Welcome back! It is the dawn of a new day in our monastery! Your kind conversation is again very welcome. As always, after visiting here you can return to the Cloistered Heart blog by clicking on this line.
What a beautiful analogy ~ mothers and grandmothers answering the ring of the bells in the middle of the night, much as our dear sister friends answer the call to prayer.
So many things to think about on our monastic journey. I have just started reading "A Right to Be Merry" ~ what a wonderful compliment to our walk! I love the writing style of Mother Mary Francis, a look into the history of the Poor Clares, and what draws each one of these women to the cloister; a life of contemplative prayer and poverty. While maintaining the very essence of who each of them are and those traits they each bring to the cloister. So good. While I know the cloister itself is not calling me, how I can better serve our Lord does. Yes, so much (goodness) to contemplate. Have a blessed day, friends.
Back from my perfect pilgrimage where dear Sisters I walked the cloisters and stood behind grills contemplating the permanence of this for some. My prayers for All cloistered hearts were prayed in a little chapel below St Peters that literally looked over his tomb. It was so moving, an amazing week all round. Morning and evening prayer were said in a sacred place, and so too hourly prayers in front of every saint. A beautifully poignant Mass was offered up every single day from within the ruins of the first ever Christian basilica at Ostia, to the catacombs, to St Peters, St Augustines and St Sabina's. Prayer filled days breathed with a rhythm that only a monastic day could breathe. Long may it continue thanks be to God and the cloistered heart.
Welcome back, and what a wonderful pilgrimage you've obviously had. Thank you for the prayers for all of us in such holy places; awe-inspiring. Breathtaking. Holy. Thanks be to God.
How can we better serve Our Lord?~if we can keep that question at the forefront of our minds and hearts, then I think we are off to a good start in our striving for growth in holiness and our spiritual lives. I also believe it is a question Our Lord is very anxious to answer for each one of us since He knows better than we how we can best serve Him. So my prayer for all of us as we begin this new monastic day is that we will welcome the silence of the cloister where and when we can in our lives in the world so that we can hear Our Lord answer this question in each of our hearts. "Go forth from this place of contemplation, and bear fruit that will last." ~from the Dialogues of St Catherine Siena
Karinann, you words have been on my heart and mind since I read them. Together with Nancy's writing on totality ~ yes, it's all being pulled together so clearly. You know those 'ah ha' moments, when a light bulb goes off? Keeping the question of how to better serve our Lord in the forefront of all that we do, as well as letting our Lord answer that question as to how we can best serve Him. Total surrender and total openess, that is the message I am receiving at every turn. Pray for me today, if you would, that I may surrender totally and embrace the silence of the cloister. As I will pray for each of you. In Jesus' name.
Paula, I am glad my words touched your heart. Nancy's writing about how we can best serve Our Lord really got me thinking and praying. I will keep you in my prayers. It is in the silence that He will tell us how we can best serve Him when we leave the silence. God bless.
Karinann, what a perfect prayer for all of us. Thank you. And I am touched by the quote from St. Catherine. I have a feeling THAT will be showing up on a post very soon :).... Thanks be to God!
I am rarely up this late (past 9 PM), but The Night of Many Bells explains it. I loved that message - oh how I remember those middle of the night bells. It's been awhile - my son is 18 and daughter (living home) aged 23. She broke her shoulder a month ago and I've had to drive/assist in other ways recently. My son had his 4 wisdom teeth out this morning. Doctor called tonight to check on him (isn't that wonderful?) and he recommended that I set the alarm in the middle of the night to keep him going on his pain medicine through the night. God is so good. Both my children have had prayers from many and both are doing well. (I wouldn't have thought to set the alarm) I feel like I have two little kids again.... and The Night of Many Bells has had me joyfully reminiscing of their "baby days" and how grateful to God I am for them. Serving our children IS serving the Lord. Doing that laundry, cooking those meals, and praying between and during our chores. Listening for that bell tonight will bring a smile (because of your post, Nancy, to remind us tbat our duties of home are living the Will of God. So, I happily stay awake until 10 PM and will be up again at 2:00 AM. Keeping you all in prayer.
Mary, I pray as I write this that your son will do well and that your daughter will continue healing. You obviously feel privileged to care for them... what a grace, for you and for them! May you rest well between the bells :).
God is so good, putting people and postings in our path when we need them most! That's all I could think as I read "Lord, Open My Lips" as it mirrored my own thoughts early this morning. Especially the notion of a morning 'IV' prayer time! Yes!
Yesterday as the day went on I became increasingly unfocused and really felt the need for quiet prayer time (in addition to the time I had been able to spend in the morning). Yet the more I tried, the more apparent it became that it was not going to happen. Without being overly dramatic (me?!?) I felt like it was something other than the Spirit that was placing these obstacles in front of me, pulling me away. Facing a handful challenges that are outside of my control, I know that right now, more than ever before, my prayer time is sacred time. I know I need to pull myself into the quiet of the cloister as often as I am able.
When I woke up this morning feeling rushed, knowing I was little behind schedule, I was very tempted to skip prayers and the routine I'm working hard to establish. After a brief hesitation, my 'self talk' was no, you NEED to do this today, before the day runs away and takes on a life of it's own. So I stopped and I sat in my morning prayer chair. I opened my Bible to today's readings and prayed. That first morning 'IV' of prayer, if you will. More important than that first cup of coffee (!), the open IV to the continual flow of God's goodness and direction in my life for the day. As the day goes on I am praying that I am able to hear the bells and obey, pushing away the outside forces that may try to interfer.
Paula, as I go through this busy day, I will be praying for you and all the rest of us to continue to be open to the continual flow of God's grace in our lives. It is a help knowing we're all "trying together"... that there are others coming back and back and back to their "choir stalls" throughout the day. Thank you. God be praised!
An iv of prayer - that's a perfect analogy! I have noticed how important it is to set my heart toward God early each day, and preferably before I get into anything else (turning on the computer first is a sure temptation to become sidetracked). I know this about myself, and still there are too many times when I let the day get away from me. I've also come to realize that it is the depth of prayer, not the length of prayer that matters. Spending time with you all during these monastic days, reading your comments and getting to know some of you has been a comfort and an inspiration. To know that you are "out there" in the world encourages me to keep striving to have a cloistered heart.
Nancy, How true..If I promise the Lord that I am going to give Him a block of time devoted to Him in prayer this morning and I don't do it in a timely manner everything starts to happen...mainly the phone starts ringing and that call reminds me of something else that needs to be done and then to the computer to check messages which leads me to running out the door for a quick trip somewhere and on and on, and before I know it God has fallen down the list of priorities much to my embarrassment. I feel so badly as I have chosen all of these other things over God, and I have broken my promise to Him. I must try to do better and discipline myself to put God first in all things. I will attempt to do this...
