It was a weekend for teens at the Monastery–to let them “Share Life” with the Sisters and get an inside-the-convent experience. At the last wrap-up session, there was a comment I’ve not forgotten even though it was 20 years ago. Ellen, a student at a parish where we served said, “I always thought the life of a Sister was about giving up, but that is not true!” I waited wondering what would follow. She said, “A Sister’s life ’s not about giving up, it’s about giving!” I was pleased with her insight.
The society tells us life is more about what we have, or do, or who we know, than who we Are. We think happiness is a Buy-product. We make grumbling a hobby as we look at what others have or do... The fact is our Christian faith life is not a spectator sport. Faith is to be Practiced.
To follow Christ has a cost–we’re to give up everything, let Christ and his will be #1 in our lives ie. Give up our self-will and anything that hinders us from full discipleship. Those things are not always “things” Sometimes they are positions, attitudes, relations, prejudices, additions...
Ellen was right; religious life is more about giving than giving up. The Rule of St. Benedict says “prefer nothing to the love of Christ”and again “prefer nothing to the Work of God” Christ must be #1 in our lives; He is the Intimate Friend, the Faithful Companion. Jesus is the Reason! Not just for a season but for the whole of life. When there is a chance to pray, to do good–feed, shelter, educate, heal, comfort, build community, bring peace, share the Good News of the Gospel, we are impelled to give ourselves to it.
Paradoxically, like the Gospel that brings forth Light out of darkness and Life from death, all we give up for Christ’s sake we will get back 100 fold: families, friends, meaningful work for the Kin.dom, joy and peace, all we really need, contentment, wholeness, holiness and a growing awareness of, and trust in, God’s loving Presence.
Practicing our faith we grow stronger and better at it. We follow Christ with “hearts expanding with love; to follow/give become less a struggle and more a natural response of one who loves/is loved.
And You? Do you follow Christ? Most of the time? Sometimes? When it is convenient?
When do you let go self will? Most of the time? Sometimes? When it is convenient?
How will you practice your faith this week?
Consider how you might Share Life with the Benedictine Sisters of Florida as a Volunteer, Oblate, or Sister. Check our webpage http://www.floridabenedictines.com/ Ask about a chance for an inside-the-convent experience. Contact: Sr. Mary David, OSB Call: (352) 588-8320
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment