedictine Sisters of FL

Holy Name Monastery
Founded 1889

Holy Name Monastery

Christianity is Not About Following Rules

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Christianity is Not About Following Rules

A Message from Pope Francis

Catholic News Service

Pope Francis celebrates morning Mass in the chapel of his residence, the Domus Sanctae Marthae, at the Vatican May 15, 2020. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Christians must follow the Ten Commandments, of course, but Christianity is not about following rules, it is about having a relationship with Jesus, Pope Francis said.

“A relationship with God, a relationship with Jesus is not a relationship of ‘things to do’ — ‘If I do this, you give me that,’” he said.  Such a relationship would be “commercial” while Jesus gives everything, including his life, gratuitously.

At the beginning of his morning Mass May 15 in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae, Pope Francis noted the day’s U.N. celebration of the International Day of Families and asked people to join him praying “for all families so that the Spirit of the Lord — the spirit of love, respect and freedom — might grow in families.”

In his homily, the pope focused on the day’s first reading and its account of the first Christian converts from paganism being “disturbed” by other Christians who insisted the converts must first become Jewish and follow all Jewish laws and customs.

“These Christians who came from the pagans believed in Jesus Christ, received baptism and were happy — they had received the Holy Spirit,” the pope said.

Those who insisted the converts observe Jewish law and customs had “pastoral arguments, theological arguments and even moral ones,” he said.  “They were methodical and also rigid.”

“These people were ideological more than dogmatic,” the pope said.  “They reduced the law, the dogma to an ideology: ‘You must do this, this and this.’  Theirs was a religion of prescriptions and, in that way, they took away the freedom of the Spirit,” who had brought the converts directly to Christ without first having them become Jewish.

“Where there is rigidity, there is not the Spirit of God, because the Spirit of God is freedom,” the pope said.

The problem of individuals or groups trying to impose extra conditions on believers was present from the beginning of Christianity and continues in some quarters of the church today, he said.

“In our own time, we have seen some church organizations that seem to be well organized, to work well, but they are all rigid, each member the same as the others, and then we have discovered the corruption that was inside, including in the founders.”

Pope Francis ended his homily inviting people to pray for the gift of discernment as they try to distinguish between the requirements of the Gospel and “prescriptions that make no sense.”

 

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Abbot Primate’s Circular Letter

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This week I offer for consideration an abbreviated version of the “Circular Letter” from our Abbot Primate Gregory Polan, O.S.B.  Abbot Gregory was our retreat director in the summer 2019.  He resides in Rome at Sant’ Anselmo, the Benedictine College.  Shortly after resigning as Abbot of Conception Abbey he was elected to the international position.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Saint Benedict and Saint Scholastica,

Jesus said: Peace be with you.  This Easter peace (that) Jesus gives is not a freedom from anxiety, but a freedom to live amid anxious times with faith in God’s presence, and trust in ways that will open up a manner to face and live into the future.  That is a great encouragement .. in this moment of anxiety and insecurity.  Despite the fears and worries, there is something quietly stirring in (our) hearts.  The Holy Spirit within us guides us in ways that are so simple and good, so touching and transforming.  It is a “peace” that is subtle and quiet, humble and gracious, wise, noble, and advantageous.  This is the mysterious Easter peace that Christ left to us, his Benedictine disciples, and to all who follow the Gospel message.

 How easy it is to name the challenges that have come our way with this pandemic: fear for the present moment, unexpected death, uncertainty about the future, living with an invisible enemy, financial pressures, distance from loved ones, praying in unfamiliar ways, and many more challenges.  But isn’t it important for us, to search deeply to discover the blessings that have come to us? 

