http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/ en correspondence@stemma.org Copyright 2012 2012-02-22T15:22:04+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/day-by-day/I_am_the_Vine/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/day-by-day/I_am_the_Vine/#When:14:22:04Z Wednesday 2012-02-22T14:22:04+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/wednesday_february_22/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/wednesday_february_22/#When:03:01:07Z Ash Wednesday Rend your hearts, not your garments,     and return to the Lord, your God. For gracious and merciful is he,     slow to anger, rich in kindness…       (from Joel 2:12-18) Today we begin our Lenten journey with a reading from the Prophet Joel.  Joel was reminding the people of his day of the Lord’s care and mercy and it is no less true for us today.  As you offer your Lenten practices of prayer, alms and fasting to the Lord, remember what the Lord truly desires:  turning to Him with your whole heart and allowing Him to live and move within you and work through you. Happy Lent!  A Joyful Journey! Reflections for the Day 2012-02-22T03:01:07+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/day-by-day/Children_of_God/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/day-by-day/Children_of_God/#When:03:01:33Z Tuesday 2012-02-21T03:01:33+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/tuesday_february_21/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/tuesday_february_21/#When:03:01:27Z Tuesday, 7th Week in Ordinary Time “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” (from Mark 9:30-37) This teaching of Jesus is difficult, especially in our modern American culture.  We are always being told by so many sources:  look out for yourself, climb to the top, you owe it to yourself, and the list goes on and on.  Jesus turns the tables.  The least shall be the greatest, the first shall be the servant of all.  While this is a hard saying, it is indeed a noble calling.  Who is it that we call when we need help?  The one who proclaims how great he is, or is it the one who is unassuming and willing to give a helping hand wherever it is needed?  Obviously we all know people who don’t need to blow a horn ahead of them so that other see what they are doing and thereby gain glory and renown.  Today, ask yourself which person you are.  Do you need the trumpet blast?  Or are you just glad to lend a hand where it is needed?  Reflections for the Day 2012-02-21T03:01:27+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/day-by-day/Holiness/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/day-by-day/Holiness/#When:14:44:21Z “Holiness, in man, is only possible according to the Divine Plan: to know this plan, to adapt oneself to it, is the whole substance of holiness. This plan consists in calling the human creature to participate, by the grace of supernatural adoption, in God’s own eternal life. At the center of this plan is established Christ, the God-Man, in whom dwells the fullness of Divine life, the life which He comes to communicate to mankind. Man enters into participation of this Divine life by sanctifying grace, which, while leaving him in his condition of creature, makes him truly, by adoption, the child of God: the Heavenly Father encompasses all Christians in an extension of His Fatherhood in relation to His own Son Jesus Christ.”   Page 3 From:  Union with God: Letters of Spiritual Direction by Blessed Columba Marmion Selected and Annotated by Dom Raymond Thibaut Click Book to Purchase. Monday 2012-02-20T14:44:21+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/monday_february_20/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/monday_february_20/#When:03:01:02Z Monday, 7th Week in Ordinary Time “I do believe, help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:14-29) How often these words, or something similar, come to mind!  Faith isn’t something that is easily measured.  It not like respirations, pulse, blood pressure or temperature that can be monitored as we do for health conditions.  Nor is it something that one has a recipe for!  Wouldn’t it be nice to say, take 1 cup of Ingredient A and mix with 2 cups of Ingredient B and you have instant faith. Lent is almost upon us.  Have you decided on a Lenten practice to help you grow in your faith life?  Perhaps it may be trying to attend daily Mass several times during the week, or setting a little time apart each day to read scripture.  Whatever it is, little steps done faithfully can add to big progress.  Let’s pray that prayer together of that boy’s father, “I do believe, help my unbelief!” Reflections for the Day 2012-02-20T03:01:02+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/sunday_february_191/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/sunday_february_191/#When:03:01:57Z 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts?  Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk?’ But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth” he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.”  He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone.  They were all astounded and glorified God…  (from Mark 2:1-12) One can almost sense that Jesus is shaking his head at the reaction of the scribes.  They “know” what is “right” and what is “wrong” according to the law—and forgiving sins is something that definitely cannot be done by a “mere man.”  They cannot wrap their minds around the concept that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Are we much different than the scribes?  Do we get bogged down on deciding what is “right” and what is “wrong”, and not allowing Jesus to break in and widen our vision? With Ash Wednesday nearly upon us, today take a few moments and consider what Jesus is asking you to do for Lent.  It may not be something as simple as giving up chocolate or coffee.  Ask Jesus what He wants you to do this Lent, then ask Him for the grace to do it. Reflections for the Day 2012-02-19T03:01:57+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/sunday_february_19/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/sunday_february_19/#When:03:01:30Z 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts?  Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk?’ But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth” he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.”  He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone.  They were all astounded and glorified God…  (from Mark 2:1-12) One can almost sense that Jesus is shaking his head at the reaction of the scribes.  They “know” what is “right” and what is “wrong” according to the law—and forgiving sins is something that definitely cannot be done by a “mere man.”  They cannot wrap their minds around the concept that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Are we much different than the scribes?  Do we get bogged down on deciding what is “right” and what is “wrong”, and not allowing Jesus to break in and widen our vision? With Ash Wednesday nearly upon us, today take a few moments and consider what Jesus is asking you to do for Lent.  It may not be something as simple as giving up chocolate or coffee.  Ask Jesus what He wants you to do this Lent, then ask Him for the grace to do it. Reflections for the Day 2012-02-19T03:01:30+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/day-by-day/I_am_the_Way/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/day-by-day/I_am_the_Way/#When:03:01:32Z “There are some who go astray and cannot find the road. He cries to them: “I am the Way.” Some doubt and waver in their faith. His word to them is: “I am the Truth.” To those who grow weary with the climbing his cry is: “I am the Life.” Pg 30 Saturday 2012-02-18T03:01:32+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/saturday_february_18/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/saturday_february_18/#When:03:01:10Z Saturday, Sixth Week in Ordinary Time “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” (from Mark 9:2-13) These words are something we all long to hear:  this is my beloved...  It tells us a lot, too, about the intimacy that Jesus shared with the Father.  A closeness that we all hunger for, even if we don’t realize it.  The other part is also important:  Listen to him.  We all carry a desire deep within to be listened to—really heard and understood.  The Father was asking us to do the same with Jesus.  