Today's portion of the Holy Rule of St. Benedict is from chapter 33 entitled "Whether Monks Ought to Have Anything of Their Own". We Oblates are not monastics. We "live away from home". In the world, certain possessions are necessary, but even these are not really ours. As Oblates, and as Christians, we know they belong to God. So, as much as we possibly can, we want to use them for His honor and glory.
Too many possessions can choke the life right out of us. I am blessed to live in small quarters which keeps me from accumulating and holding too much. As Brother Jerome says, "Wantin' ain't needin'". The Church teaches us of the dangers of excessive consumerism and waste. There is also danger in the pride of ownership: "my big house, my fancy car, my expensive jewels", etc. Even when I was a wife, there were times I felt more like an object or a possession than a partner by being shown off or ordered around. Sometimes our attitude toward things can become so fixed that it can be transferred to people too!
My elders didn't buy many new things. Of course things were made better then and lasted longer. But even so, they would often say, "This one is still good." Getting tired of something was not a consideration. A few towels in the house may have had little holes. Perhaps all the glasses on the table didn't match. Knick-knacks, pictures and electronics were few. Even in hard times, a week rarely went by that at least a few dollars wasn't put in the bank. Without having a catchword for it, our elders understood the principles and value of good stewardship. They understood "less is more". We are learning.
Although I am now without tv service, I happened to be in someone's home on Sunday when 60 Minutes came on. They reported that terrorists are attempting to blow up the regional power grids. Entire areas of the country can be off the grid in no time! No power for a long time! If there was ever a time to learn the ways of simplicity and self-sufficiency, it is now! My neighbor is buying extra water whenever he goes to the store in case of some emergency like this. He taught me how to cook with a pot on a barbecue grill. I have an oil lamp since my power sometimes goes out anyway. The less we have, the less we rely on the grid, the more we will be prepared if, Heaven forbid, something like this happens. But whether we live in difficulty or ease, we must remember that every good thing we have comes from above. Let us always remember that we and all we have belong to God.
"The world is the Lord's and all it holds, the world and those who live there." - Psalm 24:1
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Why are so many people drinking so much?
When I was growing up, the wine and beer came out on Sunday. One or two small glasses with Sunday dinner was about it. A child like me, got a small juice glass of beer. I would ask my grandfather to pour it because He would pour it high above the glass so I would get extra foam. My older brother had a half glass of wine. I didn't like the taste of wine. I still don't. The hard liquor came out on New Year's Eve. I didn't like that. It stunk. At a wedding, I was permitted the one glass of champagne but warned to sip it slowly. It was a good way of handling alcohol. I grew up knowing it was for special occasions and to be taken in moderation. And because it was not forbidden to me, I didn't steal liquor from my parents and get plastered at age 13 like some of my friends did.
Sadly, in the years ahead, something went terribly wrong. As my family got more Americanized, some family members decided to have cocktails before dinner. Not a little vermouth either. Scotch, high balls, manhattans, or martinis. For a few, it became a daily thing. My Sicilian family was spirited enough. Now the lively conversations turned into terrible fights. My great-grandfather warned them to stick with beer and wine. Referring to hard liquor he said, "That stuff will kill you!". Unfortunately, with only his wine and beer, he still became an alcoholic. As the years past, my grandfather, my mother and my aunt would drink once they got home from work, then later, throughout the day. My aunt curtailed her drinking a great deal after her husband almost left her. But my grandfather and mother continued. They weren't really "falling down" drunks. They just became so argumentative that it was hard to be around either one of them. As time went on, I learned it wasn't just my family. I found this more common than I imagined.
Two most horrid adult memories I cannot shake are these: Watching my grandfather awaken one morning with shakes, reaching into his nightstand for a bottle of scotch and pouring a drink and downing it so he could get up and function. The other was watching my mother go through DT's. This was a woman who was terrified of bugs and now she was hallucinating that they were all over her. It was horrifying to watch! I never want to go there with anyone I love again! I don't think I can do it!
