Greetings,
Sister OSF popped into my studies this morning with a good idea. "Let's go out for lunch today, I have two for one coupon for this little place over on Silver Spring." I am always open to a lunch out and had been curious about the little diner.
Irina's Kitchen was a wonderful surprise! There was a wonderful variety of sandwiches (we just missed the breakfast special that boasted Bailey's Irish Cream French Toast) and I found my favorite...Hot tuna with cheese. As the co-owner and waitress took our orders, she corrected my request for 'grilled tuna on white'. "I would recommend the pumpernickel and Swiss, it is better here," she shared in Ukrainian accented English. I'm glad I listened to her...it was great. The bread, cheese, tuna salad were perfect partners in a sandwich I wouldn't have ordered without her help.
The next time I go (WHEN not IF), I plan on being there in time for breakfast. It could been sooner than later if I hear tell of the return of that Irish Cream French Toast. I'm also adding this to my list of 'outings' for visiting Sisters, family, and friends.
Now, I must return to the pages and papers that await me!
Blessings,
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Merton Reflection
Greetings,
I just want to share a few quotes from Thomas Merton via The Merton Institute's weekly e-mail reflections.
"Contemplation is also the response to a call: a call from Him Who has no voice, and yet Who speaks in everything that is, and Who, most of all, speaks in the depths of our own being: for we ourselves are words of His. But we are words that are meant to respond to Him, to answer to Him, to echo Him, and even in some way to contain Him and signify Him. Contemplation is this echo. "
"We ourselves become His echo and His answer. It is as if in creating us God asked a question and in awakening us to contemplation He answered the question, so that the contemplative is at the same time, question and answer."
New Seeds of Contemplation. (New York: New Directions Books 1961) p 3.
Blessings,
I just want to share a few quotes from Thomas Merton via The Merton Institute's weekly e-mail reflections.
"Contemplation is also the response to a call: a call from Him Who has no voice, and yet Who speaks in everything that is, and Who, most of all, speaks in the depths of our own being: for we ourselves are words of His. But we are words that are meant to respond to Him, to answer to Him, to echo Him, and even in some way to contain Him and signify Him. Contemplation is this echo. "
"We ourselves become His echo and His answer. It is as if in creating us God asked a question and in awakening us to contemplation He answered the question, so that the contemplative is at the same time, question and answer."
New Seeds of Contemplation. (New York: New Directions Books 1961) p 3.
Blessings,
Friday, February 19, 2010
Giggling
Greetings,
Thursday morning, I arose around 7:30AM (I love college hours) to prepare for volunteering at the Latina middle school. It wasn't until 8AM and I had turned on the cell phone that I noticed a message from the principal. She needed a sub; however, I assumed that by this time another sub would have been found. I cooked up a bit of oatmeal, had my coffee, and headed off to school...I am very grateful that I made a hearty breakfast. As I was stowing my coat and purse, the principal approached me with a hopeful look on her face. They still needed a sub...so, I stayed for the day.
I was filling in for a 7th grade teacher; not a problem, I enjoy the age group. Her morning classes were reading and language arts; not a problem, I've actually taught this sort of material and can think on my feet. Her afternoon classes posed a bit more of a challenge; phonics (never studied it and have no idea what the symbols mean), math (oh dear, Dad had to tutor me in the evenings amid tears), and social studies (okay, not so bad, they were reading about India). The day went pretty well...and I was very quickly reminded about the difference between boys and girls...girls giggle...INCESSANTLY!
They giggled as I introduced myself. This was a sneaky sort of giggle that indicated they thought me a possible pushover, so I shared that I was so happy to be back in the classroom. They giggled as we reviewed vocabulary words from their novel. I had them think of examples to fit the definition...much giggling that lead me to suspect that I missed a few inside jokes. They giggled when I openly admitted that I needed their help to go through the phonics material. This giggle was a bit prouder, and they volunteered quite readily to "code" the words from the worksheet and explain the reasoning. They attempted giggling after lunch when all were to be reading a novel of their choice. I squashed these giggles by asking them to share with me what was so fun in their novel...silence. One of the ladies shared an extra book with me so I could read too, "Flipped". A good middle level book for ladies. There was less giggling during math class; division with decimal adjustments being made mentally doesn't lend itself to happiness and joy. Giggling abounded during the social studies time. Hmmm...I think I erred in the amount of time that I gave them to work on making flash cards. So, I entered into the giggling with them and shared a few stories of my time volunteering at the Latino middle school (their companion school) and let them ask a few questions about my sisters and Benedictine life.
If you want to know a secret, I enjoyed the giggles.
Blessings,
Thursday morning, I arose around 7:30AM (I love college hours) to prepare for volunteering at the Latina middle school. It wasn't until 8AM and I had turned on the cell phone that I noticed a message from the principal. She needed a sub; however, I assumed that by this time another sub would have been found. I cooked up a bit of oatmeal, had my coffee, and headed off to school...I am very grateful that I made a hearty breakfast. As I was stowing my coat and purse, the principal approached me with a hopeful look on her face. They still needed a sub...so, I stayed for the day.
I was filling in for a 7th grade teacher; not a problem, I enjoy the age group. Her morning classes were reading and language arts; not a problem, I've actually taught this sort of material and can think on my feet. Her afternoon classes posed a bit more of a challenge; phonics (never studied it and have no idea what the symbols mean), math (oh dear, Dad had to tutor me in the evenings amid tears), and social studies (okay, not so bad, they were reading about India). The day went pretty well...and I was very quickly reminded about the difference between boys and girls...girls giggle...INCESSANTLY!
They giggled as I introduced myself. This was a sneaky sort of giggle that indicated they thought me a possible pushover, so I shared that I was so happy to be back in the classroom. They giggled as we reviewed vocabulary words from their novel. I had them think of examples to fit the definition...much giggling that lead me to suspect that I missed a few inside jokes. They giggled when I openly admitted that I needed their help to go through the phonics material. This giggle was a bit prouder, and they volunteered quite readily to "code" the words from the worksheet and explain the reasoning. They attempted giggling after lunch when all were to be reading a novel of their choice. I squashed these giggles by asking them to share with me what was so fun in their novel...silence. One of the ladies shared an extra book with me so I could read too, "Flipped". A good middle level book for ladies. There was less giggling during math class; division with decimal adjustments being made mentally doesn't lend itself to happiness and joy. Giggling abounded during the social studies time. Hmmm...I think I erred in the amount of time that I gave them to work on making flash cards. So, I entered into the giggling with them and shared a few stories of my time volunteering at the Latino middle school (their companion school) and let them ask a few questions about my sisters and Benedictine life.
If you want to know a secret, I enjoyed the giggles.
Blessings,
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Happy Ash Wednesday!
Greetings,
Yes, a happy and blessed Ash Wednesday to you all! Happy? Yup, celebrate it! Not only are there folk at Mass that you haven't seen since last year around this time, there is also a richness of symbol that helps us all put our best foot forward during Lent. The readings that mark our Catholic and Benedictine journey throughout Lent are amazing stories of endurance from prophets like Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Jonah...not the most perky, but awesome reminders of God's persistent faithfulness to us in our wanderings.
Benedict referred to Lent off and on throughout his Rule, but chapter 49 is directed specifically to the Monk's (Nun's) celebration of the liturgical season.
"Although the life of a monk ought to have about it at all times the character of a Lenten observance, yet since few have the virtue for that, we therefore urge that during the actual days of Lent the brethren keep their lives most pure and at the same time wash away during these holy days all the negligences of other times. And this will be worthily done if we restrain ourselves from all vices and give ourselves up to prayer with tears, to reading, to compunction of heart and to abstinence.
"During these days, therefore, let us increase somewhat the usual burden of our service, as by private prayers and by abstinence in food and drink. Thus everyone of his own will may offer God "with joy of the Holy Spirit" (1 Thess. 1:6) something above the measure required of him. From his body, that is he may withhold some food, drink, sleep, talking and jesting; and with the joy of spiritual desire he may look forward to holy Easter.
"Let each one, however, suggest to his Abbot what it is that he wants to offer, and let it be one with his blessing and approval. For anything done without the permission of the spiritual father will be imputed to presumption and vainglory and will merit no reward. Therefore let everything be done with the Abbot's approval."