The question then that we need to ask ourselves is simply this:  are we listening to Jesus? Reflections for the Day 2012-02-18T03:01:10+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/friday_february_17/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/friday_february_17/#When:03:01:52Z Friday, Sixth Week in Ordinary Time Jesus summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.  For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the Gospel will save it.  What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?  What could one give in exchange for his life?  Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this faithless and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” He also said to them, “Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the Kingdom of God has come in power.”  (Mark 8:34-9:1) To our 21st century ears, Jesus’s words may sound harsh:  “deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.”  What does that mean for us today? With Ash Wednesday quickly approaching, many of us are thinking “what am I going to ‘give up’ for Lent?”  Yet, isn’t this exactly what we are being called to do in St. Mark’s Gospel?  Deny oneself.  Okay, is there something that I do that I shouldn’t?  Even if I enjoy it?  A good example that many of us can relate to is needing to lose weight to improve our health yet continuing in bad dietary habits that make the scale go in the wrong direction.  A little self denial, begun in Lent and continued throughout the rest of the year will have a positive impact. Take up one’s cross.  This doesn’t sound fun—and guess what, it wasn’t for Jesus either.  Yet, embracing our crosses for love of Jesus makes them lighter because we are uniting our cross to Jesus’ cross and He promises that His yoke is easy and His burden light. Follow me.  Yes, the road initially took Jesus to Calvary, but it didn’t end there.  While we need to pass through the trials and temptations of life, Jesus’ path leads us to His Father’s house—and to a special place He has prepared for us.  Let’s do our part so that we, too, some day will be lead through the gates into our heavenly homeland. Reflections for the Day 2012-02-17T03:01:52+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/day-by-day/The_first_step_of_pride_is_curiosity/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/day-by-day/The_first_step_of_pride_is_curiosity/#When:03:00:59Z “The first step of pride is curiosity. How does it show itself? You see one who up to this time had every appearance of being an excellent monk. Now you begin to notice that wherever he is, standing, walking or sitting, his eyes are wandering, his glance darts right and left, his ears are cocked. Some change has taken place in him; every movement shows it. “The perverse man winks with his eye, nudges with his foot, points with his finger.” These symptoms show his soul has caught some disease. He used to watch over his own conduct; now all his watchfulness is for others.” pg 57 Friday 2012-02-17T03:00:59+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/thursday_february_16/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/thursday_february_16/#When:03:01:50Z Thursday, Sixth Week in Ordinary Time “But who do you say that I am?”   Peter said to him in reply,     “You are the Christ.”       (from Mark 8:27-33) The scene is familiar:  Jesus is in conversatin with his apostles and they are talking about who the crowds say Jesus is.  Then Jesus changes the question, “But who do you say that I am?”  I have wondered how long the pause was between Jesus question and Peter’s reply.  Did the apostles sit in stunned silence, struggling to find words to express their thoughts?  Or did Peter—impetuous Peter—simply blurt out his reply? Jesus asks us the same question today:  “But who do you say that I am?”  Are we like Peter?  Or are we like the crowd?  Do we stand up for our beliefs?  Or do we hide behind our silence?  What is your answer to Jesus’ question? Reflections for the Day 2012-02-16T03:01:50+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/day-by-day/Love_is_the_excellent_food/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/day-by-day/Love_is_the_excellent_food/#When:03:01:55Z “St Benedict says, the monk will quickly come when he has climbed all the steps of humility.’ Love is indeed a sweet and pleasant food. It refreshes the weary, strengthens the weak,” cheers the depressed, makes sweet Truth’s yoke and light its burden.’ 4. Love is the excellent food. Its place is in the middle of the dish of Solomon,’ the dish which diffuses the mingled odor of the virtues, fragrant as all the powders of the perfumer.” It fills the hungry, and gives joy to those being filled. On this dish we find peace and patience and longanimity and joy in the Holy Spirit,’ and any other kind of virtue, any other fruit of wisdom you can think of. Humility has its own contribution to the banquet and graces the dish with the bread of sorrow” and the wine of compunction.’ Truth offers these first to beginners, saying: “Rise up after you have been seated, you who eat the bread of sorrow.”’ Contemplation then brings its offering-the solid bread’ of wisdom made of the finest wheat’ and the wine which gladdens the heart of man,’ to which Truth calls the perfect with the words: “Eat, my friends, and drink; be inebriated, my dearest ones.’ Truth does not fail to make provision for the less perfect. “Love is placed in the middle for the daughters of Jerusalem.”” These are the ones not yet able to take solid food, so Truth gives them love’s milk instead of bread, and oil instead of wine.” Pg 32-33 Wednesday 2012-02-15T03:01:55+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/wednesday_february_15/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/wednesday_february_15/#When:03:01:11Z Wednesday, Sixth Week in Ordinary Time ...humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you… (from James 1:19-27) In reading these words from the Letter of James, I am reminded of a text in the 13th Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew where Jesus talks about the mustard seed being the smallest of all seeds but when grown it is a tree and the birds of the air come and build their nests in it.  How do we welcome the word that has been planted in us?  What do we do to nurture it?  Do we water and fertilize it so that it can grow and take deep root in us? Today, take a few moments to nurture that Word, which is Christ’s Spirit in you, and ask Him to bring about abundant growth. Reflections for the Day 2012-02-15T03:01:11+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/day-by-day/Simple_Soul/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/day-by-day/Simple_Soul/#When:03:01:57Z ““I am not a partisan of much direction above all when God has given the soul a glimpse of the beauty of simplicity. God Himself is simple, infinitely simple, and He finds Himself in a simple soul lost in the Word. I cannot tell you what is the divine delight of the Heavenly Father, especially after Holy Communion, when He sees a soul deeply hidden in His Word, living by His life, and gazing at Him with humility and love.” Pg 139 Tuesday 2012-02-14T03:01:57+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/tuesday_february_14/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/tuesday_february_14/#When:03:01:31Z Saints Cyril and Methodius Rather, each person is tempted when lured and enticed by his desire.  (from James 1:12-18) First James writes that we should never blame God for tempting us for He does not.  The above sentence follows and then sin completes the desire and leads to death.  What an accurate summary of sin arising from the depths of our being and the consequences of our choices! Sin is always divisive: divides us greater in our selves and between ourselves.  Sin nibbles away at the life of Christ within us even when it is not a “serious” sin.  We know how painful ingrown toenails or split finger tips in the winter or a cold sore.  None of them is life threatening and yet they produce pain. We pray, O Lord, for your healing the conflicting desires within us so that we will be more closely united with you and with one another. Reflections for the Day 2012-02-14T03:01:31+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/day-by-day/prayer_of_faith/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/day-by-day/prayer_of_faith/#When:12:28:28Z “The prayer of faith appeared to him to be of special worth: It is good sometimes, when alone with God, to stretch out our hands to Him and look at Him in faith showing Him the depths of our soul that His eye may penetrate into those abysses that are hidden in the recesses of the heart. Then our prayer is pure and very powerful, for the child gazes into the Father’s face, seeking this face, that is to say His good pleasure: “Seek ye the Lord, seek His face EVERMORE.” Pg 138 Monday 2012-02-13T12:28:28+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/monday_february_13/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/monday_february_13/#When:03:01:01Z Monday, Sixth Week in Ordinary Time For the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed about by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive   anything from the Lord, since he is a man of two minds, unstable in all his ways. (from James 1:1-11) A doubter is like a wave of the sea tossed about and he will not receive what he asks for from the Lord for he has two minds.  