I love the idea of the vein being kept opened and maintained and ready so that I am prepared at all times to receive the word, the healing, the grace that my Lord will need to administer to me at any given moment. Thank you, Nancy for this image..I will start my day now with my IV which allows the transfusion of God's life-giving nourishment. God Bless you..
Nancy, I'm another one who needs a daily IV connecting me to God. Without it my soul becomes anemic pretty fast! I remember when my youngest son was born, how my veins were in danger of collapsing and the panic that set in with the nurses. I actually was not aware I was in such danger. If I'm not careful and vigilant with prayer I place my soul in the same position. It will think it's doing okay, while all the time LIFE is draining from it!
Trish, what a strong analogy. We can so easily miss the fact that we are in danger by placing our souls in that position.... thank you so much for sharing this experience.
Joy, I will attempt the discipline, too, of asking God to open that vein. I know I just said this above - but goodness, I feel so blessed that we are all working toward this TOGETHER!! And there are those who are reading along with us and not commenting (I know commenting does not appeal to everyone and that's just fine... it's especially tough when we have to prove we're not robots by reading "words" that aren't!!!). So there are a number of us all here together, all striving to be in our "choirs stalls" to sing His praise. I pray that we will all start tomorrow with open veins!
Nancy, I'm glad the Lord's mercies are new every day and He doesn't keep count of all the times I did, "one more thing" before I went to prayer,covered with rationalizations. I love the IV analogy too, because I know the difference when I've had treatment and when I skipped out.. I just keep trusting,trying, and loving the Lord. +
This past week (being so "out of sorts" of my usual routine), I have been doing a LOT of prayer BEFORE even getting out of bed (that is not usual for me)because I am blessed to go from bed to my prayer room in my PJ's for an hour before anyone else is up. BEFORE getting out of bed sure is a good time to ask the Lord for that IV (imagine asking for an IV of the worldly sort?)- But to say, Open that vein, Lord. This is a great idea. The time change is coming (and is getting pretty cold at night here in the Berkshires) - also why I've been sleeping 30-40 minutes later than usual (putting me behind) because I don't have those bells to wake me. Well, except the middle of the night ones lately, (and Nancy, thank you for your prayers - both children doing well - no 2 AM bells tonight). Something to those bells - keeping us on track - and something to speaking to the Lord upon waking before getting out of bed. For some, it might be the only time of quiet - that first moment upon waking, given to the Lord - how that must console Him.
Beautiful x As my youngest of 5 children begins school so too the bells that call me, call under a different rhythm. I find myself retiring or tiring earlier in the evenings as the night draws in, and waking in the depth of the night for precious time- which actually appears to be a hang-over from my many years breast feeding. That precious silent sharing time together in triune, my baby, me and Him. In the sacred silence together. Held. This makes for a sleepy 6.30 rise, school run, Mass and then I am trying (not always possible) to split my days into 3 sessions. It starts off with great clarity, exercise usually walking, recently swimming and there gym on the horizon :O/ . My theory is healthy mind, healthy spirit. I once heard that fruit for breakfast is golden. So the delicious homemade fattening bread and fresh butter have gone and golden is my breakfast, water be life giving all day long. A little reading study and my writing and contemplation is of vital source to me personally, and then theres the school and supper bell. Just as soon as we are familiar with one set of daily bells ringing another set replaces them. My spiritual director at the time I was with her said we must look at the blessings God gives us today and in them is our Grace to behold. Beheld x
Just as we're familiar with one set of bells another set replaces them. This is really "ringing" in me (you're encouraged NOT to dignify that with a laugh). Isn't it so true, and it's one way in which our lives in the world differ from those of people who live behind monastery walls. Thanks, Mags, for sharing the rhythm of your bells.
Nancy..oh how much I enjoyed watching and listening to the Monks ringing the bells. They were putting every ounce of muscle and every bit of strength they had into pulling the ropes. I had to wonder how loud that must have been for them being right there so close. Then I thought about the importance of the bells for them to put everything they had into ringing them. Our bells are important also...whether it is calling us to some duty or ringing out praise and glory to God. How lovely it must be for those living in the surrounding area to hear the beautiful chime of the bells and give thanksgiving, if I could only have that attitude for the bells in my life. There is so much to be thankful for..that I have ears to hear the bells, that I have the strength and ability to rise to their call and that I have someone somewhere who is depending on me to hear and answer the call of the bells..so much to be grateful for. Thank you for sharing this video.. God Bless..
Joy, the bells must have been deafening in person (I find them loud on my computer!). I just remembered that I once took a brief turn ringing a monastery tower bell, when I was in a cloister as a retreatant. This was some years ago, and there was a special reason churches were asked to all ring their bells at a particular hour. The 2 retreatants at the time were allowed to take a turn (along with the nuns doing so) if we wanted. I wanted. But I could NOT get into the "rhythm" of the ringing and after about two "pitiful peals" (that were very out of synch), I turned the rope over to a more competent ringer. I remember it being much harder than I'd expected!
I'm a new reader here. I found this wonderful sight after reading A Right to Be Merry and I Have Called You Friends by Mother Mary Francis. I was looking for information on cloistered life. I am a Catholic wife and stay-at-home mom of 3 girls (12, 10 and 3). I've recently been drawn to add some of the aspects of the cloistered life to my own life. I've been working on praying the Liturgy of the Hours and adding some time for spiritual reading to my day. I also tried to order my day (based on my family's needs) into a loose Rule of Life. I had to look at my day to see where I could fit in the Hours and I set the times that I would be able to pray.
I also had to admonish myself a little to remember that my vocation is a wife/mom first and not a contemplative sister. I know myself and I could see that by trying to add the Hours to my day, I could easily get frustrated if it was "time to pray" and my 3 yr old had other plans like needing my help getting a drink or going to the potty. I look at it like this-if it's 9:00 and I want to pray the mid-morning prayer and as soon as I sit down my daughter needs me for something, then it's God's will that I not pray at that time or stop praying when half finished or whatever. I may want/need that time because I crave the peace and rest or I desire to worship God. However, God may want my obedience to my vocation as a wife and mom right now over my prayer. I figure that if I'm able to pray certain hours of the day, then that's what God wants. If my family needs me for something else at that time, then that's what I'm supposed to be doing. I don't try to make up for it or squeeze it in later. I just move on and try again at the next scheduled prayer time. I have found doing it this way has removed a lot of frustration and temptation to get testy with my family if I'm interrupted. I try to see the interruption as God's call instead.
I love the sound of church bells and was looking for a timer or clock that had nice church bell sounds for the alarm but I wasn't able to find it. I thought it would be a nice way to set the alarm for the times I set for praying the hours.