So, I hope and pray you have a great Ash Wednesday and a super Lent! I am going to spend more time with those stories from the prophets that we celebrate during this season in our Church year. There is much to learn from Jeremiah's struggles, Jonah's reluctant service, and Ezekiel's wild visions...and 40 days is simply not enough time to take it all in. Maybe Benedict had a good point about his followers needing to live in Lent.
Blessings,
Yes, a happy and blessed Ash Wednesday to you all! Happy? Yup, celebrate it! Not only are there folk at Mass that you haven't seen since last year around this time, there is also a richness of symbol that helps us all put our best foot forward during Lent. The readings that mark our Catholic and Benedictine journey throughout Lent are amazing stories of endurance from prophets like Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Jonah...not the most perky, but awesome reminders of God's persistent faithfulness to us in our wanderings.
Benedict referred to Lent off and on throughout his Rule, but chapter 49 is directed specifically to the Monk's (Nun's) celebration of the liturgical season.
"Although the life of a monk ought to have about it at all times the character of a Lenten observance, yet since few have the virtue for that, we therefore urge that during the actual days of Lent the brethren keep their lives most pure and at the same time wash away during these holy days all the negligences of other times. And this will be worthily done if we restrain ourselves from all vices and give ourselves up to prayer with tears, to reading, to compunction of heart and to abstinence.
"During these days, therefore, let us increase somewhat the usual burden of our service, as by private prayers and by abstinence in food and drink. Thus everyone of his own will may offer God "with joy of the Holy Spirit" (1 Thess. 1:6) something above the measure required of him. From his body, that is he may withhold some food, drink, sleep, talking and jesting; and with the joy of spiritual desire he may look forward to holy Easter.
"Let each one, however, suggest to his Abbot what it is that he wants to offer, and let it be one with his blessing and approval. For anything done without the permission of the spiritual father will be imputed to presumption and vainglory and will merit no reward. Therefore let everything be done with the Abbot's approval."
So, I hope and pray you have a great Ash Wednesday and a super Lent! I am going to spend more time with those stories from the prophets that we celebrate during this season in our Church year. There is much to learn from Jeremiah's struggles, Jonah's reluctant service, and Ezekiel's wild visions...and 40 days is simply not enough time to take it all in. Maybe Benedict had a good point about his followers needing to live in Lent.
Blessings,
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Wouldn't Have Happened in SD...
Greetings,
I've quite the strange Sunday...I judged middle school forensics today. I know, weird huh? Yup, I judged for a Catholic middle school at a tournament being held by a Catholic High School in the city of Milwaukee in the State of Wisconsin. This never would have happened in South Dakota! We can't even trespass upon Wednesday evening Christian catechism nights. The tournament was attended by over 30 public, private, and religious middle schools. Aha! Therein lay the reasoning! Sabbath is a term that could bridge Friday, Saturday, or Sunday in this multicultural city; students from various religious backgrounds are participating in forensics. So, the tournament days fall on a variety of weekend time lines to equally inconvenience everyone.
Blessings,
I've quite the strange Sunday...I judged middle school forensics today. I know, weird huh? Yup, I judged for a Catholic middle school at a tournament being held by a Catholic High School in the city of Milwaukee in the State of Wisconsin. This never would have happened in South Dakota! We can't even trespass upon Wednesday evening Christian catechism nights. The tournament was attended by over 30 public, private, and religious middle schools. Aha! Therein lay the reasoning! Sabbath is a term that could bridge Friday, Saturday, or Sunday in this multicultural city; students from various religious backgrounds are participating in forensics. So, the tournament days fall on a variety of weekend time lines to equally inconvenience everyone.
Blessings,
Friday, February 12, 2010
In the News...
Greetings,
We were mentioned (very briefly) in Milwaukee's Catholic Herald! The article was highlighting a new building project by the Priests of the Sacred Heart; however, our history with them was mentioned briefly.
"A portion of Villa Maria originally housed the Benedictine Sisters from Yankton, S.D., who provided domestic services for the priests and brothers at Sacred Heart Monastery."
Mahoney, K. (2010, February 11). Sacred heart at monastery lake takes shape. Catholic Herald, pp. 7.