This description of a doubter is very interesting. We all know people who cannot make a decision and should that happen, then they can constantly second guess what they made. Lord, help me to believe that you only want the best for me.  Help me to pray for what is truly in my best interest.  Lord, I believe; help my lack of faith.   Reflections for the Day 2012-02-13T03:01:01+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/day-by-day/the_steps_of_humility_and_pride_intro_pg_9/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/day-by-day/the_steps_of_humility_and_pride_intro_pg_9/#When:03:01:58Z In speaking of his goal Bernard the teacher seeks a paradigm, and finds it again in steps. For him there are three steps or degrees of truth. Threefold divisions are a constant in this treatise, they occur again and again.’ Even before going into the three degrees of truth, Bernard pauses to speak of the three fruits to be gained by mounting these steps of humility: humility itself, love and contemplation. These correspond to the three degrees of truth, or more accurately as Bernard notes, the three degrees of perception of truth; the truth in oneself, the truth in one’s neighbor and the Truth in itself. Bernard asserts there is a precise order here and establishes this both by intrinsic reasons and by an appeal to authority. His authority is Christ Jesus teaching on the Mount, it is the Beatitudes. Just as under the guidance of the Spirit the inspired writer or redactor gathered in summary form the full teaching of Christ into the three chapters of Matthew’s Gospel that form the Sermon on the Mount,’ so the essence of that whole sermon is distilled in the Beatitudes that stand at the head of it. The Cistercian Fathers clearly perceived this and used this text to trace out a Cistercian way to holiness.’ Bernard would do this later in his First Sermon for the Feast of All Saints.’ But here in this first treatise he already makes use of the Beatitudes as a sure guide for the ascent in truth. First the poor, meek, sinner humbles himself with tears and thirsts for justice.” He sees himself as he truly is, with all his sin and misery. Such a heart that knows misery, knows mercy. Thus he can readily identify with his brother. Bernard demonstrates his understanding of human psychology here as he declares: “A brother who does not live in harmony with his brothers .. . has no sympathy with them because their feelings do not affect him, he can never really see the truth in others. . . . a brother’s miseries are truly experienced only by one who has misery in his own heart.” Sunday 2012-02-12T03:01:58+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/sunday_february_12/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/sunday_february_12/#When:03:01:57Z Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “If someone has on his skin a scab or pustule or blotch which appears to be the sore of leprosy, he shall be brought to Aaron, the priest, or to one of the priests among his descendants.  If the man is leprous and unclean, the priest shall declare him unclean by reason of the sore on his head. “The one who bears the sore of leprosy shall keep his garments rent and his head bare, and shall muffle his beard; he shall cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean!’  As long as the sore is on him he shall declare himself unclean, since he is in fact unclean.  He shall dwell apart, making his abode outside the camp.”  (Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46) Both readings speak of leprosy.  In Leviticus Moses details what a person should do should he or she discover a sore thought to be leprous.  If confirmed by the priest, they had to live away from the people and call, “Unclean!  Unclean! Whenever anyone approached”!  How awful to be sick and to be so treated yet they had no other way of preventing the spread of leprosy. Imagine the leper calling out to Jesus to heal him; he must have been shocked that Jesus would touch him in healing him!  No one touched a leper for fear of contamination. When we call out to Jesus do we keep a safe distance or do we think that Jesus is keeping distant from us?  Perhaps Jesus tolerates us but does He really want to be around us and really be interested in the things that “tend to eat us up’? Reflections for the Day 2012-02-12T03:01:57+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/saturday_february_11/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/saturday_february_11/#When:03:01:19Z Saturday, Fifth Week in Ordinary Time Jeroboam thought to himself:  “The kingdom will return to David’s house.  If now this people go up to offer sacrifices in the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem, the hearts of this people will return to their master, Rehoboam, king of Judah, and they will kill me.”  After taking counsel, the king made two calves of gold and said to the people:  “You have been going up to Jerusalem long enough.  Here is your God, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.”  And he put one in Bethel, the other in Dan.  This led to sin, because the people frequented those calves in Bethel and in Dan.  He also built temples on the high places and made priests from among the people who were not Levites.  Jeroboam established a feast in the eighth month on the fifteenth day of the month to duplicate in Bethel the pilgrimage feast of Judah, with sacrifices to the calves he had made; and he stationed in Bethel priests of the high places he had built. Jeroboam did not give up his evil ways after this, but again made priests for the high places from among the common people.  Whoever desired it was consecrated and became a priest of the high places. This was a sin on the part of the house of Jeroboam for which it was to be cut off and destroyed from the earth.  (1 Kings 12:26-32, 13:33-34) Yesterday the reading from the book of Kings told how the prophet tore his new cloak into 12 pieces and told Jeroboam to take 10 of them for dynasty was being taken from David’s family. Jeroboam reflected that if the people continued to go to Jerusalem to offer sacrifice at the Temple, they would soon turn against him.  Having two golden calves made, he placed one in Dan and the other in Bethel and told the people to offer sacrifice to these calves—they had gone to Jerusalem long enough!  He also made temples on the high places and had priests made from ordinary people. God considered this a great sin on Jeroboam’s part. Most of us look at this story and smile that these people would so quickly on the ruler’s whim and power ploy change from worshipping the true God and actually worship two metal calves! What contemporary whims entice us?  Concern about Number One?  Pampering ourselves for “we deserve the best’?  Big possessions make us happy?  I have the right over my own body?  How I see my religious is my business; I don’t buy everything the Church teaches?  Our golden calves are harder to see with the physical eye.  In the Gospel of today Jesus you healed the blind man and enabled him to speak clearly.  Jesus, heal our sight so that we can clearly see you through the contemporary smoke that hides “landmarks of our faith” and help us to speak of your presence and your love for us clearly. Reflections for the Day 2012-02-11T03:01:19+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/friday_february_10/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/friday_february_10/#When:03:01:57Z St. Scholastica, Virgin Solemnity for Benedictine Nuns Born in 480 AD Scholastica and Benedict were twins.  Also a religious, Scholastica and accompanying nuns visited Benedict and his monks staying in their guest house.  They discoursed about the spiritual life and especially what it would be like in heaven.  When it was time for Benedict and his monks to leave, Scholastica beseeched him to stay longer that they might continue their talk.  When Benedict replied that he could not stay away from his monastery longer, Scholastica began to pray and a terrific thunderstorm began.  