Lisa, what a beautiful way of life you lead. To put your family's needs over prayer is so very much in line with what God wants of those to whom He's given the holy vocation of motherhood. I know this from Church teachings (there are so many writings of the saints on this very thing), but I know it also from my own experiences AND STRUGGLES over the years. My children are now grown, and I can clearly recall several VERY specific instances when God let me know that to serve them WAS my prayer. Frankly, it wasn't always easy and it wasn't always the road I wanted to take. But it was my "vocational road." On one particular day, I was interrupted (for the many-eth time) to re-tie the shoelace of my then-four-year-old son. I can still see myself in that moment, kneeling on the bathroom floor, tying a shoelace while my little boy looked down at me. I immediately had a flash, that day, of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. Words of scripture came into my mind, about what I was doing for this little one being done for Jesus Himself.
What a blessing to see the interruptions as God's calls to you. But again: I KNOW IT CAN BE REALLY HARD TO DO SO THIS!! Sometimes our bells have "sounds" we don't think of as very "monastic".... huh?!? :)
I'm so glad you're here, Lisa. Your children are very blessed to have such a prayerful mother.
What a beautiful reflection over at the CH! I love your perspective Lisa. In Bl. Columba Marmion's book, *Christ~The Idea of the Monk*, he mentions the importance of immediately responding to God's will which will manifest differently for each soul. He talks about the fault of having the attitude of, *in a minute...I just have to finish this one thing I am doing*. How often I have said that!! It really is a mortification to stop something we are engaged in to follow where God is calling us.
Theresa, thanks for such a perfect quote from Blessed Columba Marmion. Oh my goodness - that pinpoints my own snag to the proverbial "T." I do that over and over.. just try to finish that one thing. I had never thought of dropping that one thing (when possible, of course) as a mortification. A new perspective for me. Thank you.
Nancy, I'm humbled that you thought what I mentioned yesterday as worthy of consideration in your post. As I said yesterday, I had to admonish myself to not be so rigid about adding the Liturgy of the Hours to my day that I get testy with my family if I can't pray one of the hours. Doing God's Will at those times is a great struggle for me and knowing myself, I could see that if I focused on what I want at that moment, I could get to the point of pushing my family's needs aside so I could do what I want. (Even if what I want is a good thing such as prayer.) I understand this perspective in my head and when I put it into practice, there is actually more peace and joy after I made that decision to surrender my will for His, even though I didn't get what I want. I do fail at this and when I do, I feel anger, frustration and stress. When I recognize these feelings, then they are my wake up call that I'm being self-focused which never brings peace. In trying to cling to my prayer time so I can get some peace for myself, I end up getting just the opposite if it's not God's will at that time.
Theresa, I will have to get Christ-The Idea of the Monk. I definitely have the "in a minute" fault even though I'm trying to see the interruptions as God's call. I may stop my prayer to tend to a need, but lots of times I do try to finish the psalm or reading that I am on when the interruption happens. I'll have to give more thought to the "in a minute" fault.
This perspective of answering God's call at the moment is helping to make it easier but it's still a daily struggle. Thank you for the review of Praying the Scriptures for a Change (and thank you Nancy for mentioning it)...I ordered it. Lectio will be a definite challenge in this season of my life but I'm curious about this type of prayer.
Lisa...I did a typo...it's *Ideal of the Monk*. I believe it's out of print but you can still get used copies. Mine was from the library. It is a series of conferences he wrote for his monks {Benedictine} but can be applicable to those of us in the world.
Theresa, Thanks for the update. I found a copy on amazon for only $13.50. I'm really looking forward to reading and learning from these two new books today.
So glad you got a copy! The first part deals mostly with the entrance and profession of the monk but about a third of the way through, he really delves into spiritual matters. His later chapters regarding the beauty and significance of praying the Office are some of the most lofty I have ever read. Thomas Merton also wrote extensively about praying the Office and they are really profound writings!
Nancy ...on reading your post "Around the Corner"..I think you have summed up our definition of prayer very nicely....while we might attempt to model our prayer lives after some great saint or the wonderful sisters in the Monastery, we are all individually unique and different in so many ways...our life styles, our responsibilities, our spiritual needs, etc...but we all come together in union for one reason and that is to love, worship and draw nearer to our God. There is a solidarity in our purpose here in the Cloistered Heart and from that we draw strength and power from each heart. I have treasured sharing the experiences of these wonderful souls..their struggles..their passion and am blessed by each and every one. I think back to the time that you said that we were all like a wonderful, beautiful bouquet of flowers of all varieties.. how our God must delight in this offering that we make to Him, warts and all...He sees nothing but our beauty and the intent of our hearts and is very pleased.. I am honored to be in the presence of so many beautiful, Godly people Thank you again, Nancy, for sharing this labor of love and the gifts that God has blessed you with. May God bless us all... Have a beautiful day.
Ditto, that Joy! You all are also so articulate in your writing. Thank you for putting to words my thoughts too. I just love how God works in how He brings souls together. Praise God!
Nancy, This is a little off topic from the last post but sort of relates because it's about dinner time. When reading A Right to be Merry, I was struck by the sister's simple and sparse diet. (No meat, only one meal and what seems like to me two snacks-the lenten fast) I realize this has to do with their vow of poverty. Aside from being called to the prayer and contemplation of the cloistered life while still living in the world , have you ever felt called to adopt some aspects of their lenten fast as an act of love towards God as well?
This is something that I've been pondering lately but with three kids and a husband who like to eat, it would be very hard to pull off. It's one thing when everyone around you is on the same page and quite another when you have to cook for the family. I'm leaning towards maybe doing something a little more than giving up meat on Fridays (like fasting between meals) or maybe just doing little things here and there if I feel called like giving up that morning cup of coffee or skipping seconds when you really want to eat more.
I am first of all going to throw this question out to everyone, Lisa. Has anyone else felt the sort of calling as Lisa?
Second, answering for myself, I've had drawings toward various sacrifices. Usually the kind that cannot be seen by others. My own individual fasts don't involve food, however (except normal fasts of the Church), because I have dietary ((medical) restrictions and do well to even find things I CAN eat. I also have never liked to cook, so for me, cooking for my family has actually been one of the things I've been able to offer AS an act of love for God.
I like your idea of doing little things here and there. Skipping seconds, giving up a cup of coffee.... those are the very sorts of things one of the saintliest people I ever knew (now deceased) used to do.
This is interesting since I was just talking about this subject to Mother Prioress at the Carmelite Monastery. They fast from the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross until Easter. She stated they eat two very small simple meals and one main meal. They perpetually abstain from meat.
She stressed that as lay people living in the world, this is not a necessity and may even be a act against charity when we have families to share meals with. But there are many ways to share in the spirit of fasting as Lisa mentioned: for me personally, many times my fast is sleep due to my job or just plain insomnia, for others it could be no snacks in between meals, less TV or computer time, fasting from idle chatter and fostering a spirit of silence, making an effort to go to Mass or chapel during the week, etc. The Spirit will lead each one accordingly.
