Inspired by Scholastica

Pope Francis often speaks of a "culture of encounter." He says that we need to "go out of ourselves to encounter the other," especially the poor. He lives this himself in reaching out to strangers, to the homeless, to those of other faiths, to refugees, to youth, to prisoners, to the sick and those with special needs. A true encounter means looking into the eyes of the other, touching the person, opening our hearts to him or her. It's not just writing a check, but feeling their skin. The top one percent of our society rarely run into those who live in poverty and need. Even the middle class have to make an effort to get to know the poor on a personal basis. Pope Francis models this "culture of encounter" in his visits to other countries, in his audiences, in his phone calls, in his daily liturgies. His personal touch is changing the face of the Church from a private enclave to an inclusive presence. A pastor must take on the "smells of his shee...

Strip me, Lord, of all my illusions my complacency and comfort zones, where I hang on to security and think I am in control, in charge  of all that happens in my life. Transport me to your sacred space where nothing is certain, where you draw me into places I might not want to go, to spheres of unknowing and bewilderment, swept into surprise, amazement, upheaval,  to let you be in control. Guide me into uncharted territory where there are no easy answers, but only myriad doors and winding passageways, where you provide clues and keys needed to discover your holy dwelling. 

The poignant interview on CNN of the African-American doctor who tried to save the five white police officers murdered in Dallas is indelibly printed in my brain. With tears in his eyes, he said he wished he could have done more or gotten to them sooner. His face was etched with pain and sorrow. When will the violence that is ripping apart our country end? When will people be able to embrace our common humanity and respect everyone as a child of God? How many more tears will be shed and hearts broken by the death of loved ones? As many religious and political leaders have said, "This has to stop!" We have more questions than answers. The situation is very complex. Some violence is the result of mental illness that has not been detected or treated. Other kinds of violence are the result of IS radicalization. Another cause stems from veterans returning home with post-traumatic stress and inadequate treatment. Racism and hatred have also caused confrontations. Fear ...

Hospitality is a primary Benedictine value. St. Benedict in his Rule says that all guests are to be received as Christ. Since guests are never wanting in the monastery, we get to practice this a lot. We have family members, retreatants, oblates, friends, and others curious about our life coming to our doors. It is not always convenient, but we try to be welcoming and to see Christ in them. Prayer is another Benedictine value. Benedict devoted many chapters to the organization of the liturgy of the hours or divine office. He also prescribed sacred reading or lectio  and personal prayer. Hugh Feiss in his book Monastic Wisdom , says, "Benedictine prayer is less about technique than it is about perseverance and attentiveness." Prayer is basically surrendering ourselves and all our activities to God. Benedict also valued work . He divided the day into times for prayer, reading, and work. The work can be manual or mental labor, but laziness was to be avoided. Unfor...