Inspired by Scholastica

S ilence is a value not much appreciated in today's world. With iPhones, IPads, cell phones, and other electronic devices, people are always in contact with others or listening to music. If there is no noise people get nervous or uncomfortable. Mindless chatter seems as necessary as cold water in 100- degree heat.   Yet how do we hear the whisperings of the Spirit if we are always talking? How do we know if God responds to our prayer when we are never listening? We need quiet times to refresh our spirits after being constantly bombarded by words. We also need times of rest for enjoying the beauties of nature and the universe. We need silence to reflect on our lives and to be grateful for our blessings. The psalmist says, "Be still and know that I am God."(46:19) Busyness keeps us from taking time to be quiet. Many of us task-oriented and drive ourselves to get things done. We think we don't have time to be still, yet when we do, we become more focused and attentiv...

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...

TV ads bombard us with "must haves" and "can’t live withouts" filling every channel − new improved cleaners, softer gentler tissues, faster safer automobiles, cheaper better insurance coverage − the boasts go on and on. Saturated and sated, we mute the noise, the clamor, the rabble, rejecting outrageous claims of bigger and better, refusing to succumb to lures and lies, willing to keep the tried and true unconvinced by the hype.

Many of us battle internal negative chatter like "You're not good enough, you're not smart enough, you're not attractive enough." The last thing we need is criticism or condemnation. What we really need is encouragement. We need bosses who commend their employees for doing good work. We need parents who praise their children for their achievements. We need teachers who compliment students' successes. We need leaders who bring out the best in their followers. Encouragers know how to make others feel important and valuable. They take time to convey uplifting words and positive messages. They know that life is filled with challenges and difficulties, and they will do anything they can to lighten the burden. Encouragers are strong, caring people who are not filled with their own egos, but quick to boost others' self-esteem. Encouragers make a difference in the lives of others. They can often enable a discouraged person to try again, or a depressed pers...