It took me a little bit to figure out how we would have known the Priests of the Sacred Heart, then I remembered! The priests and brothers from Hales Corner were also at Chamberlain! Ah-Ha! The Franciscan Sisters I live with were the ones who discovered the mention in the article and were also quite curious as to how this small band of Benedictines ended up in the midst of this Franciscan stronghold. It is a bit amazing that we would have come back to their provincial house to work with them when there were already so many sisterly folk here. Hmm...
Blessings,
We were mentioned (very briefly) in Milwaukee's Catholic Herald! The article was highlighting a new building project by the Priests of the Sacred Heart; however, our history with them was mentioned briefly.
"A portion of Villa Maria originally housed the Benedictine Sisters from Yankton, S.D., who provided domestic services for the priests and brothers at Sacred Heart Monastery."
Mahoney, K. (2010, February 11). Sacred heart at monastery lake takes shape. Catholic Herald, pp. 7.
It took me a little bit to figure out how we would have known the Priests of the Sacred Heart, then I remembered! The priests and brothers from Hales Corner were also at Chamberlain! Ah-Ha! The Franciscan Sisters I live with were the ones who discovered the mention in the article and were also quite curious as to how this small band of Benedictines ended up in the midst of this Franciscan stronghold. It is a bit amazing that we would have come back to their provincial house to work with them when there were already so many sisterly folk here. Hmm...
Blessings,
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The Feast of Saint Scholastica
Happy Feast Day!
Saint Scholastica is being celebrated by Benedictines all over the world today, and we only know one story about her. In a nutshell, she and her brother met to talk and pray once a year; he tried to leave early and she prayed up a thunderstorm that caused him to stay. Thus he had to break his own Rule but she reminds him that Love is greater.
Love...That is what I remember from Scholastica's story. She Loved her brother so much that she wept for God to intercede. She Loved God so much that He happily sent an instant storm to keep her brother with her through the night (for God is Love). The siblings Loved God and their monastic families to such a degree, that they spent the time talking of God and other spiritual joys so each could return to their community enriched and refreshed to continue to minister in Love. Scholastica's story is about Love.
My story now needs to be about Love. I am far from community, but that doesn't mean that I cannot connect myself to them through Love (letters, e-mail, phone calls, and this blog). Through my education, I can prepare myself for ministry of Love to the community when I return. I can share this call to Love with the students, classmates, and professor with whom I share this day. Scholastica's story of Love continues in all of us...
My two favorite antiphons from our Liturgy of the Hours come from this feast...both were arranged by Sr. Jane. Each is set to a simple Plainchant Tone, but touches my heart. They speak to me of Scholastica's call to Love and be Loved by God and how it flowed over into her relationship with not only her brother Benedict, but all those in her life...my life.
"Love is a fire no waters avail to quench, no floods to drown it; those who love will give up all that they have in the world, and think nothing of their loss." Song of Songs 8:7
"Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one: Come, come my beloved! See that the winter, the winter is past, the rains are over and gone. Come, come my beloved." Song of Songs
Blessings,
Love...That is what I remember from Scholastica's story. She Loved her brother so much that she wept for God to intercede. She Loved God so much that He happily sent an instant storm to keep her brother with her through the night (for God is Love). The siblings Loved God and their monastic families to such a degree, that they spent the time talking of God and other spiritual joys so each could return to their community enriched and refreshed to continue to minister in Love. Scholastica's story is about Love.
My story now needs to be about Love. I am far from community, but that doesn't mean that I cannot connect myself to them through Love (letters, e-mail, phone calls, and this blog). Through my education, I can prepare myself for ministry of Love to the community when I return. I can share this call to Love with the students, classmates, and professor with whom I share this day. Scholastica's story of Love continues in all of us...
My two favorite antiphons from our Liturgy of the Hours come from this feast...both were arranged by Sr. Jane. Each is set to a simple Plainchant Tone, but touches my heart. They speak to me of Scholastica's call to Love and be Loved by God and how it flowed over into her relationship with not only her brother Benedict, but all those in her life...my life.
"Love is a fire no waters avail to quench, no floods to drown it; those who love will give up all that they have in the world, and think nothing of their loss." Song of Songs 8:7
"Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one: Come, come my beloved! See that the winter, the winter is past, the rains are over and gone. Come, come my beloved." Song of Songs
Blessings,
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