I can relate to the dietary restrictions as I have an allergy to corn (corn starch, syrup, baking powder) so it's sometimes hard to find things to eat as well. I can do ok while I'm home but going out to eat is no longer a pleasure for me that it once was. I have to stick to very simple food such as plain grilled chicken or steak and salad w/ just vinegar and oil or steamed veggies. I guess accepting the sacrifices imposed on us with patience and offering it up is a type of fast in itself. Sometimes, it doesn't feel as sacrificial as voluntarily imposing a sacrifice on yourself because it's something you have to do whether you grumble and complain or accept it meekly. I suppose both are pleasing to God if accepted or done out of love. That is the key I think...
Theresa, I never thought of it as an act against charity when we have families to share meals with. Mother Prioress is very wise. You're right.."The Spirit will lead each one accordingly." Sometimes, I wish I had more silent time so I could hear more clearly what He's trying to say!
A very beautiful post again and again. We know that there are others united in their living for God, but to be reminded, and for that to come first thing in my morning solace (after the children have gone to school) is such a warm feeling. I smile.
Lisa every lent I give up all alcohol and eat raw fruits and salads and veg for 40 days with one main meal. Great for the spirit, great for the extra winter stored fats, and great for making the eyes sparkle with God. :O) I also walked 6 miles a day with = 240 miles last lent, offered up in prayer for all. it only takes 1 1/2 hours per day of fast walking. you can even listen to the Mass being sung on your ipod. One to one time with Him x so blessed x
I like these ideas of sacrifices you all are sharing. Personally, I am so weak about hard sacrifices such as fasting especially in regards to food. I do simple and small things, like maybe waiting to eat or drink for 10 more minutes or giving the bigger or best something to another. Very childlike, I know. This must be why I am so drawn to St. Francis deSales spirituality in that he believes we do not need to be harsh with ourselves. I like to offer to God the Sacrifice of Praise. To stop and praise God for Jesus dying on the cross for our sins (for making the HUGE sacrifice for us). I think setting additional times during the day to stop and praise God is a Sacrifice - that stopping to pray when we are busy and need to put down what we are doing because the "bell" rang. I'd love to hear more ideas of fasting and sacrificing.
I find it is fairly easy for me to offer sacrifices. Oh, that sounds so pretentious! What I mean is, I live alone, so I can easily give up certain foods for an intention, or offer prayers for another intention. (Not that the doing of it is easy, but there are no external impediments - only my own weaknesses)
For me, the recreation comes harder: sharing myself with others, remaining charitable when it comes to being in the company of another person. Dearly loved friends are one thing, but the person sitting across the table from me during coffee break? Making the effort to attend a social gathering when I'm feeling grumpy and selfish and just want to be alone? Quite honestly, one of the reasons I discounted a religious vocation was the prospect of living in community! Oh Lord, save me from myself!
Tess, As an introvert, I can relate to the recreation being a sacrifice. There are days when my 3 girls try my patience so much I wonder if I missed my calling to be a hermitess. I also think I'd be ok in a cloistered community as long as there was strict silence so no one can intrude on my thoughts. Of course, these longings for silence and alone time are for my own personal pleasure and probably why I wasn't called to religious life. I'd probably enjoy it too much and grow spiritually soft. I have much more opportunity being "in the world" to grow in sanctity.
This is my first time in the parlor, and the last line from Tess truly strikes home with me today....and as I ponder it more deeply, might become a daily prayer for me. Lord - save my from MYSELF...PLEASE! Trying to see something through the grillwork of God's will is so very hard when you really want to see something else.
Hi, Connie! It's good to have you here! I love what you said about seeing through the grillwork being hard when you really want to see something else. O YEAH.
Lisa and Tess...I struggle with the tension too...wanting to go off a be a solitary and yet practicing charity with family, community, co-workers...and the list could go on. I am an introvert and find too much socialization very draining. I was pondering the *interior hermit* just last week at my blog post here under *Pondering*: http://desertofmyheart.blogspot.com/2012/09/catholic-womans-almanac_17.html
It is a sacrifice when our desire is to be alone with the Lord...but we are called to take what the Lord gives us in prayer out to others...even if in the silent way we live. I struggle too after many years of prayer...trust me! I struggle greatly even in my own Carmelite community in which I serve as President. I told my spiritual director that maybe the Lord is calling me to be a solitary...someday : )
Nancy, correct me if I am wrong, but you can still be a solitary and yet spend time with your family yes? ( I am talking when they are grown and out of the house) I remember reading Barbara Dent who was a Carmelite hermit and lived on the grounds of her daughter's land and saw her grandchildren.
Yes, I have found it possible to be a solitary while still spending time with my family. This might sound completely strange, but I've had a few experiences of feeling in "both worlds" at the same time. Adoring Our Lord in my inner heart... in my "cloister".. while at the same time interacting with my family. This has not happened a lot, but has on a few occasions. I, too, am a introvert (who sometimes looks to others like an extrovert), and the older I get the tougher it is for me to be comfortable in groups. I DEFINITELY know what you mean by finding too much socializing draining. A ONE TO ONE conversation with someone "on my spiritual wavelength" can be actually energizing to me, and we don't even have to be speaking of holy matters as such. But a gathering of more than a few people tends to make me uncomfortable. How does this work with my family? With extended family (in-laws, etc.), it has always been a challenge - as much as I genuinely love them. With my own family it has been easier, especially because I was younger than I am now when I was raising my children!
I know this is a long response... but I think a bottom line is that I believe I've been given grace for the vocations to which I've been called - and even for specific seasons of life. Now I am "older," and find I thrive under a combination of solitude and companionship, in turns.
I love getting a glimpse into how others fast - thank you, Theresa and Mags. A problem I personally run into is that since I can't do some of the food fasts others do, I FORGET to do OTHER kinds. It's something to work on, for me.
Tess, I have wondered how it must be in a religious community of women, all living together. I used to wonder how they could observe silence day after day (in cloistered communities where that is done)... but in recent years I've come to really see the wisdom of it. And your sentence about a social gathering has suddenly brought me to a deeper understanding of why they don't have mealtime conversation, for I can identify with the hurdle it can be to attend a social gathering when one just does not want to do so. Imagine having to "engage in pleasant breakfast, lunch and dinner chit chat" in a social-gathering situation day after day. Yes, what you said has FINALLY helped me see a GREAT benefit from silent monastic meals!!!
Nancy, I love your post on community recreation in the monastery. While silence is important, the unity and community is equally so. I have been reading the Plan of Life for a group of diocesan hermits that live not far from where I live. Their solitude and silence goes even a bit further than that of a monastery, but even they have a day of community and recreation. I couldn't agree more about conversation out here in the world. I find that my tolerance of idle conversation is decreasing by the day. Thank you for posting about and bringing this important part of monastery life to our monastic day.