Benedict asked, “My sister, what have you done?”  She replied that she had asked him and he had still planned to go back to his monastery so she asked her Lord and He heard her!  Imagine!  They talked all night about the joys of heaven and the spiritual life.  Have we ever yearned enough for God that we wanted to spend hours and even all night talking about the spiritual path through this life and, especially, the joys of heaven when we see God in His three Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit for all eternity? St. Scholastica obtain for us to yearn to seek God here and anticipate the fullness of God in heaven.  St. Scholastica obtain for young women the grace to follow the invitation of Christ as you did to give their lives to God, especially within the monastic life. Reflections for the Day 2012-02-10T03:01:57+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/thursday_february_9/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/thursday_february_9/#When:03:01:49Z Thursday, Fifth Week in Ordinary Time …for though the LORD had forbidden him this very act of following strange gods, Solomon had not obeyed him. (from 1 Kings 11:4-13) For all the wisdom that Solomon had asked for and received, his marriage to various pagan wives turned him from the truth.  Four different gods were mentioned just in these 9 verses!  Somehow Solomon managed to disconnect the two sides of his brains.  One side of the brain reminded him of right from wrong; the other side found excuses that everyone was doing this, his was personally opposed but did not want to inflict his beliefs on others, some poll found that so many percent of the people favored this.  What would our false gods be like? Reflections for the Day 2012-02-09T03:01:49+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/wednesday_february_8/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/wednesday_february_8/#When:03:01:58Z Wednesday, Fifth Week in Ordinary Time Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person;   but the things that come out from within are what defile.     (from Mark 7:14-23) Although we want to believe Jesus was correct, we need to pause and reflect on what is “entering” the body.  In our quote from St. Mark’s Gospel, Christ was referring to what one ate or drank.  Unfortunately, too often we allow things to “enter” the body that enter into our hearts and change us and thus what comes out from within is defiled.  How do we do this?  Look at what we see on TV, listen to on the radio, read, hear in conversation that is gossip.  All this passes into us and becomes part of us—and thus becomes part of us. Today, take a momen to reflect on how you are affected by the world around you, and then ask Jesus what He desires you to allow to “enter” you body and become part of you.  Lord, open our eyes, our ears, our understanding and allow only those things that will benefit us—and those around us—to “enter” in! Reflections for the Day 2012-02-08T03:01:58+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/wednesday_february_81/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/wednesday_february_81/#When:03:01:10Z Wednesday, Fifth Week in Ordinary Time Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person;   but the things that come out from within are what defile.     (from Mark 7:14-23) Although we want to believe Jesus was correct, we need to pause and reflect on what is “entering” the body.  In our quote from St. Mark’s Gospel, Christ was referring to what one ate or drank.  Unfortunately, too often we allow things to “enter” the body that enter into our hearts and change us and thus what comes out from within is defiled.  How do we do this?  Look at what we see on TV, listen to on the radio, read, hear in conversation that is gossip.  All this passes into us and becomes part of us—and thus becomes part of us. Today, take a momen to reflect on how you are affected by the world around you, and then ask Jesus what He desires you to allow to “enter” you body and become part of you.  Lord, open our eyes, our ears, our understanding and allow only those things that will benefit us—and those around us—to “enter” in! Reflections for the Day 2012-02-08T03:01:10+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/tuesday_february_7/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/tuesday_february_7/#When:03:01:55Z Tuesday, Fifth Week in Ordinary Time …there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below; you keep your covenant of mercy with your servants who are faithful to you with their whole heart. “Can it indeed be that God dwells on earth? (from 1 Kings 8:22-23,  27-30) After placing the Ark in the temple, King Solomon continues in amazement that God would make and keep a covenant of mercy to those who are faithful to Him.  “Can it indeed be that God dwells on earth?”  As Christians, we have received the fuller revelation that indeed God did come to earth in the Person of Jesus Christ.  The covenant given to Moses is now Jesus Christ, the Person who has replaced the stone tablets.  In Jesus we see the limit of God’s love in Jesus Christ:  that He love us so much to send us His only Son. Lord, help me be in awe and thanksgiving for such a Gift! Reflections for the Day 2012-02-07T03:01:55+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/monday_february_7/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/monday_february_7/#When:03:01:22Z Paul Miki & Companions, Martyrs, Memorial The elders of Israel and all the leaders of the tribes, the princes in the ancestral houses of the children of Israel, came to King Solomon in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the Lord’s covenant from the City of David, which is Zion.  All the people of Israel assembled before King Solomon during the festival in the month of Ethanim (the seventh month).  When all the elders of Israel had arrived, the priests took up the ark; they carried the ark of the Lord and the meeting tent with all the sacred vessels that were in the tent.  (The priests and Levites carried them.) King Solomon and the entire community of Israel present for the occasion sacrificed before the ark sheep and oxen too many to number or count.  The priests brought the ark of the covenant of the Lord to its place beneath the wings of the cherubim in the sanctuary, the holy of holies of the temple.  The cherubim had their wings spread out over the place of the ark, sheltering the ark and its poles from above.  There was nothing in the ark but the two stone tablets which Moses had put there at Horeb, when the Lord made a covenant with the children of Israel at their departure from the land of Egypt. When the priests left the holy place, the cloud filled the temple of the Lord so that the priests could no longer minister because of the cloud, since the Lord’s glory had filled the temple of the Lord.  Then Solomon said, “The Lord intends to dwell in the dark cloud; I have truly built you a princely house, a dwelling where you may abide forever.”  (1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13) How awed were the Chosen People that God had made a covenant, a mutual pact, extended the invitation that the people had accepted that they gave such respect to the Ark that contained the two tablets of the agreement.  King Solomon, all the priests and Levites, all the people came in procession and sacrificed sheep and oxen too many to count. All the sacred vessels were brought along.  The Ark was placed beneath the cherubim with their wings stretch out protecting the Ark.  Then the glory of the Lord filled the Holy of Holies so the priests could no longer minister there. How do we Catholics who believe in the True Presence approach Mass and the Blessed Sacrament?  Is it the same old?  Do we still marvel and marvel the more that the Man-God would be before us under the forms of Bread and Wine?  This is not just a sign of God wanting to be in deepest communion with us but the reality of God giving Himself to us.  Do we think about how much God loves us to put Himself into our humanity, our lives, our hands?  Do we thank Him that He remains present in the Tabernacle when we are busy?  If we have Eucharistic Adoration nearby, do we think of enjoying His company? Reflections for the Day 2012-02-06T03:01:22+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/sunday_february_5/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/sunday_february_5/#When:03:01:17Z World Day for Consecrated Life Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.  Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.  They immediately told him about her.  