Here we are 20 years later. In spite of health fads and medical studies, I have never seen people drink so much! Some young people don't even make it to alcoholism because they die of alcohol poisoning first! The little 3 oz. wine glasses I remember have now grown into glasses that can hold as much as a pint! And people down them one after another! People drink heavily even when it has become a health issue. I remember when my mother said to me that she was becoming an alcoholic. I could only say, "Ma, you know what you have to do!". She nodded. But she never did it. My mother died with no vocal cords from her smoking and no short-term memory from her advanced alcoholism. When a cancerous mass was found on her lung, she refused treatment. She would drink if she could, but we kept it from her. One day she was rushed to the emergency room after drinking rubbing alcohol. By then, the family was more weary than shocked.
Now two of the four children have come to me saying they know they drink too much. And again I said, "You know what you have to do!" Neither one of them is doing it. I have friends and acquaintances killing themselves with alcohol. I can do nothing. Nothing but pray.
St. Benedict said that wine is no drink for a monastic. He also said that he knew people would not follow this so they should at least limit the amount of wine taken each day. I wish the church would address this issue!
Sadly, in the years ahead, something went terribly wrong. As my family got more Americanized, some family members decided to have cocktails before dinner. Not a little vermouth either. Scotch, high balls, manhattans, or martinis. For a few, it became a daily thing. My Sicilian family was spirited enough. Now the lively conversations turned into terrible fights. My great-grandfather warned them to stick with beer and wine. Referring to hard liquor he said, "That stuff will kill you!". Unfortunately, with only his wine and beer, he still became an alcoholic. As the years past, my grandfather, my mother and my aunt would drink once they got home from work, then later, throughout the day. My aunt curtailed her drinking a great deal after her husband almost left her. But my grandfather and mother continued. They weren't really "falling down" drunks. They just became so argumentative that it was hard to be around either one of them. As time went on, I learned it wasn't just my family. I found this more common than I imagined.
Two most horrid adult memories I cannot shake are these: Watching my grandfather awaken one morning with shakes, reaching into his nightstand for a bottle of scotch and pouring a drink and downing it so he could get up and function. The other was watching my mother go through DT's. This was a woman who was terrified of bugs and now she was hallucinating that they were all over her. It was horrifying to watch! I never want to go there with anyone I love again! I don't think I can do it!
Here we are 20 years later. In spite of health fads and medical studies, I have never seen people drink so much! Some young people don't even make it to alcoholism because they die of alcohol poisoning first! The little 3 oz. wine glasses I remember have now grown into glasses that can hold as much as a pint! And people down them one after another! People drink heavily even when it has become a health issue. I remember when my mother said to me that she was becoming an alcoholic. I could only say, "Ma, you know what you have to do!". She nodded. But she never did it. My mother died with no vocal cords from her smoking and no short-term memory from her advanced alcoholism. When a cancerous mass was found on her lung, she refused treatment. She would drink if she could, but we kept it from her. One day she was rushed to the emergency room after drinking rubbing alcohol. By then, the family was more weary than shocked.
Now two of the four children have come to me saying they know they drink too much. And again I said, "You know what you have to do!" Neither one of them is doing it. I have friends and acquaintances killing themselves with alcohol. I can do nothing. Nothing but pray.
St. Benedict said that wine is no drink for a monastic. He also said that he knew people would not follow this so they should at least limit the amount of wine taken each day. I wish the church would address this issue!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Making Friends With Dishonest Wealth
Today the above Scripture verse was part of today's Gospel reading at Mass. In the context of the full reading, we find that Jesus had just finished telling the parable of the unjust steward whose master commended him, not on his dishonesty but on his prudence of dealing with money. Verse 8 says that the children of the world are wiser than the children of light again, in the dealings of the world. But verse 9 says to "make friends for yourself with dishonest wealth, so that when it fails, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings." I am not getting this at all! I have checked several commentaries and other translations of the Bible and asked a few people. I am really getting answers about that particular verse. It is easier to focus on the verses before and after and I understand these verses must be taken within their true context. But I am sure the Lord did not just throw that verse in there to confuse people. Does our Lord really want us to make friends with dishonest wealth? The original Greek translates dishonest wealth as "mammon of iniquity". Catholic Encyclopedia states that mammon is a Syriac word which means "riches". The New American Bible's study notes say that mammon is a Greek transliteration from the Hebrew or Aramaic which is explained as meaning "that in which one trusts" and that "dishonest" as a tendency of wealth which leads one to dishonesty. Why would our Lord tell us to make such friends for ourselves? The preceding verses talk of prudence and the following ones talk about faithfulness. Does anyone else have a clue?
