At the outset let it be understood that what follows may appear to be fiction, it is not. More than one of the evangelists spent an afternoon sharing between themselves as I listened in.
This is some of what I gleaned. One day, when the man of God Benedict was doing Lectio and pondering how to incorporate his set of values into his manuscript directed to his followers, the evangelists Luke and Matthew entered the reverie. What an inspiration! The exchange continued for quite a for a spell. Look Ben, (one of the speakers said) “you’ve consulted the writings of the one you call the Master. May I suggest you look at what’s recorded in our sayings of THE Master. Sure enough! Very many of our special Benedictine values are put forth by THE Master, Jesus.
+ A SPIRIT of POVERTY: take nothing with you (is how Jesus puts it) No money bags, no suitcase, no canvas bag or pretty tote and no sandals. Or as you say it in your Rule: “No one may presume to give, receive or retrain anything as her own, nothing at all, in short not a single item … no one shall presume ownership of anything.“
+ A SENSE of STABILITY: Jesus advises his followers: Into whatever house you enter, stay in the same house; don’t be moving from one house to another. Benedict, you describe the first kind of monastics called cenobites. From what you say, I sense this may be your preferred type of members. “Those who belong to a particular monastery, where they serve under the rule of a superior.”
+ Further, Benedict, you expect these cenobites to follow Jesus’ way of life, personally and communally, practicing a SPIRIT of SIMPLICITY and ACCEPTANCE of WHATEVER IS AVAILABLES: In your words: Eating and drinking whatever is offered to you; whatever is set before you.
You have an obvious understanding of human nature, Benedict. Could we attribute that to your twin sister’s influence? She took her turn as cook for her group of women whom she loved as ardently as you looked after the rough and tough gang of men that lived with you. It’s evident in your words: Taking turns serving one another, using an unvoiced system of gestures when anything is required. And (yes, PLEASE God) it will save you a heap of trouble if you, designate a weekly reader to proclaim the Holy Word throughout the meal.
In studying your Rule, Benedict, it seems to go without saying that there will likely be no harmony in the group unless the members each and all strive to AVOID EVIL and CLING to PEACE. The evangelists remind readers: Remember what Jesus said: “If peace is not present in the house where you find yourself, go out into the streets and shake the dust from your feet and leave that town.” When you feel evil arising in you, get in touch with the cause – shame the devil – leave the occasion of sin.
Mark interjected a stray thought. Consider, he suggested, what ultimately did not happen in Nazareth: no healings, no mighty deeds. Is it much of a surprise? After all a miracle is not just an event, but it is an interpreted event. If Jesus is not reputed to be capable of healing, any healing that does take place won’t be attributed to him. So, the crowd’s attitude is “there’s nothing here to see. Let’s just move along, move along… and find some other excitement.”
Such is true with us, with our community. Our guests won’t experience peace and harmony, generosity of spirit and light-heartedness, beauty in nature and in liturgy if they can’t witness those qualities in each of us. They come expecting a miracle. The miracles happen in our interactions, first with each other, then between us and our guests.
Remember Jesus’ question to this disciples, “Who do people say I am? And, you: “Who do you say I am?” Who do you say these Benedictine Sisters of FL are?
Do you recall the rock opera popular in the 1970’s: “Jesus Christ, Superstar”? This line challenges us: “Do you think / you’re what / they say you are?” Benedictine Sisters of Florida, do you think / you’re what they say you are? Are you really who you say you are?
~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB
Thursday, July 11, is the summer feast of St. Benedict. The feast most folks know of is celebrated on March 21. But that day usually falls during Lent when Alleluia is suppressed and music low key … we, Benedictines “pull out all the stops” for the summer feast. Whisper a pray for us at Holy Name as we continue to walk into an ever-evolving future. God bless each of you!
Gospel: Mark 6:1-6
Continue Reading