He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.  Then the fever left her and she waited on them. When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.  The whole town was gathered at the door.  He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.  Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.”  He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also.  For this purpose have I come.”  So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.  (Mark 1:29-39) What a full day!  Jesus had been in the synagogue and went to visit Simon and Andrew’s home with James and John to discover Simon’s mother-in-law was sick.  After Jesus healed her of her fever, she got up and waited on them – probably serving them all a meal – at least eight from the preliminary count! In the evening came all the sick and afflicted of the village for Jesus to heal them so that must have taken some time.  And still, early in the morning Jesus went out to pray by Himself.  No wonder the apostles searched for Him for they told Him that more people were looking for Him—one assumes for healing. The disciples must have been mystified that Jesus was off praying when the good work of healing He began was not yet finished.  On top of that, He said they needed to go and preach to other towns. How often have we been “healed from a fever” like Peter’s mother-in-law.  What has kept us down, absorbed in ourselves, feverish with memories and sorrows?  How do we show our appreciation by serving the Lord each time we are healed? Do we experience the same need and attraction to be alone with God in prayer that Jesus did? Today the Church celebrates Consecrated Life.  We pray for our religious women and men that their union with God by always fanned by their prayer and that their good deeds always be a manifestation of their love of God and neighbor. Reflections for the Day 2012-02-05T03:01:17+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/saturday_february_4/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/saturday_february_4/#When:03:01:43Z Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday His heart was moved with pity for them,   for they were like sheep without a shepherd…     (Mark 6:30-34)   Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart   to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.     (1 Kings 3:4-13) In the second quote, we hear King Solomon’s prayer began with thanksgiving for so many blessings on his father and now on Solomon.  But how was Solomon, so young, to rule over so vast a people?  He prayed to the Lord God and God answered him with an understanding heart to distinguish right from wrong. Jesus saw that the crowds before Him were like sheep without a shepherd and so He was moved with pity for them.  O Lord, so many people now are like sheep without a shepherd, lost, confused, frightened, in terrible situations, often isolated.  Help these lost people, give them an understand heart, a heart that can distinguish right from wrong. Reflections for the Day 2012-02-04T03:01:43+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/friday_february_3/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/friday_february_3/#When:03:00:59Z St. Blaise, Bishop and Martyr St. Blaise, whose feast day we commemorate today, was a bishop in Sebastea, Armenia and martyred in 317. We know more about how his feast day is celebrated in various parts of the world than we know about Blaise himself. What is known is that he was a saintly bishop who was forced to flee from his diocesan sea and live as a hermit in the wilderness. When discovered, he was being brought to prison when a mother came with her young son who had a fish bone stuck in his throat. At Blaise’s command, the child was able to cough up the bone (source: http://www.americancatholic.org). Today we commemorate his feast day by blessing throats. As the priest imparts the blessing he says: “Through the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from ailments of the throat and from every other evil. In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Today, we have many more serious ailments then sore throats to ask St. Blaise’s intercession: gossip, slander, angry words or words meant to hurt—and so many more. Let us remember to ask St. Blaise’s help with these ailments as well. Reflections for the Day 2012-02-03T03:00:59+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/thursday_february_2/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/thursday_february_2/#When:03:01:37Z Presentation of the Lord It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit   that he should not see death     before he had seen the Christ of the Lord…       (from Luke 2:22-32) Is this not our deepest desire—to catch glimpses of Jesus here – as a preparation for seeing Jesus hereafter?  We want a hint, a “guarantee” that Jesus really does await us! Was Simeon more than surprised that the Babe in his arms was the one he had been looking for?  During all the years that Simeon waited for the “Lord to come to the Temple”, had he ever pictured the Messiah as coming as a child? God comes to us daily in interruptions and in the daily flow, in “went well” and in “it did not go well,” in the ordinary and the extraordinary.  About the only consistency is that Jesus will not come at our beck and call, he will not be on schedule, he will not come when and as we pictured him.  But come He will!  Lord, help us to be aware of Your coming. Reflections for the Day 2012-02-02T03:01:37+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/wednesday_february_1/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/wednesday_february_1/#When:03:01:21Z Wednesday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples.  When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished.  They said, “Where did this man get all this?  What kind of wisdom has been given him?  What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands!  Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon?  And are not his sisters here with us?”  nd they took offense at him.  Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.”  So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them.  He was amazed at their lack of faith.  (Mark 5:21-43) Among all the jostling and pushing and people coming and going in the crowd, Jesus perceived that a person of faith had touched him; how remarkable!  At least the disciples thought it was remarkable for they knew many people had touched Jesus. How do we “touch” Jesus?  Are we part of the congregation that does the responses at Mass?  Do we individually say our prayers?  Is our personal conviction and deep love for Jesus expressed or do we really have a personal conviction that Jesus truly loves us and desires to save us from ourselves? Jesus, we are so often part of the crowd, the busy ones, the ones who tend to be on “automatic” response.  Help us to realize that you are truly interested in us and desire to make a difference in our lives. Reflections for the Day 2012-02-01T03:01:21+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/tuesday_january_31/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/tuesday_january_31/#When:03:01:20Z Blessed Emma (von Regensburg), Titular Feast Emma of Regensburg is not one of our better known saints.  Married to the grandson of Charlemagne, she was of the royal ruling class, devoted wife and mother, generous to the poor, generous to the church.  In fact she gave of her goods (we would call it “planned giving”) to found several monasteries where she herself retired from time to time for quiet and prayer. How did we acquire her name?  Mother Agnes told me there were already many St. Benedict’s and St. Scholastica’s and the foundation from the Abtei Sankt Walburg was already called St. Walburga’s in Boulder, CO.  My guess is that there was one of those many hundred year old celebrations that cast Emma into the spotlight about the time the Sisters were searching for her name. Reflections for the Day 2012-01-31T03:01:20+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/monday_january_30/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/monday_january_30/#When:03:01:32Z “Go home to your family and announce to them     all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.”       (from Mark 5:1-20) Having just cast out demons from this man who was so tortured, Jesus gave the man the above advice when the man asked about following Him. How often do we announce what the Lord has done for us?  How often do we announce it to ourselves?  Do we take God’s Providence and kindness for granted?  Do we notice more what God does for others?  