Inspired by Scholastica

  Several years ago I discovered TED TALKS on the internet. TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) is a non-profit organization whose slogan is “spreading ideas worth sharing.” They are short inspirational talks by experts in various fields, including psychology, ecology, communications, medicine, and human relations.  I recently watched a talk by a woman who had some physical disabilities and needed a scooter to navigate. She spoke of some of her experiences and demonstrated how little we know of other peoples’ hidden handicaps or feelings. She realized she needed a good education since she would not be able to do jobs requiring physical mobility. She used her intelligence to acquire an advanced degree and her sense of humor to put people at ease.  Her main point was that it is not a weakness to ask for help.  Pope Francis also did a TED TALK entitled “The Only Future Worth Building Includes Everyone." He speaks of the need for each other, for sol...

Sisters often joke about never retiring, just recycling. Most of us have retired from teaching and are now doing a variety of volunteer work including visiting the sick, doing handiwork, serving at the switchboard, doing dishes, housecleaning, writing and editing, working in the monastery library, chauferring, reading to the blind, hair care, and more. After all, the Benedictine motto is "Pray and Work." Being involved and contributing keeps us active and may be the reason sisters live so long. Each new day brings its challenges and opportunities. All of us can give something no matter how old we are, whether it's a smile, a hug, a loving touch, an act of kindness. Several sisters have discovered new gifts after they retired from teaching. One 90-year-old does iconography, another knits baby afghans, another quilts, others lead prayers for the sick. One in her late 80s still ministers at the city jail. These are amazing women who inspire me daily with their willing...

Last Sunday we heard the Gospel of the Good Shepherd. People are often compared to sheep who follow their shepherd wherever he leads them. Sheep have sometimes been caricatured as dumb animals who obediently follow even to their deaths. Actually they are rather smart because they recognize their master's voice and stay together like a community. People in Jesus' time were familar with sheep and their habits, but today many are unacquainted with them. It is good time to reflect on shepherds and sheep. The sheep have a close relationship with their shepherd, and will not follow an unfamiliar voice. We need to draw close to Jesus and recognize his voice as he speaks to us in the everyday events of our lives. Sheep ordinarily stay together in the fold and take comfort in their closeness. We too need the support of one another as we form communities. When a sheep strays from the right path, the shepherd seeks it out and brings it back, often carrying it on his shoulders. Jesus a...

I recently read "A Man Called Ove"by Fredrik Backman and found it very delightful. It's about a curmudgeon who has a tender spot buried underneath his exterior grumpi-ness. Few people besides his wife know about it. When she dies he becomes more isolated and lonely and actually considers suicide. He gets upset with neighbors who don't follow the block association's rules and has stopped speaking to his former friend for some reason he has forgotten. His new Muslim neighbors save him from his disastrous plans by innocently disturbing him at just the right time. They either need someone to take them to the hospital, or want to borrow a ladder, or need directions, or some other emergency. At first he responds somewhat grudgingly, but the family persists and his tender heart eventually surfaces. He visits his wife's grave every day and talks with her about what is happening. It's a charming story, touching and funny at the same time. It made me think of ...