If we’re honest we’re all probably seeking More–more money, friends, time, stuff... The problem is that the More we get the more we want. Nothing seems to fill that longing. Jesus sensed this in those fishermen he met on Galilee’s shore. “Come, walk with me. Follow me” he invited those disciples. Thy found matching steps with him a satisfying but different path. It meant suffering, challenge, hardship and difficulty, but at the same time it meant More joy, meaning and fulfillment than they’d ever dreamed.
When you, as a follower of Jesus, want to be More/do More, it may be a call to walk with Jesus in love–to be compassionate/concerned. This is a way of being More fully oneself–to share, to serve. Yes, love is a challenging way–whether one is single, married, a religious Sister or Brother, a deacon or priest.
Are you hearing a challenging call? Jesus asks, “What do you want?” If nothing seems to satisfy your deepest longing, Jesus offers the same invitation to disciples today, “Come, walk with me. Follow me. Be not afraid. I will be with you. You will know life in abundance”
Take it from me–it is the truth! I’ve been a Benedictine Sister for longer than some of you have been alive. I’ve had More friends, experiences, opportunities, More love...I’ve done More, become More my true self and grown More in love with Christ and his people every day.
Consider a religious vocation. The Church needs people who recognize their search for More as a call to follow Jesus.
Want to learn More? Check out our webpage http://www.floridabenedictines.com/
or Contact: Sr. Mary David, OSB Call: 352 588-8320
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
“Living or Dead?” by Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB
Years ago philosophers were saying, “God is dead!” Now when we read the newspapers or watch news while it happens, many could wonder whether God ever lived. We can lament the violence and lack of values or be concerned even with the lyrics of music youth are plugged into, but only lived faith will make God credible to this world.
Talk is cheap and saying “I believe” and then acting contrary to the Gospel gives a reason to some for not believing or being part of organized religion.
Only through us can God come near–we are the only heart, hands, feet and voice He has. Our lives may be the only Gospel some others ever read.
We need to focus on God and God’s way revealed to us in Jesus, our Way, Truth and Life. God will show us the way to open our hearts/minds to speak to others of God’s love. Our lives will tell what we believe, and sometimes we can use words.
We must be like St. Benedict, who in the trying times of turmoil and decadence of the 5th century, sought and found God in solitude, and prayer, and others in Community.
Are you ready to be a living sign of our faithful and compassionate God?
Join the Florida Benedictine Sisters at Holy Name Monastery in prayer/community/ministry as a retreatant, Oblate, Volunteer or even a vowed member.
Seek God and focus on Jesus! It’s a choice!
For further information contact: Benedictine Sisters of Florida
Holy Name Monastery
P.O. Box 2450
St. Leo, FL 33574
Phone: (352) 588-8320
Website: http://www.floridabenedictines.com/
Talk is cheap and saying “I believe” and then acting contrary to the Gospel gives a reason to some for not believing or being part of organized religion.
Only through us can God come near–we are the only heart, hands, feet and voice He has. Our lives may be the only Gospel some others ever read.
We need to focus on God and God’s way revealed to us in Jesus, our Way, Truth and Life. God will show us the way to open our hearts/minds to speak to others of God’s love. Our lives will tell what we believe, and sometimes we can use words.
We must be like St. Benedict, who in the trying times of turmoil and decadence of the 5th century, sought and found God in solitude, and prayer, and others in Community.
Are you ready to be a living sign of our faithful and compassionate God?
Join the Florida Benedictine Sisters at Holy Name Monastery in prayer/community/ministry as a retreatant, Oblate, Volunteer or even a vowed member.
Seek God and focus on Jesus! It’s a choice!
For further information contact: Benedictine Sisters of Florida
Holy Name Monastery
P.O. Box 2450
St. Leo, FL 33574
Phone: (352) 588-8320
Website: http://www.floridabenedictines.com/
Monday, June 21, 2010
“Like a Love Letter” by Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB
When it comes to prayer---fast, loud and more is not better. We can be tempted to think we don’t have time for our prayers so out of duty get through them as quickly as possible. Surely if we want God to hear us we need to multiply our words and try to impress, right? Wrong.
I used to tell second graders to pray “with heart not just by heart”. They thought the latter meant saying rote prayers real loud. Some who come to the Monastery and join in our prayer have the same misconception. It is natural, I suppose, to want to read the psalmody of the Liturgy of the Hours like we might read the newspaper–quickly and without heart. Prayer in a Monastery is different; it is relaxed, deliberate and slow enough to let the meaning of the words touch our hearts so we can know and mean what we say. We don’t rush; we pause between lines and after the reading.
I’ve found a way to explain how we pray to our guests. “Pray the psalms like a love letter.” Even 6th grade girls visiting understood what that meant and prayed with us like they had done it for years.
If you want your prayer to be a pause that refreshes you, try praying the psalms like a love letter from God. Better yet visit the Benedictine Sisters at Holy Name Monastery and join us for prayer. Experience it for yourself. In the relaxed rhythm of word and quiet, come listen to the Scriptures like a love letter from God, which indeed they are.
For further information: Benedictine Sisters of Florida
Holy Name Monastery
P.O. Box 2450
St. Leo, FL 33574
Phone: (352) 588-8320
Website: http://www.floridabenedictines.com/
I used to tell second graders to pray “with heart not just by heart”. They thought the latter meant saying rote prayers real loud. Some who come to the Monastery and join in our prayer have the same misconception. It is natural, I suppose, to want to read the psalmody of the Liturgy of the Hours like we might read the newspaper–quickly and without heart. Prayer in a Monastery is different; it is relaxed, deliberate and slow enough to let the meaning of the words touch our hearts so we can know and mean what we say. We don’t rush; we pause between lines and after the reading.
I’ve found a way to explain how we pray to our guests. “Pray the psalms like a love letter.” Even 6th grade girls visiting understood what that meant and prayed with us like they had done it for years.
If you want your prayer to be a pause that refreshes you, try praying the psalms like a love letter from God. Better yet visit the Benedictine Sisters at Holy Name Monastery and join us for prayer. Experience it for yourself. In the relaxed rhythm of word and quiet, come listen to the Scriptures like a love letter from God, which indeed they are.
For further information: Benedictine Sisters of Florida
Holy Name Monastery
P.O. Box 2450
St. Leo, FL 33574
Phone: (352) 588-8320
Website: http://www.floridabenedictines.com/
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