 First, we have come to see what a blessing our Benedictine tradition and calling has been for us during these days.  While many people live alone in a small place, isolated and without another human face to encounter, we have been blessed with our monastic community.  The human desire that resides in all of us to be connected with others stands as a distinguishing characteristic of our daily life.  With social distancing, we have been forced to live somewhat apart, but clearly, not alone.  Again with social distancing from one another, there has grown a kind of unique closeness that happens when challenges unite people in a way that bonds them by their willingness to do together what is for the good of all.  Sacrifice is rarely an easy act, but when it is done by a whole community, it possesses a unique character that binds people in a joy that is both satisfying and enriching, and sometimes, life-changing.  While in community our fears actually become moments when courage builds up within us, our anxieties develop into moments of trust because of the strength we experience in the midst of our community life together.

 Second, both our community and private prayer take on new dimensions.  We regret that in most instances, our oblates and friends who usually pray with us are not present.  Yet, their absence fosters a true concern for them in our hearts.  It is easy in our daily intercessions to remember the Church, the world, and our governments; yet now, knowing the challenges which they face for the good of the people they serve, there is a greater sense of the worldwide communion which we share, not only as members of the Body of Christ, but as brothers and sisters in the human family.  Both men and women Benedictines have shown genuine concern for those who usually pray with them.

Third, the environment of our monasteries …  provides us with places to be grateful for the beauty of creation, the gifts of God’s earth, and the opportunity to reflect on how important our care for the earth’s resources really are. … (I share one example) .. Here in Rome, with the lockdown, from our tower, you can see the Mediterranean Sea; that is how clear the air has become in Rome, a city known for its pollution. … During this pandemic, we have experienced a short-term effect of seeing how we can be better … guardians of what has been given us.

Fourth, an element of the monastic life that has intensified during these weeks and months has been part of Saint Benedict’s spiritual doctrine on silence.  Until a few months ago, our lives have been caught up in the fast pace of society, which can have the tendency to diminish the time devoted to silence and reflection.  These weeks have awakened in us the importance of silence and reflection.  We have sometimes come to see how uncomfortable we are with more silence in our lives; and it has taken both time and effort to use the silence that has been forced upon us as something that really is a “gift in disguise.”  The moments of silence and reflection are precious times for communion with God, whether in the practice of lectio divina, adoration, or stillness before the divine presence already within us.  There is no doubt that God has many important things to say to us in the midst of this crisis – what is important is that we can take this time and realize how silence and solitude are “gifts” that are there for us to use wisely even after the time of this pandemic.

Fifth, we are living in a moment of inspiring heroism.  On the larger scale, we have seen the sacrifice of their very lives by dedicated doctors, (and) nurses, vigilant public servants who have all put their lives in harm’s way to fulfill the calling they have received.  Likewise, there has been a more silent, yet still dedicated heroism in the fervent prayer, generous service, and creative ways of assistance through the internet, email, and phone conversations.  The beautiful challenge that now stands before us is to keep this kind of generosity and creativity growing certainly to one another, and to all who come to us as guests, in the figure of Jesus Christ.  The heroism of our lives as Benedictines is often not as well known or widespread yet, it is heroic in the living of our tradition according to the Gospel and the Rule of Saint Benedict with a sense of mission that is vibrant and life-giving for one another and for whomever we may serve.

To each of you, I offer sincere thanks for the ways in which you have witnessed to the monastic spirit of prayer, stability, obedience, charity, generosity, sacrifice, and openness to the movement of the Holy Spirit in this unexpected pandemic.  May our testimony as Benedictine men and women of the Gospel and the Rule lead us forward into the future, yet unknown, yet known in the mind and heart of God who walks with us each and every day.

Sincerely in the risen Christ, our great Hope and Strength,

Gregory Polan, O.S.B.

[Abbreviated for distribution by Benedictine Sisters of Florida]

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It’s Just Not Going to be the Same

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Gospel selections all this week have been an expression of the same theme: an impending separation with a promise of an abiding presence.  You’ll recall that Jesus is speaking to his disciples at their last supper together … and given the length of his discourse, it must have been a LONG, many-course supper.  Jesus reassures those gathered with him that even though he must leave them, he is not abandoning them.  In his stead, he promises, he will send the Holy Spirit.  And, on that day they will realize that He and the Father God are one.

When a lifetime friend moves far away we can reassure one another that we’ll stay in touch but we also probably agree [even if we do have Face Time and Instagram]: “It’s just not going to be the same.”  This may have been the feeling of the disciples.  Jesus is saying “goodbye.”  This is not just a farewell before going on a short trip when they will see one another again in a few weeks or months.  It’s a more permanent farewell.  He is preparing them for the shock of his violent death and the collapse of their plans for the future.  Everything is about to change for them…“It’s just not going to be the same.”

Jesus is sensitive to the felling of loss they are about to endure.  He’s telling them quite clearly, “It’s just not going to be the same.”  He knows they won’t make it on their own.  Their human courage, like ours, just wouldn’t be enough – they’ll need continued support to spread Jesus’ message after He is gone.

So, Jesus makes a FANTASTIC, and unbelievable promise:  He is going to the Father and he will send the Holy Spirit to guide them as they face new challenges.  There’re are going to be new issues and suffering for what they believe.  But, they will become aware of Jesus’ abiding presence even though they cannot physically see, hear, or touch Him.

We may be 2000+ years away from those disciples around the table with Jesus that night, but we too have experienced loss and need.  We have said many goodbyes to family and community members.  We’ve experienced big changes in our lives (even for those who did not know life before Vatican II).  There have been times when we’ve needed to be strong ourselves and for others – times of grave illness, worry over a troubled or addicted loved one, sorrow over a broken relationship or an uncertain future.

Those are the times when we’ve known:  “It’s just not going to be the same.” And it wasn’t.  God sends us curve balls when we least expect it.  But, like a skilled ball player, we can still hit a home run.  God gives us the strength to stay faithful as well as the wisdom to maneuver life’s many twists and turns.

As of this writing there have been close to 2,000 COVID-related deaths in Florida; 85,000 in the U.S.; 300,000 deaths world-wide (and this is an under-estimate).  Many of these folks died attended by loyal professional care-takers, not their family.  Who could have foreseen, or even imagined, this day when monastic community members cannot visit their own Sisters in the house infirmary and nursing staff represent them at a dying Sister’s last anointing?!  These are times when we know well the feeling – It’s just not going to be the same.

Our duty, our challenge, then, is to believe, to trust that we DO have the Spirit with us – in Word, the Eucharist, in each other.  We believe Jesus has kept his promise to give us the gift of the Spirit – an abiding, permanent dwelling with each and every and all of us.  We believe Jesus when he says: I will send the “Advocate” – a counselor, a consoler, a mediator – divine energy that will bind you together with one another, and all you in God. 

A Thomas Merton prayer, speaks to me when all I do know is – “It’s just not going to be the same.” 

“My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.  I do not see the road ahead of me.  I cannot know for certain where it will end.  Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.  But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you.  And, I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.  I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.  And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it.  Therefore, will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.  I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.”

                                                                 Thomas Merton, Thoughts on Solitude, 1956

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress

 

First Reading  Acts of the Apostles 8:5-8,14-17    Second Reading    1 Peter 3:15-18
Gospel    John 14:15-21
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Time is of the Essence

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In an address to ministers throughout the world reiterating and strengthening the importance of climate considerations of Laudato Si, Pope Francis challenged them (and us) to commit to several climate-specific goals:

  • To value what is important, not what is superfluous;

 

  • To correct our national and business accounts, so as to stop engaging in activities that are destroying our planet;

 

  • To put an end to global dependency on fossil fuels;

 

  • To open a new chapter of clean and safe energy, that utilizes, for example, renewables such as wind, sun and water;

 

  • Above all, to act prudently and responsibly in our economies to actually meet human needs, promote human dignity, help the poor and be set free of the idolatry of money and creates so much suffering.

[Pope Francis  Radio address on climate change (May 28, 2019]

Reference Encyclical Letter Laudato si‘ of the Holy Father Francis On Care for Our Common Home (24 May 2015)

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Jesus assures: Let not your hearts not be troubled – I am the way, the truth and the life.