Well, it is time for me to put this aside for now and get the house ready for Sunday. I will just have to satisfy myself at the present time with what I have found in "Halley's Bible Handbook" which states: "As the steward made friends by the use of his master's goods, so should we make friends by the use of our means. It is a beautiful picture, (9) those whom we have befriended will be at the door to welcome us home to heaven."
Well, it is time for me to put this aside for now and get the house ready for Sunday. I will just have to satisfy myself at the present time with what I have found in "Halley's Bible Handbook" which states: "As the steward made friends by the use of his master's goods, so should we make friends by the use of our means. It is a beautiful picture, (9) those whom we have befriended will be at the door to welcome us home to heaven."
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The Good Shepherd and the Hireling
"The Good Shepherd" -John 10-11-13 "I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep."
The image of Christ as the Good Shepherd is the oldest known image in the catacombs, the oldest known image we have. The caesars used the image of a shepherd but considered the people "stupid sheep". But Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He loves his sheep and knows them imtimately! And we are all called to His flock.
We have had many shepherds in the Church since Jesus was among us. Today is the feast of St. Charles Borromeo. He was a true shepherd. He was made Bishop of Milan and reformed his diocese. He was instrumental in the Council of Trent. We have also had many hirelings, those who did not defend, protect or lead the sheep, who even abused the lambs, and they have caused the sheep to scatter.
How do we know a true shepherd from a hireling? A true shepherd truly does lay down his life for the sheep. He lives to serve his parish. He knows and counsels his people. He teaches them. He leads them to the Father as Jesus Himself did. He calls all to the flock. He tells the truth to the flock. He shows pastoral charity. For the true shepherd, his priesthood is a vocation.
A hireling "careth not for the sheep". As the Caesars, he may think they are "dumb". He may have a special few that he bothers with. But he does not even teach them the truth of the Faith. He picks and chooses what he wants to tell the people for his own ends. He will compromise the Word of God for he has no such heart as a true shepherd. He is not led by the Holy Spirit, but by his own lusts and desire for money. He does not lead his flock to the Father, but to some Gospel of his own making. He does not protect them from danger and the sheep scatter. For the hireling, the priesthood is not a vocation, but a job! And he expects to be paid well. He wants the sheep to know who he is and do things his way, but he has little regard for them.
It is said that crisis brings out character. In my spiritual life over the years, I have had true loving shepherds. They took time teaching the truth, caring for the spiritual needs and sometimes even the temporal needs of the sheep. They knew me and the other parishioners quite well. I have also had my share of hirelings. They don't care about us one bit. Even their select few were not always treated with respect. They do not love us enough to tell us the truth! One was removed in scandal. He boasted that he "didn't even need to be a priest" with all his money. He is living with his lover last I heard. I don't even know if he goes to Mass anymore. He looked like a priest, dressed like a priest, "performed" the duties of a priest, but he was not a shepherd. He was a hired man. When he was removed, people were hurt, confused, angry, bitter and some pushed deeper into cynicism. A few left the parish. This man ran from his "wolf" and scattered the sheep and left some as casualties. I don't mean to pick on the man who obviously has many failings. But on reflection of these Scriptures, I see how dangerous it is to place our souls in the hands of a hired man rather than a true shepherd!
The image of Christ as the Good Shepherd is the oldest known image in the catacombs, the oldest known image we have. The caesars used the image of a shepherd but considered the people "stupid sheep". But Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He loves his sheep and knows them imtimately! And we are all called to His flock.
We have had many shepherds in the Church since Jesus was among us. Today is the feast of St. Charles Borromeo. He was a true shepherd. He was made Bishop of Milan and reformed his diocese. He was instrumental in the Council of Trent. We have also had many hirelings, those who did not defend, protect or lead the sheep, who even abused the lambs, and they have caused the sheep to scatter.