Oh, Lord, help us to be aware of your goodness, mercy, and kindness to us; this awareness will transform us and we will become billboards for God’s goodness in our lives. Reflections for the Day 2012-01-30T03:01:32+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/sunday_january_29/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/sunday_january_29/#When:03:01:41Z Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. When is a good time for the Lord to speak to us?  About what?  We often times hear people say, “If I just knew what the Lord wanted from me, then I would do it.”  But often do we know or have this sneaky feeling that a particular action would be more Christ-like, kinder, more in tune with the Church’s teaching but we fudge because it is too much for God to ask that of me now — maybe later.  God would not ask that of me for it doesn’t fit in my plans, in my likes.  The culture does not approve and what would my friends think? So the Responsorial Refrain is all too apt.  If today we should hear his voice, soften our hearts, open our hearts and let God come in. Reflections for the Day 2012-01-29T03:01:41+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/saturday_january_28/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/saturday_january_28/#When:03:01:43Z Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples:  “Let us cross to the other side.”  Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was.  And other boats were with him.  A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up.  Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion.  They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”  He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!”  The wind ceased and there was great calm.  Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified?  Do you not yet have faith?”  They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?”  (Mark 4:35-41) Why are you afraid, o ye of little faith?  We have many answers!  The waves are big and violent; there are wars and rumors of war; the economy is tumultuous; morals are collapsing, and that is only the beginning of the list! But how often do we cry to God for help—for our won faith to become deeper and for us to surrender more.  We talk about the problems to ourselves and other but do we also entrust them and all those caught up in those situations as well? Lord, we believe; help our unbelief. Reflections for the Day 2012-01-28T03:01:43+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/friday_january_27/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/friday_january_27/#When:03:01:20Z Friday, Third Week in Ordinary Time Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;   in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense…     (From Psalm 51) We pray these lines from today’s Responsorial Psalm at Mass as part of our celebration of Lauds every Friday and at the conclusion of our formal table prayer after our midday meal.  In them we acknowledge our sinfulness and reflect on God’s mercy towards us. Fridays are a special time to reflect on the tremendous love Christ had from us—a love so great that He laid down His life for us on the cross and poured out that love and mercy upon us when His Heart was pierced.  Today find a few quiet moments to reflect on God’s tremendous love for you, and thank Him for the mercy and forgiveness He has so generously bestowed upon you… Reflections for the Day 2012-01-27T03:01:20+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/thursday_january_26/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/thursday_january_26/#When:03:01:17Z Timothy & Titus, Bishops Jesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand?  For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light.  Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.”  He also told them, “Take care what you hear.  The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you.  To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”  (Mark 4:21-25) Jesus asks why light a lamp?  To put it on a lamp stand or hide it under a bushel or under a bed? Yesterday we celebrated the feast of the conversion of St. Paul – an incredible light placed on various lampstands in his geographical area and whose light still reflects the light of Christ in our day! Titus was one of the early disciples to come to Christ through Paul’s preaching.  O Lord, let your light burn brightly within us, changing us so that your light may shine through us and reach others. Reflections for the Day 2012-01-26T03:01:17+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/wednesday_january_25/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/wednesday_january_25/#When:03:01:10Z Conversion of St. Paul Paul addressed the people in these words:  “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city.  At the feet of Gamaliel I was educated strictly in our ancestral law and was zealous for God, just as all of you are today.  I persecuted this Way to death, binding both men and women and delivering them to prison.  Even the high priest and the whole council of elders can testify on my behalf.  For from them I even received letters to the brothers and set out for Damascus to bring back to Jerusalem in chains for punishment those there as well. “On that journey as I drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from the sky suddenly shone around me.  I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’  I replied, ‘Who are you, sir?’  And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazorean whom you are persecuting.’  My companions saw the light but did not hear the voice of the one who spoke to me.  I asked, ‘What shall I do, sir?’  The Lord answered me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told about everything appointed for you to do.’  Since I could see nothing because of the brightness of that light, I was led by hand by my companions and entered Damascus. “A certain Ananias, a devout observer of the law, and highly spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, came to me and stood there and said, ‘Saul, my brother, regain your sight.’  And at that very moment I regained my sight and saw him.  Then he said, ‘The God of our ancestors designated you to know his will, to see the Righteous One, and to hear the sound of his voice; for you will be his witness before all to what you have seen and heard.  Now, why delay?  Get up and have yourself baptized and your sins washed away, calling upon his name.’”  (Acts 22:3-16) Who would ever have thought that Saul searching out Christians to bring them in chains back Jerusalem would become the Apostle to the Gentiles—except God! When we feel that we cannot change, that we are not good enough to do God’s work, let us look to Saul become Paul under the grace of God and have hope! Reflections for the Day 2012-01-25T03:01:10+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/tuesday_january_24/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/tuesday_january_24/#When:03:01:11Z Saint Francis de Sales Bishop and Doctor of the Church David grew steadily more powerful,   for the Lord of hosts was with him.     (from 2 Samuel 5:1-7, 10) Yesterday when I read aloud this passage at Mass about David advancing to gain Jerusalem, I noticed that his enemies made fun of him saying that even the blind and the lame of that city could prevent David from capturing it.  Perhaps we pro-lifers are told and made fun of that we make any advances on the Pro-Life scene. But the Lord of hosts was with David – and he is with us too. Reflections for the Day 2012-01-24T03:01:11+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/monday_january_23/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/monday_january_23/#When:03:00:59Z Pro-Life Prayer Vigil National March in Washington, D.C. for Life This past Wednesday we welcomed others to join with us in praying for all the victims of abortion: the moms, dads, grandparents, siblings (who suffer from “survivor syndrome’), the doctors, nurses, all those who push abortions and especially those who are really making money on it.  We should be asking the aborted babies to pray for us before the throne of Divine Mercy.  O Lord, we are beautifully, wonderfully made.  We are made for relationships—with you and with one another.  We are human because of the capacity to love and be loved, to know and be known, to love unto sacrifice, to create life, beauty, laughter, art, science, and music. Let us choose the fullness of life, of purpose, of meaning.  Through Jesus Christ, Amen.   