The video on the nuns was just beautiful. My heart aches for a religious vocation for my children. Mainly my oldest. She is almost twelve, but an artist, and she has such a contemplative spirit. It's hard to nurture that without letting her be...well, her age. I think she is drawn to God more than the others because she is drawn to art, to beauty...hence that contemplative gaze. Fasting...I felt very, very called to fasting for close to a year. I found that my issues with my body image and food were helped in fasting. I remember one time in particular, when attending our monthly OCDS meeting, it was Profession Sunday...some making temporary promises and others their final promise (which always makes me cry...really). It's a hectic day because the family goes to Mass, then come home, eat, clean up, then I have to leave. So I basically don't eat until the community breaks for food and fellowship close to 3pm. I try to remember to eat something small for lunch (my formation class is at 1pm), but this particular day I didn't eat. So I ate at 9am or so, and then we had class, then the profession Mass at 2:45pm. Obviously not breaking the fast, we have food/reception afterwards. I can still remember the clarity of my thoughts, my heart, my soul. It was as if every word during the liturgy, the consecration, were crystal clear, because I had fasted. My soul was at this peace I cannot describe, and it was as if, for the first time, my complete attention, both body and soul, were on the Lord. And He on me. Now that I'm pregnant, I can't do that...but I can give up certain foods. Which I think I'm going to do. Anyway, I LOVE this parlor. So grateful for these wonderful people here.
Hi Nancy, Learning to listen to the "bell" of work and prayer has been a real learning experience for me. I believe with you that bad habits ,by grace can be broken. I'm grateful to have a Benedictine mentor who helps me along the way. Many blessings to you this week +
I was just reading how work...the work we do for love of God...takes on a new meaning...an eternal meaning. When it is done out of love and for the desire to fulfill the will of God, it is no longer for self-satisfaction, for profit, another chore just to *get it done*...it is work done in timelessness...in anticipation for the coming of our Lord.
Thanks for all your inspirational posts...so beautiful!
What a beautiful analogy ~ mothers and grandmothers answering the ring of the bells in the middle of the night, much as our dear sister friends answer the call to prayer.
ReplyDeleteSo many things to think about on our monastic journey. I have just started reading "A Right to Be Merry" ~ what a wonderful compliment to our walk! I love the writing style of Mother Mary Francis, a look into the history of the Poor Clares, and what draws each one of these women to the cloister; a life of contemplative prayer and poverty. While maintaining the very essence of who each of them are and those traits they each bring to the cloister. So good. While I know the cloister itself is not calling me, how I can better serve our Lord does. Yes, so much (goodness) to contemplate. Have a blessed day, friends.
Paula, you may know by now that I used one of the sentences in your comment to start off today's post!
DeleteIsn't Mother Mary Francis' writing style marvelous? I love the touches of humor... she just draws the reader right in.
Thanks so much, Paula, for helping start our "next monastic day!"
Back from my perfect pilgrimage where dear Sisters I walked the cloisters and stood behind grills contemplating the permanence of this for some. My prayers for All cloistered hearts were prayed in a little chapel below St Peters that literally looked over his tomb. It was so moving, an amazing week all round. Morning and evening prayer were said in a sacred place, and so too hourly prayers in front of every saint. A beautifully poignant Mass was offered up every single day from within the ruins of the first ever Christian basilica at Ostia, to the catacombs, to St Peters, St Augustines and St Sabina's. Prayer filled days breathed with a rhythm that only a monastic day could breathe. Long may it continue thanks be to God and the cloistered heart.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, and what a wonderful pilgrimage you've obviously had. Thank you for the prayers for all of us in such holy places; awe-inspiring. Breathtaking. Holy. Thanks be to God.
DeleteHow can we better serve Our Lord?~if we can keep that question at the forefront of our minds and hearts, then I think we are off to a good start in our striving for growth in holiness and our spiritual lives. I also believe it is a question Our Lord is very anxious to answer for each one of us since He knows better than we how we can best serve Him.
ReplyDeleteSo my prayer for all of us as we begin this new monastic day is that we will welcome the silence of the cloister where and when we can in our lives in the world so that we can hear Our Lord answer this question in each of our hearts.
"Go forth from this place of contemplation, and bear fruit that will last."
~from the Dialogues of St Catherine Siena
Karinann, you words have been on my heart and mind since I read them. Together with Nancy's writing on totality ~ yes, it's all being pulled together so clearly. You know those 'ah ha' moments, when a light bulb goes off?
DeleteKeeping the question of how to better serve our Lord in the forefront of all that we do, as well as letting our Lord answer that question as to how we can best serve Him. Total surrender and total openess, that is the message I am receiving at every turn.
Pray for me today, if you would, that I may surrender totally and embrace the silence of the cloister. As I will pray for each of you. In Jesus' name.
Paula, I am glad my words touched your heart. Nancy's writing about how we can best serve Our Lord really got me thinking and praying. I will keep you in my prayers. It is in the silence that He will tell us how we can best serve Him when we leave the silence.
DeleteGod bless.
Karinann, what a perfect prayer for all of us. Thank you. And I am touched by the quote from St. Catherine. I have a feeling THAT will be showing up on a post very soon :).... Thanks be to God!
ReplyDeleteI am rarely up this late (past 9 PM), but The Night of Many Bells explains it. I loved that message - oh how I remember those middle of the night bells. It's been awhile - my son is 18 and daughter (living home) aged 23. She broke her shoulder a month ago and I've had to drive/assist in other ways recently. My son had his 4 wisdom teeth out this morning. Doctor called tonight to check on him (isn't that wonderful?) and he recommended that I set the alarm in the middle of the night to keep him going on his pain medicine through the night. God is so good. Both my children have had prayers from many and both are doing well. (I wouldn't have thought to set the alarm) I feel like I have two little kids again.... and The Night of Many Bells has had me joyfully reminiscing of their "baby days" and how grateful to God I am for them. Serving our children IS serving the Lord. Doing that laundry, cooking those meals, and praying between and during our chores. Listening for that bell tonight will bring a smile (because of your post, Nancy, to remind us tbat our duties of home are living the Will of God. So, I happily stay awake until 10 PM and will be up again at 2:00 AM. Keeping you all in prayer.
ReplyDeleteMary, I pray as I write this that your son will do well and that your daughter will continue healing. You obviously feel privileged to care for them... what a grace, for you and for them! May you rest well between the bells :).
DeleteGod is so good, putting people and postings in our path when we need them most! That's all I could think as I read "Lord, Open My Lips" as it mirrored my own thoughts early this morning. Especially the notion of a morning 'IV' prayer time! Yes!
ReplyDeleteYesterday as the day went on I became increasingly unfocused and really felt the need for quiet prayer time (in addition to the time I had been able to spend in the morning). Yet the more I tried, the more apparent it became that it was not going to happen. Without being overly dramatic (me?!?) I felt like it was something other than the Spirit that was placing these obstacles in front of me, pulling me away.
