Inspired by Scholastica

Pope Francis declared 2017 the Year of Grace. As I reflected on this, I wondered how I could put this into practice. In light of the political climate currently in our country, we need God's grace, that's for sure. But how can I be a source of grace for others? For one thing, I can be a blessing for others, as Ronald Rohlheiser writes in his book Sacred Fire. He speaks of three aspects of a blessing; seeing and admiring a person, speaking well of him or her, and giving away some of one's life that the other might have more life. First of all,when we really see another, we need to look into his or her eyes and behold the goodness dwelling there. We don't just rush by, thinking of all the things we have to do. Second, we can speak of the person's good qualities and show we really care about her or him. We rejoice in their gifts and presence. Third and hardest of all, we aren't stingy. We are willing to sacrifice for the other person so he or she might li...

When my imperfections flood my thoughts drowning out any tinge of virtue, blocking all my attempts to acquire holiness, I deride and pummel myself, feeling dysfunctional and unworthy. It does no good to say I am not as bad as some, that others also have faults perhaps more glaring. Mine become amplified by their closeness, enlarged by the  magnifying lens of my scrutiny. I find some consolation in the psalms that remind me of God’s everlasting love, that his kindness endures forever, his mercy has no limits, his fidelity remains even when mine fails. Oh, God, take my feeble efforts to let your light shine through me, and transform me into your likeness, millimeter by millimeter, until all the dross is washed away.

Benedictines honor St. Scholastica on Feb. 10. According to legend, she is the twin sister of St. Benedict, the founder of the Benedictine Order. She founded a community of women in Italy in the 6th century. Little is known about her except the story found in the Dialogues of St. Gregory the Great. He relates that the brother and sister would meet each year at St. Scholastica's monastery for holy conversation. One year when Benedict was ready to return home, his sister begged him to stay the night to continue their spiritual dialogue. He refused, saying he had to return to his monastery. Then Scholastica prayed to God and a violent storm broke out and Benedict could not leave. He said, "My sister what have you done?" She answered, "I asked you for a favor and you refused. So I asked God and he heard my prayer." St. Gregory said that Scholastica's prayer was heard because she loved more. A few days later Benedict saw a dove flying to heaven and he real...