Reflections for the Day 2012-01-23T03:00:59+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/sunday_january_22/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/sunday_january_22/#When:03:01:22Z Third Sunday in Ordinary Time After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God:  “This is the time of fulfillment.  The kingdom of God is at hand.  Repent, and believe in the gospel.” As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen.  Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”  Then they abandoned their nets and followed him.  He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.  They too were in a boat mending their nets.  Then he called them.  So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him. (Mark 1:14-20) It is hard to imagine how special someone has to be to walk by men fishing and others mending their nets, invite them to follow him, become fishers of men and the fishermen would do it! What was it about Jesus that spoke to the depths of these men’s hearts that they would get up from everything they knew and were comfortable with to follow this itinerant preacher?  What hopes did Jesus stir up within them?  What relationship with God did they experience? We are now to be fishers of men in our time.  How can we engage their hearts about their hopes and fears, their joys and sorrows?  How can we reveal the Person of Jesus by our lives and our words? Reflections for the Day 2012-01-22T03:01:22+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/saturday_january_211/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/saturday_january_211/#When:03:01:34Z Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr David returned from his defeat of the Amalekites and spent two days in Ziklag.  On the third day a man came from Saul’s camp, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head.  Going to David, he fell to the ground in homage.  David asked him, “Where do you come from?”  He replied, “I have escaped from the camp of the children of Israel.”  “Tell me what happened,” David bade him.  He answered that many of the soldiers had fled the battle and that many of them had fallen and were dead, among them Saul and his son Jonathan. David seized his garments and rent them, and all the men who were with him did likewise.  They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the soldiers of the Lord of the clans of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. “Alas! the glory of Israel, Saul, slain upon your heights; how can the warriors have fallen! “Saul and Jonathan, beloved and cherished, separated neither in life nor in death, swifter than eagles, stronger than lions!  Women of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and in finery, who decked your attire with ornaments of gold. “How can the warriors have fallen?  in the thick of the battle, slain upon your heights! “I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother!  most dear have you been to me; more precious have I held love for you than love for women. “How can the warriors have fallen, the weapons of war have perished!”  (2 Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27) What a touching scene of David mourning over the death of Saul after everything Saul had done to him out of jealousy!  David spoke of Saul with such admiration, such tenderness, such grief.  Oh Lord, help us to be so merciful and forgiving to people who get on our nerves or who have hurt us. Reflections for the Day 2012-01-21T03:01:34+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/saturday_january_21/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/saturday_january_21/#When:03:01:26Z Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr David returned from his defeat of the Amalekites and spent two days in Ziklag.  On the third day a man came from Saul’s camp, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head.  Going to David, he fell to the ground in homage.  David asked him, “Where do you come from?”  He replied, “I have escaped from the camp of the children of Israel.”  “Tell me what happened,” David bade him.  He answered that many of the soldiers had fled the battle and that many of them had fallen and were dead, among them Saul and his son Jonathan. David seized his garments and rent them, and all the men who were with him did likewise.  They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the soldiers of the Lord of the clans of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. “Alas! the glory of Israel, Saul, slain upon your heights; how can the warriors have fallen! “Saul and Jonathan, beloved and cherished, separated neither in life nor in death, swifter than eagles, stronger than lions!  Women of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and in finery, who decked your attire with ornaments of gold. “How can the warriors have fallen?  in the thick of the battle, slain upon your heights! “I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother!  most dear have you been to me; more precious have I held love for you than love for women. “How can the warriors have fallen, the weapons of war have perished!”  (2 Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27) What a touching scene of David mourning over the death of Saul after everything Saul had done to him out of jealousy!  David spoke of Saul with such admiration, such tenderness, such grief.  Oh Lord, help us to be so merciful and forgiving to people who get on our nerves or who have hurt us. Reflections for the Day 2012-01-21T03:01:26+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/friday_january_20/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/friday_january_20/#When:03:01:45Z Friday, Second Week in Ordinary Time Saul took three thousand picked men from all Israel and went in search of David and his men in the direction of the wild goat crags.  When he came to the sheepfolds along the way, he found a cave, which he entered to relieve himself.  David and his men were occupying the inmost recesses of the cave. David’s servants said to him, “This is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘I will deliver your enemy into your grasp; do with him as you see fit.’”  So David moved up and stealthily cut off an end of Saul’s mantle.  Afterward, however, David regretted that he had cut off an end of Saul’s mantle.  He said to his men, “The LordD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, as to lay a hand on him, for he is the Lord’s anointed.”  With these words David restrained his men and would not permit them to attack Saul.  Saul then left the cave and went on his way.  David also stepped out of the cave, calling to Saul, “My lord the king!”  When Saul looked back, David bowed to the ground in homage and asked Saul:  “Why do you listen to those who say, ‘David is trying to harm you’?  You see for yourself today that the Lord just now delivered you into my grasp in the cave.  I had some thought of killing you, but I took pity on you instead.  I decided, ‘I will not raise a hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed and a father to me.’  Look here at this end of your mantle which I hold.  Since I cut off an end of your mantle and did not kill you, see and be convinced that I plan no harm and no rebellion.  I have done you no wrong, though you are hunting me down to take my life.  The Lord will judge between me and you, and the Lord will exact justice from you in my case.  I shall not touch you.  The old proverb says, ‘From the wicked comes forth wickedness.’  So I will take no action against you.  Against whom are you on campaign, O king of Israel?  Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog, or a single flea!  The Lord will be the judge; he will decide between me and you.  May he see this, and take my part, and grant me justice beyond your reach!”  When David finished saying these things to Saul, Saul answered, “Is that your voice, my son David?”  And Saul wept aloud.  Saul then said to David: “You are in the right rather than I; you have treated me generously, while I have done you harm.  Great is the generosity you showed me today, when the Lord delivered me into your grasp and you did not kill me.  For if a man meets his enemy, does he send him away unharmed?  May the Lord reward you generously for what you have done this day.  And now, I know that you shall surely be king and that sovereignty over Israel shall come into your possession.”  (1 Samuel 24:3-21) One can only admire David at this point:  he and his men are hiding in the same as Saul and his men enter.  Quickly foregoing the temptation to kill Saul who wants to kill him, David even laments cutting a piece from Saul’s cloak.  After all, Saul had been anointed! What respect for authority!  