Recently I got to spend 5 hours in the surgical waiting room of a city hospital. It was an experience that made me relish the peace, silence and solitude of monastic life. It also told me more about today’s society. The room was crowded and noisy. The TV was on, adding to the tension and insecurity already there. One thing I observed, although trying hard to read and/or pray, was the violence in the afternoon “soaps”. Everyone was yelling at one another. The people in the show and the story were just like those gathered in the waiting room–ordinary families, and working people. How could those watching the yelling, judging, deception not be affected? The sad thing is so many of us feed our minds/spirits on TV like this, so that violent speech and behavior makes such negative actions more likely and acceptable.
My experience in that waiting room reminds me of a poster I have in my office:
“Speed makes for tension, surface living, insecurity–slow down!”
All these things can lead to negative feelings and behaviors in our personal lives, and in our national lives, to oppression, violence, and war.
Today’s society tells us we need More (but more is not better!)
Today’s society is Noisy (but we need quiet to Listen to others, our self, and God)
Today’s society is in a Rush (but “Speed makes for tension, surface living, insecurity”)
As a Benedictine I am learning the wisdom of our motto: Ora et Labora (Prayer and Work-- Note: Prayer comes first!)
In a balanced life of prayer and work we are counter-cultural. Stopping to pray on a daily basis is good for the body, the mind, and the spirit. We need to relax in the loving presence of God who alone satisfies our needs, who knows and understand us, and who guides us with the Spirit of Wisdom.
How counter-cultural are you? St. Paul says, “Be not conformed to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your minds.” Rom. 12:2f If your values seem to be counter-cultural, or you wish they were, contact me about a way to share in the Benedictine legacy as Volunteer, Oblate or vowed member.
Check our webpage: http://www.floridabenedictines.com/
Contact: Sr. Mary David, OSB Call: (352) 588-8320
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