Chapter 67: Those who are sent on a journey
Those who are sent on a journey should commend themselves to the prayers of the community as well as of the superior and, at the last prayer of the work of God in the oratory, there should always be a memento of all who may be absent. (From Ch. 67 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. By Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)
The mantra, like a memento left in the oratory, guards my heart and always brings me back to my work of seeking God.
“ . . . life is not to be frittered away on work, on social life, on the public bustle of the day.” (Joan Chittister, “Daily Reading From the Rule of Benedict”, December 24). When I first was told about the twice-daily meditation commitment of Oblation four or five years ago, it frightened me and put me off. It appeared an impossible practice to sustain with my “busy” life, even in retirement. At that time I had been meditating once a day fairly consistently for at least five years. “Quiet Time”, as I called it then, was changing my life, but once a day, most days, at the time, seemed “accomplishment” enough. But then I always have shied away from real work. My workaholic activities were one of the best ways to do that and cover it up and stay in denial. Now, however, by your grace, Abba, I am coming to know and accept this practice of meditating twice a day, morning and evening, as the work that it is, the “work of God”, as Benedict describes it. And this morning and evening work, this “enclosure” of meditation, now provides a surprising and joyful closure/enclosure to most of my days. The impossible has become possible. What surprises life with you, Abba, brings!
ReplyDeleteSt. Benedict here reminds me of the importance of seeking the guidance and prayers of my spiritual father (spiritual director) and spiritual friends for my mission or faith journey. This to me is emphasizing the importance of community in sustaining the solitary journey of the mantra...
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