Facing a handful challenges that are outside of my control, I know that right now, more than ever before, my prayer time is sacred time. I know I need to pull myself into the quiet of the cloister as often as I am able.
When I woke up this morning feeling rushed, knowing I was little behind schedule, I was very tempted to skip prayers and the routine I'm working hard to establish. After a brief hesitation, my 'self talk' was no, you NEED to do this today, before the day runs away and takes on a life of it's own. So I stopped and I sat in my morning prayer chair. I opened my Bible to today's readings and prayed. That first morning 'IV' of prayer, if you will. More important than that first cup of coffee (!), the open IV to the continual flow of God's goodness and direction in my life for the day. As the day goes on I am praying that I am able to hear the bells and obey, pushing away the outside forces that may try to interfer.
Paula, as I go through this busy day, I will be praying for you and all the rest of us to continue to be open to the continual flow of God's grace in our lives. It is a help knowing we're all "trying together"... that there are others coming back and back and back to their "choir stalls" throughout the day. Thank you. God be praised!
ReplyDeleteAn iv of prayer - that's a perfect analogy! I have noticed how important it is to set my heart toward God early each day, and preferably before I get into anything else (turning on the computer first is a sure temptation to become sidetracked). I know this about myself, and still there are too many times when I let the day get away from me. I've also come to realize that it is the depth of prayer, not the length of prayer that matters.
ReplyDeleteSpending time with you all during these monastic days, reading your comments and getting to know some of you has been a comfort and an inspiration. To know that you are "out there" in the world encourages me to keep striving to have a cloistered heart.
I am echoing all of you. To know that we are ALL "out here" striving together encourages me to KEEP ON. May God be praised!
ReplyDeleteNancy,
DeleteHow true..If I promise the Lord that I am going to give Him a block of time devoted to Him in prayer this morning and I don't do it in a timely manner everything starts to happen...mainly the phone starts ringing and that call reminds me of something else that needs to be done and then to the computer to check messages which leads me to running out the door for a quick trip somewhere and on and on, and before I know it God has fallen down the list of priorities much to my embarrassment. I feel so badly as I have chosen all of these other things over God, and I have broken my promise to Him. I must try to do better and discipline myself to put God first in all things. I will attempt to do this...
I love the idea of the vein being kept opened and maintained and ready so that I am prepared at all times to receive the word, the healing, the grace that my Lord will need to administer to me at any given moment. Thank you, Nancy for this image..I will start my day now with my IV which allows the transfusion of God's life-giving nourishment. God Bless you..
Nancy, I'm another one who needs a daily IV connecting me to God.
ReplyDeleteWithout it my soul becomes anemic pretty fast!
I remember when my youngest son was born, how my veins were in danger of collapsing and the panic that set in with the nurses.
I actually was not aware I was in such danger.
If I'm not careful and vigilant with prayer I place my soul in the same position.
It will think it's doing okay, while all the time LIFE is draining from it!
Trish, what a strong analogy. We can so easily miss the fact that we are in danger by placing our souls in that position.... thank you so much for sharing this experience.
ReplyDeleteJoy, I will attempt the discipline, too, of asking God to open that vein. I know I just said this above - but goodness, I feel so blessed that we are all working toward this TOGETHER!! And there are those who are reading along with us and not commenting (I know commenting does not appeal to everyone and that's just fine... it's especially tough when we have to prove we're not robots by reading "words" that aren't!!!). So there are a number of us all here together, all striving to be in our "choirs stalls" to sing His praise. I pray that we will all start tomorrow with open veins!
Nancy, I'm glad the Lord's mercies are new every day and He doesn't keep count of all the times I did, "one more thing" before I went to prayer,covered with rationalizations. I love the IV analogy too, because I know the difference when I've had treatment and when I skipped out.. I just keep trusting,trying, and loving the Lord. +
ReplyDeleteThis past week (being so "out of sorts" of my usual routine), I have been doing a LOT of prayer BEFORE even getting out of bed (that is not usual for me)because I am blessed to go from bed to my prayer room in my PJ's for an hour before anyone else is up. BEFORE getting out of bed sure is a good time to ask the Lord for that IV (imagine asking for an IV of the worldly sort?)- But to say, Open that vein, Lord. This is a great idea. The time change is coming (and is getting pretty cold at night here in the Berkshires) - also why I've been sleeping 30-40 minutes later than usual (putting me behind) because I don't have those bells to wake me. Well, except the middle of the night ones lately, (and Nancy, thank you for your prayers - both children doing well - no 2 AM bells tonight). Something to those bells - keeping us on track - and something to speaking to the Lord upon waking before getting out of bed. For some, it might be the only time of quiet - that first moment upon waking, given to the Lord - how that must console Him.
DeleteBeautiful x As my youngest of 5 children begins school so too the bells that call me, call under a different rhythm. I find myself retiring or tiring earlier in the evenings as the night draws in, and waking in the depth of the night for precious time- which actually appears to be a hang-over from my many years breast feeding. That precious silent sharing time together in triune, my baby, me and Him. In the sacred silence together. Held. This makes for a sleepy 6.30 rise, school run, Mass and then I am trying (not always possible) to split my days into 3 sessions. It starts off with great clarity, exercise usually walking, recently swimming and there gym on the horizon :O/ . My theory is healthy mind, healthy spirit. I once heard that fruit for breakfast is golden. So the delicious homemade fattening bread and fresh butter have gone and golden is my breakfast, water be life giving all day long. A little reading study and my writing and contemplation is of vital source to me personally, and then theres the school and supper bell. Just as soon as we are familiar with one set of daily bells ringing another set replaces them. My spiritual director at the time I was with her said we must look at the blessings God gives us today and in them is our Grace to behold. Beheld x
ReplyDeleteJust as we're familiar with one set of bells another set replaces them. This is really "ringing" in me (you're encouraged NOT to dignify that with a laugh). Isn't it so true, and it's one way in which our lives in the world differ from those of people who live behind monastery walls. Thanks, Mags, for sharing the rhythm of your bells.
ReplyDeleteNancy..oh how much I enjoyed watching and listening to the Monks ringing the bells. They were putting every ounce of muscle and every bit of strength they had into pulling the ropes. I had to wonder how loud that must have been for them being right there so close. Then I thought about the importance of the bells for them to put everything they had into ringing them. Our bells are important also...whether it is calling us to some duty or ringing out praise and glory to God. How lovely it must be for those living in the surrounding area to hear the beautiful chime of the bells and give thanksgiving, if I could only have that attitude for the bells in my life. There is so much to be thankful for..that I have ears to hear the bells, that I have the strength and ability to rise to their call and that I have someone somewhere who is depending on me to hear and answer the call of the bells..so much to be grateful for. Thank you for sharing this video.. God Bless..
ReplyDeleteColleen, thank YOU!