What restraint!  We know that David later sinned in terrible ways but at this point one can only admire his virtue. Lord, help us to do the generous and virtuous deed. Reflections for the Day 2012-01-20T03:01:45+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/thursday_january_19/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/thursday_january_19/#When:03:01:43Z Thursday, Second Week in Ordinary Time When David and Saul approached (on David’s return after slaying the Philistine), women came out from each of the cities of Israel to meet King Saul, singing and dancing, with tambourines, joyful songs, and sistrums.  The women played and sang: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” Saul was very angry and resentful of the song, for he thought:  “They give David ten thousands, but only thousands to me.  All that remains for him is the kingship.”  And from that day on, Saul was jealous of David. Saul discussed his intention of killing David with his son Jonathan and with all his servants. But Saul’s son Jonathan, who was very fond of David, told him:  “My father Saul is trying to kill you. Therefore, please be on your guard tomorrow morning; get out of sight and remain in hiding.  I, however, will go out and stand beside my father in the countryside where you are, and will speak to him about you.  If I learn anything, I will let you know.” Jonathan then spoke well of David to his father Saul, saying to him:  “Let not your majesty sin against his servant David, for he has committed no offense against you, but has helped you very much by his deeds.  When he took his life in his hands and slew the Philistine, and the Lord brought about a great victory for all Israel through him, you were glad to see it.  Why, then, should you become guilty of shedding innocent blood by killing David without cause?”  Saul heeded Jonathan’s plea and swore, “As the Lord lives, he shall not be killed.”  So Jonathan summoned David and repeated the whole conversation to him.  Jonathan then brought David to Saul, and David served him as before.  (1 Samuel 18:6-9, 19:1-7) Jealousy, that green-eyed monster, manifests itself in Saul who complains that David is credited with slaying tens of thousands while Saul only thousands.  The normal next step is to do away with the “contender”.  Saul is more direct in wanting to murder David (although that still happens).  Today one is more likely to berate the contender, talk badly about him or her so that the jealous one “looks better.”  How sad that one can only feel better by making someone else feel worse. Lord, help me to rejoice in the blessings, graces, and favors that you have given me. Reflections for the Day 2012-01-19T03:01:43+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/wednesday_january_18/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/wednesday_january_18/#When:03:01:35Z Wednesday, Second Week in Ordinary Time You come against me with sword and spear and scimitar,   but I come against you in the name of the Lord of hosts…     (from 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51) Oftentimes we feel like David and Goliath.  The Goliaths today influence the media, have changed morality, do not lie but mis-speak, ridicule Catholics and our beliefs. But, like David, we try to live the way the Lord desires so that indeed the Lord will be on our side. And we all have various shaped and sizes of smooth stones to do God’s work.  Perhaps, it is being nice to the obnoxious, perhaps it is not taking part in the off-color remarks at work, not participating in the murmuring or gossip around us, expressing our beliefs in a clear and kind way. Oh Lord, help us to be the instruments of your loving heart. Reflections for the Day 2012-01-18T03:01:35+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/tuesday_january_17/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/tuesday_january_17/#When:03:01:12Z Anthony, the Abbot The Lord said to Samuel:  “How long will you grieve for Saul, whom I have rejected as king of Israel?  Fill your horn with oil, and be on your way.  I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have chosen my king from among his sons.”  But Samuel replied:  “How can I go?  Saul will hear of it and kill me.”  To this the Lord answered:  “Take a heifer along and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’  Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I myself will tell you what to do; you are to anoint for me the one I point out to you.” Samuel did as the Lord had commanded him.  When he entered Bethlehem, the elders of the city came trembling to meet him and inquired, “Is your visit peaceful, O seer?”  He replied:  “Yes! I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.  So cleanse yourselves and join me today for the banquet.”  He also had Jesse and his sons cleanse themselves and invited them to the sacrifice.  As they came, he looked at Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is here before him.”  But the Lord said to Samuel:  “Do not judge from his appearance or from his lofty stature, because I have rejected him.  Not as man sees does God see, because he sees the appearance but the Lord looks into the heart.”  Then Jesse called Abinadab and presented him before Samuel, who said, “The Lord has not chosen him.”  Next Jesse presented Shammah, but Samuel said, “The Lord has not chosen this one either.”  In the same way Jesse presented seven sons before Samuel, but Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any one of these.”  Then Samuel asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”  Jesse replied, “There is still the youngest, who is tending the sheep.”  Samuel said to Jesse, “Send for him; we will not begin the sacrificial banquet until he arrives here.”  Jesse sent and had the young man brought to them.  He was ruddy, a youth handsome to behold and making a splendid appearance.  The LORD said, “There - anoint him, for this is he!”  Then Samuel, with the horn of oil in hand, anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and from that day on, the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David.  When Samuel took his leave, he went to Ramah.  (1 Samuel 1—13) These verses relate how David came to be anointed king.  Arriving at Bethlehem “to offer sacrifice”, Samuel invited Jesse and his sons to join him at this sacrificial banquet.  As each of the seven sons present came before Samuel, Samuel thought surely this one should be anointed king but the Lord said no to each one.  Asking if there were any other sons, Jesse said the youngest was tending the sheep.  When David arrived, the Lord told Samuel to anoint David as the next king of Israel, “Then the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon him.” Seeing Samuel impressed by the physical appearance of each of Jesse’s seven sons, the Lord told Samuel to learn to judge as the Lord Himself does according to the heart and not according to sight.  We can only guess the dismay of the seven older sons who were passed over in favor of the youngest. Lord, help us to see as you see—not according to the external “postcard picture effect” but according to the heart—and let this begin with me! Reflections for the Day 2012-01-17T03:01:12+00:00 http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/monday_january_16/ http://www.stemma.org/benedictine-spirituality/lectio-lights/monday_january_16/#When:03:01:01Z Monday, Second Week in Ordinary Time Obedience is better than sacrifice,   and submission than the fat of rams.     (from 1 Samuel 15:16-23) The above quote we often hear in spiritual circles and this is the passage in the Old Testament in which it occurs. Saul successfully defeated the enemies and did everything the Lord had told him to do but…We know all the variations but takes in our lives as well. In this instance Saul slaughtered all the animals but the best sheep and oxen that he could offer in sacrifice to the Lord in thanksgiving for the victory.  Most of us would find that a worthy motive—not as if Saul and his men had a victory feast or sold them.  But it was not what the Lord asked. We know from our experience that obedience is a sacrifice, both in the sense of making something holy and in offering up something that is precious to us.  Nothing is harder to offer up than our own will, insight, decision making to God for we always have the but.  But surely not this time, surely not these people to love as myself, surely God could not want this when all the polls agree with me… Lord, help me to give the greatest gift I have to give:  my entire self to you. Reflections for the Day 2012-01-16T03:01:01+00:00