How do we know a true shepherd from a hireling? A true shepherd truly does lay down his life for the sheep. He lives to serve his parish. He knows and counsels his people. He teaches them. He leads them to the Father as Jesus Himself did. He calls all to the flock. He tells the truth to the flock. He shows pastoral charity. For the true shepherd, his priesthood is a vocation.
A hireling "careth not for the sheep". As the Caesars, he may think they are "dumb". He may have a special few that he bothers with. But he does not even teach them the truth of the Faith. He picks and chooses what he wants to tell the people for his own ends. He will compromise the Word of God for he has no such heart as a true shepherd. He is not led by the Holy Spirit, but by his own lusts and desire for money. He does not lead his flock to the Father, but to some Gospel of his own making. He does not protect them from danger and the sheep scatter. For the hireling, the priesthood is not a vocation, but a job! And he expects to be paid well. He wants the sheep to know who he is and do things his way, but he has little regard for them.
It is said that crisis brings out character. In my spiritual life over the years, I have had true loving shepherds. They took time teaching the truth, caring for the spiritual needs and sometimes even the temporal needs of the sheep. They knew me and the other parishioners quite well. I have also had my share of hirelings. They don't care about us one bit. Even their select few were not always treated with respect. They do not love us enough to tell us the truth! One was removed in scandal. He boasted that he "didn't even need to be a priest" with all his money. He is living with his lover last I heard. I don't even know if he goes to Mass anymore. He looked like a priest, dressed like a priest, "performed" the duties of a priest, but he was not a shepherd. He was a hired man. When he was removed, people were hurt, confused, angry, bitter and some pushed deeper into cynicism. A few left the parish. This man ran from his "wolf" and scattered the sheep and left some as casualties. I don't mean to pick on the man who obviously has many failings. But on reflection of these Scriptures, I see how dangerous it is to place our souls in the hands of a hired man rather than a true shepherd!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Happy Voting!
For 2 days I was without a working computer. I think the laptop went dead and even though I plugged it back in, it didn't go back on until today. It is like it turned back on when recharged and went back to sleep and I didn't press the buttons long enough. I was coached back today. In any event, I am glad to be connected again. I don't mind being without tv, but this was harder. For one thing, I receive reflections of the Holy Rule each day by a fellow Oblate who serves as my mentor and also from a Brother in a monastery. I also get daily emails from several Oblate groups and I am a co-moderator in a Catholic ladies e-group. So when I got internet back today, I found I had 61 emails. I am all caught up now and glad to be back.
Tomorrow is Election Day! I got my ballot sheet the other day in the mail. Other than governor, it is small potatoes here in NJ. After doing my research, I am voting a straight Republican ticket. There is one proposition that most people are not aware of. It is known as "green acres" which means it is meant to preserve farmland and forest and create parks in urban areas. The Conservative Party is running an ad stating that the money is wasted and the program is full of cronyism. Nonetheless, we have had this program for 40 years and we need to preserve even more farmland and forest. I feel they are allowed to run out of money after 40 years. And if I wanted everything to go to concrete, I would have stayed in New York. I am voting "yes" on that.
I thank God that we have the opportunity to have a say in our government. I hope we keep that right in our privilege to vote. I pray we keep our freedom of religion, which in my opinion is becoming increasingly and severely threatened. And I pray for the respect and sanctity of life, from conception to natural death. When we vote, it is not just for our own interests, but for society and for those who come after us. As an Oblate, I promised to serve God and my neighbor. So while politics can give me a headache, I know I have a serious responsibility to cast my ballot on Election Day. I pray the only pro-life candidate wins, even if it means I might get less help from the state to pay for my medications. God's will be done! He will provide!
Tomorrow is Election Day! I got my ballot sheet the other day in the mail. Other than governor, it is small potatoes here in NJ. After doing my research, I am voting a straight Republican ticket. There is one proposition that most people are not aware of. It is known as "green acres" which means it is meant to preserve farmland and forest and create parks in urban areas. The Conservative Party is running an ad stating that the money is wasted and the program is full of cronyism. Nonetheless, we have had this program for 40 years and we need to preserve even more farmland and forest. I feel they are allowed to run out of money after 40 years. And if I wanted everything to go to concrete, I would have stayed in New York. I am voting "yes" on that.