ReplyDeleteJoy, the bells must have been deafening in person (I find them loud on my computer!). I just remembered that I once took a brief turn ringing a monastery tower bell, when I was in a cloister as a retreatant. This was some years ago, and there was a special reason churches were asked to all ring their bells at a particular hour. The 2 retreatants at the time were allowed to take a turn (along with the nuns doing so) if we wanted. I wanted. But I could NOT get into the "rhythm" of the ringing and after about two "pitiful peals" (that were very out of synch), I turned the rope over to a more competent ringer. I remember it being much harder than I'd expected!
ReplyDeleteI'm a new reader here. I found this wonderful sight after reading A Right to Be Merry and I Have Called You Friends by Mother Mary Francis. I was looking for information on cloistered life. I am a Catholic wife and stay-at-home mom of 3 girls (12, 10 and 3). I've recently been drawn to add some of the aspects of the cloistered life to my own life. I've been working on praying the Liturgy of the Hours and adding some time for spiritual reading to my day. I also tried to order my day (based on my family's needs) into a loose Rule of Life. I had to look at my day to see where I could fit in the Hours and I set the times that I would be able to pray.
ReplyDeleteI also had to admonish myself a little to remember that my vocation is a wife/mom first and not a contemplative sister. I know myself and I could see that by trying to add the Hours to my day, I could easily get frustrated if it was "time to pray" and my 3 yr old had other plans like needing my help getting a drink or going to the potty. I look at it like this-if it's 9:00 and I want to pray the mid-morning prayer and as soon as I sit down my daughter needs me for something, then it's God's will that I not pray at that time or stop praying when half finished or whatever. I may want/need that time because I crave the peace and rest or I desire to worship God. However, God may want my obedience to my vocation as a wife and mom right now over my prayer. I figure that if I'm able to pray certain hours of the day, then that's what God wants. If my family needs me for something else at that time, then that's what I'm supposed to be doing. I don't try to make up for it or squeeze it in later. I just move on and try again at the next scheduled prayer time. I have found doing it this way has removed a lot of frustration and temptation to get testy with my family if I'm interrupted. I try to see the interruption as God's call instead.
I love the sound of church bells and was looking for a timer or clock that had nice church bell sounds for the alarm but I wasn't able to find it. I thought it would be a nice way to set the alarm for the times I set for praying the hours.
Lisa
Lisa, what a beautiful way of life you lead. To put your family's needs over prayer is so very much in line with what God wants of those to whom He's given the holy vocation of motherhood. I know this from Church teachings (there are so many writings of the saints on this very thing), but I know it also from my own experiences AND STRUGGLES over the years. My children are now grown, and I can clearly recall several VERY specific instances when God let me know that to serve them WAS my prayer. Frankly, it wasn't always easy and it wasn't always the road I wanted to take. But it was my "vocational road." On one particular day, I was interrupted (for the many-eth time) to re-tie the shoelace of my then-four-year-old son. I can still see myself in that moment, kneeling on the bathroom floor, tying a shoelace while my little boy looked down at me. I immediately had a flash, that day, of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. Words of scripture came into my mind, about what I was doing for this little one being done for Jesus Himself.
DeleteWhat a blessing to see the interruptions as God's calls to you. But again: I KNOW IT CAN BE REALLY HARD TO DO SO THIS!! Sometimes our bells have "sounds" we don't think of as very "monastic".... huh?!? :)
I'm so glad you're here, Lisa. Your children are very blessed to have such a prayerful mother.
What a beautiful reflection over at the CH! I love your perspective Lisa. In Bl. Columba Marmion's book, *Christ~The Idea of the Monk*, he mentions the importance of immediately responding to God's will which will manifest differently for each soul. He talks about the fault of having the attitude of, *in a minute...I just have to finish this one thing I am doing*. How often I have said that!! It really is a mortification to stop something we are engaged in to follow where God is calling us.
DeleteThanks for the book review mention : )
Theresa, thanks for such a perfect quote from Blessed Columba Marmion. Oh my goodness - that pinpoints my own snag to the proverbial "T." I do that over and over.. just try to finish that one thing. I had never thought of dropping that one thing (when possible, of course) as a mortification. A new perspective for me. Thank you.
DeleteI can hardly wait for the book to arrive!
Nancy, I'm humbled that you thought what I mentioned yesterday as worthy of consideration in your post. As I said yesterday, I had to admonish myself to not be so rigid about adding the Liturgy of the Hours to my day that I get testy with my family if I can't pray one of the hours. Doing God's Will at those times is a great struggle for me and knowing myself, I could see that if I focused on what I want at that moment, I could get to the point of pushing my family's needs aside so I could do what I want. (Even if what I want is a good thing such as prayer.) I understand this perspective in my head and when I put it into practice, there is actually more peace and joy after I made that decision to surrender my will for His, even though I didn't get what I want. I do fail at this and when I do, I feel anger, frustration and stress. When I recognize these feelings, then they are my
Deletewake up call that I'm being self-focused which never brings peace. In trying to cling to my prayer time so I can get some peace for myself, I end up getting just the opposite if it's not God's will at that time.
Theresa, I will have to get Christ-The Idea of the Monk. I definitely have the "in a minute" fault even though I'm trying to see the interruptions as God's call. I may stop my prayer to tend to a need, but lots of times I do try to finish the psalm or reading that I am on when the interruption happens. I'll have to give more thought to the "in a minute" fault.
This perspective of answering God's call at the moment is helping to make it easier but it's still a daily struggle. Thank you for the review of Praying the Scriptures for a Change (and thank you Nancy for mentioning it)...I ordered it. Lectio will be a definite challenge in this season of my life but I'm curious about this type of prayer.
Lisa
Lisa...I did a typo...it's *Ideal of the Monk*. I believe it's out of print but you can still get used copies. Mine was from the library. It is a series of conferences he wrote for his monks {Benedictine} but can be applicable to those of us in the world.
DeleteTheresa, Thanks for the update. I found a copy on amazon for only $13.50. I'm really looking forward to reading and learning from these two new books today.
ReplyDeleteLisa
So glad you got a copy! The first part deals mostly with the entrance and profession of the monk but about a third of the way through, he really delves into spiritual matters. His later chapters regarding the beauty and significance of praying the Office are some of the most lofty I have ever read. Thomas Merton also wrote extensively about praying the Office and they are really profound writings!
DeleteNancy ...on reading your post "Around the Corner"..I think you have summed up our definition of prayer very nicely....while we might attempt to model our prayer lives after some great saint or the wonderful sisters in the Monastery, we are all individually unique and different in so many ways...our life styles, our responsibilities, our spiritual needs, etc...but we all come together in union for one reason and that is to love, worship and draw nearer to our God. There is a solidarity in our purpose here in the Cloistered Heart and from that we draw strength and power from each heart. I have treasured sharing the experiences of these wonderful souls..their struggles..their passion and am blessed by each and every one. I think back to the time that you said that we were all like a wonderful, beautiful bouquet of flowers of all varieties.. how our God must delight in this offering that we make to Him, warts and all...He sees nothing but our beauty and the intent of our hearts and is very pleased.. I am honored to be in the presence of so many beautiful, Godly people
ReplyDeleteThank you again, Nancy, for sharing this labor of love and the gifts that God has blessed you with. May God bless us all... Have a beautiful day.