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(Gospel) Sound familiar?  We’ve heard portions of it now three days in a row …  The Church wants to be sure we get the message: “Let not your hearts be troubled.”  This conversation between Jesus and his disciples (and with us) is a profoundly comforting message in the face of pandemic days – days of fear of contagion and possible death.  But, it is more than that – it has everything to do with our lives at any time – not only the here and now.

To put the setting into context … the scene is Jesus’ last meal with his special friends on the eve before His death.  He has washed the disciples’ feet and explained the meaning of the gesture.  He has foretold his betrayal by one among them, and that one has slipped out into the night.  Jesus has shared that he will be with them only a little while longer.  He is going and they cannot come.  He has also foretold Peter’s imminent denial.

No wonder they are troubled.  Their beloved teacher has announced that He is leaving them and one of their own has turned against them.  And Peter, who has served as their leader and spokesperson, is about to falter in his loyalty.  The ground is shifting beneath their feet.

Jesus responds to their anxiety: “Don’t let your hearts be troubled.  Believe in God, believe also in me.”  He assures them that he is not abandoning them.  The good news is he is going to

His Father’s house which is also their destination.  Because there are many dwellings in his Father’s house, He’s going to prepare a place for them, so that they will be with him and dwell with him.

Then, poor literal Thomas – he wants the GPS route to this place Jesus is going.  (Jesus, knowing Thomas, could have seen this coming.)  He reminds all of them (and us): “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”

This is a promise.  Assuring us there is no need to panic or to look for a secret map out of the land of COVID or to expect a view “from the balcony” for vision of what the new “normal” will be.  “If you know me, you will know my Father.”  And, “From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

Then it’s Philip’s turn.  He is not quite convinced.  “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.”  Jesus’ sounds a bit exasperated: “Philip, have I been with you all this time and you still do not know me?  Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.”

This was the whole of Jesus’ mission – his life’s work.  For the past three years He had labored to reveal who God is.  If we want to know who God is, we need look no further than Jesus.  All the words that Jesus has spoken come from God and show us who God is.

Jesus’ message in this Gospel passage has everything to do with our life here and now.  “Very truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these because I am going to the Father.  I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.”

This is where Jesus’ promise becomes a little hard to swallow.  Greater works than healing the blind and raising the dead?  And you will do whatever we ask in your name?  How can that be true?

Perhaps the problem is that in hearing these promises, we expect to do these greater works in the same way that Jesus did them.  What Jesus is promising is that He will be with us through the power of the Spirit, to work in and through us to accomplish HIS purposes in the world.  He is not promising that this will necessarily happen in visible, spectacular ways.  He’s saying that wherever there is healing, reconciliation, life-giving deeds –  this is the work of God – Jesus’ presence in our midst.

Jesus makes known to us the heart of God, and he has shared and entrusted His sacred mission of “making God known” to all in “our realm of influence.”

“The Lord is trustworthy in all His works.  Upright is the word of the Lord!   See, the eyes of the Lord are upon those who hope in his kindness.” (Psalm 33 adapted)  “You are a chosen race, a royal people, a holy nation, a people of God’s own.  (Second Reading 1 Peter 2: 9)

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress
First Reading: Acts 6:1-7                Second Reading 1 Peter 2:4-9
Gospel John 14:1-12
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An Examen for Times of Anxiety and Depression

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I pause (breathe in and out) and thank you for this day.  For the challenges, the emotion, the struggle.  For in all this, I grow closer to you.

I pause (breathe in and out) and ask that in the darkness I see your light and in my fear, I feel your strength.

I pause (breathe in and out) and remember that today, as in days before, I have survived.  When I’ve wanted to run I’ve stayed.  When I’ve wanted to hide, I’ve faced the day.

I pause (breathe in and out) and ask for forgiveness for the days I’ve faulter and the disease takes over.  I ask for compassion and love when I’m unable to give those to myself.

I pause (breathe in and out) and resolve to love myself more tomorrow.  And always feel your spirit around me in safety.

I pause (breathe in and out) and rest.

By Erin Roush

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