I thank God that we have the opportunity to have a say in our government. I hope we keep that right in our privilege to vote. I pray we keep our freedom of religion, which in my opinion is becoming increasingly and severely threatened. And I pray for the respect and sanctity of life, from conception to natural death. When we vote, it is not just for our own interests, but for society and for those who come after us. As an Oblate, I promised to serve God and my neighbor. So while politics can give me a headache, I know I have a serious responsibility to cast my ballot on Election Day. I pray the only pro-life candidate wins, even if it means I might get less help from the state to pay for my medications. God's will be done! He will provide!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Anglican Benedictines
I am most excited that we are close to receiving 50 Anglican bishops and their parishes into the Catholic Church! What a day that will be! And I hope there is much festivity and celebration for it! Now, it has made me wonder about our Anglican Benedictine brethren. No doubt there must be some Oblates being received as well. Since we are talking about traditionals, are their affiliated monasteries coming to the Catholic Church as well? How exciting that would be!
We have actually had a pretty good rapport with our Anglican/Episcopal Benedictine brethren. Many of our recommended books were written by Anglicans, such as Esther de Waal who is very popular. She is an Anglican Benedictine Oblate. The Benedictine Handbook is authored by both Anglican and Catholic Monks, Sisters and Oblates. The Rule is the Rule. And we share a common history. It is nice that we already have a good amount of unity. The Archabbey with which I am affiliated does not limit promises to Catholics alone. All Christians are accepted and follow the Rule to the best of their disciplines. This has worked well for us. Some do convert to Catholicism. I have kept a Methodist minister in prayer who is preparing to become Catholic soon.
I have not been able to find more information on the progress of the Anglicans wishing to come Home. I hope the dialogue is coming along and that our Traditional Anglican Brethren will soon be united with us! And may there be a goodly amount of Benedictines among them! :-)
We have actually had a pretty good rapport with our Anglican/Episcopal Benedictine brethren. Many of our recommended books were written by Anglicans, such as Esther de Waal who is very popular. She is an Anglican Benedictine Oblate. The Benedictine Handbook is authored by both Anglican and Catholic Monks, Sisters and Oblates. The Rule is the Rule. And we share a common history. It is nice that we already have a good amount of unity. The Archabbey with which I am affiliated does not limit promises to Catholics alone. All Christians are accepted and follow the Rule to the best of their disciplines. This has worked well for us. Some do convert to Catholicism. I have kept a Methodist minister in prayer who is preparing to become Catholic soon.
I have not been able to find more information on the progress of the Anglicans wishing to come Home. I hope the dialogue is coming along and that our Traditional Anglican Brethren will soon be united with us! And may there be a goodly amount of Benedictines among them! :-)
Monday, October 26, 2009
Advent in a few weeks...........
Before we know it, in just a few weeks, the Season of Advent will begin. While surfing the web found on the Sisters' of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Indiana site, www.thedome.org. There is an announcement that starting in December, they will have an online Advent calendar. It will have daily readings and reflections. There will be more Advent reflections under the "nourish your spirit online" section under "Seek God with us" Just one little idea for the Advent season. I will surely have my Advent wreath on my kitchen table with the accompanying prayer books. I love the Season of Advent! And I feel it is important to make the time to prepare ourselves for Christmas spiritually and not get drowned in the rush and expenses of Christmas shopping, decorating and other holiday preparations. The First Sunday of Advent is the beginning of our Liturgical Year. It is our New Year's Day, so to speak. The Masses of Advent lend themselves to more solemnity as the liturgical color becomes violet and then rose on Gaudete Sunday. We do not sing the Gloria until Christmas! Advent is a good time to "start over". For those who have strayed from going to Mass regularly, it is a good time to begin again. For those who have become lax in their prayers, Advent is a good time to renew their devotions. There are Advent calendars and Jesse tree activities for children. It is good to meditate on the first and second comings of our Lord. Because of the commercialism and consumerism of our society, Advent often gets lost in the hustle and bustle of December. But I do hope that Advent will be a special and prayerful time for you and your families! O Come, O Come Emmanuel!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