Ditto, that Joy! You all are also so articulate in your writing. Thank you for putting to words my thoughts too. I just love how God works in how He brings souls together. Praise God!
DeleteI, too, feel so privileged to be in the presence of such beautiful, Godly people. God be praised!
ReplyDeleteNancy, This is a little off topic from the last post but sort of relates because it's about dinner time. When reading A Right to be Merry, I was struck by the sister's simple and sparse diet. (No meat, only one meal and what seems like to me two snacks-the lenten fast) I realize this has to do with their vow of poverty. Aside from being called to the prayer and contemplation of the cloistered life while still living in the world , have you ever felt called to adopt some aspects of their lenten fast as an act of love towards God as well?
ReplyDeleteThis is something that I've been pondering lately but with three kids and a husband who like to eat, it would be very hard to pull off. It's one thing when everyone around you is on the same page and quite another when you have to cook for the family. I'm leaning towards maybe doing something a little more than giving up meat on Fridays (like fasting between meals) or maybe just doing little things here and there if I feel called like giving up that morning cup of coffee or skipping seconds when you really want to eat more.
I look forward to your thoughts on this.
Lisa
I am first of all going to throw this question out to everyone, Lisa. Has anyone else felt the sort of calling as Lisa?
ReplyDeleteSecond, answering for myself, I've had drawings toward various sacrifices. Usually the kind that cannot be seen by others. My own individual fasts don't involve food, however (except normal fasts of the Church), because I have dietary ((medical) restrictions and do well to even find things I CAN eat. I also have never liked to cook, so for me, cooking for my family has actually been one of the things I've been able to offer AS an act of love for God.
I like your idea of doing little things here and there. Skipping seconds, giving up a cup of coffee.... those are the very sorts of things one of the saintliest people I ever knew (now deceased) used to do.
This is interesting since I was just talking about this subject to Mother Prioress at the Carmelite Monastery. They fast from the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross until Easter. She stated they eat two very small simple meals and one main meal. They perpetually abstain from meat.
DeleteShe stressed that as lay people living in the world, this is not a necessity and may even be a act against charity when we have families to share meals with. But there are many ways to share in the spirit of fasting as Lisa mentioned: for me personally, many times my fast is sleep due to my job or just plain insomnia, for others it could be no snacks in between meals, less TV or computer time, fasting from idle chatter and fostering a spirit of silence, making an effort to go to Mass or chapel during the week, etc. The Spirit will lead each one accordingly.
Nancy,
DeleteI can relate to the dietary restrictions as I have an allergy to corn (corn starch, syrup, baking powder) so it's sometimes hard to find things to eat as well. I can do ok while I'm home but going out to eat is no longer a pleasure for me that it once was. I have to stick to very simple food such as plain grilled chicken or steak and salad w/ just vinegar and oil or steamed veggies. I guess accepting the sacrifices imposed on us with patience and offering it up is a type of fast in itself. Sometimes, it doesn't feel as sacrificial as voluntarily imposing a sacrifice on yourself because it's something you have to do whether you grumble and complain or accept it meekly. I suppose both are pleasing to God if accepted or done out of love. That is the key I think...
Theresa, I never thought of it as an act against charity when we have families to share meals with. Mother Prioress is very wise. You're right.."The Spirit will lead each one accordingly." Sometimes, I wish I had more silent time so I could hear more clearly what He's trying to say!
A very beautiful post again and again. We know that there are others united in their living for God, but to be reminded, and for that to come first thing in my morning solace (after the children have gone to school) is such a warm feeling. I smile.
ReplyDeleteLisa every lent I give up all alcohol and eat raw fruits and salads and veg for 40 days with one main meal. Great for the spirit, great for the extra winter stored fats, and great for making the eyes sparkle with God. :O) I also walked 6 miles a day with = 240 miles last lent, offered up in prayer for all. it only takes 1 1/2 hours per day of fast walking. you can even listen to the Mass being sung on your ipod. One to one time with Him x so blessed x
magsmuse,
DeleteYour lenten fast & sacrificial waling sounds so good and cleansing for body and soul.
Lisa
Tee Hee Sacrificial Waling, wailing with laughter is good xxx
DeleteI like these ideas of sacrifices you all are sharing. Personally, I am so weak about hard sacrifices such as fasting especially in regards to food. I do simple and small things, like maybe waiting to eat or drink for 10 more minutes or giving the bigger or best something to another. Very childlike, I know. This must be why I am so drawn to St. Francis deSales spirituality in that he believes we do not need to be harsh with ourselves. I like to offer to God the Sacrifice of Praise. To stop and praise God for Jesus dying on the cross for our sins (for making the HUGE sacrifice for us). I think setting additional times during the day to stop and praise God is a Sacrifice - that stopping to pray when we are busy and need to put down what we are doing because the "bell" rang. I'd love to hear more ideas of fasting and sacrificing.
ReplyDeleteI find it is fairly easy for me to offer sacrifices. Oh, that sounds so pretentious! What I mean is, I live alone, so I can easily give up certain foods for an intention, or offer prayers for another intention. (Not that the doing of it is easy, but there are no external impediments - only my own weaknesses)
ReplyDeleteFor me, the recreation comes harder: sharing myself with others, remaining charitable when it comes to being in the company of another person. Dearly loved friends are one thing, but the person sitting across the table from me during coffee break? Making the effort to attend a social gathering when I'm feeling grumpy and selfish and just want to be alone? Quite honestly, one of the reasons I discounted a religious vocation was the prospect of living in community!
Oh Lord, save me from myself!
Tess, As an introvert, I can relate to the recreation being a sacrifice. There are days when my 3 girls try my patience so much I wonder if I missed my calling to be a hermitess. I also think I'd be ok in a cloistered community as long as there was strict silence so no one can intrude on my thoughts. Of course, these longings for silence and alone time are for my own personal pleasure and probably why I wasn't called to religious life. I'd probably enjoy it too much and grow spiritually soft. I have much more opportunity being "in the world" to grow in sanctity.
DeleteThis is my first time in the parlor, and the last line from Tess truly strikes home with me today....and as I ponder it more deeply, might become a daily prayer for me. Lord - save my from MYSELF...PLEASE! Trying to see something through the grillwork of God's will is so very hard when you really want to see something else.
DeleteHi, Connie! It's good to have you here! I love what you said about seeing through the grillwork being hard when you really want to see something else. O YEAH.
DeleteLisa and Tess...I struggle with the tension too...wanting to go off a be a solitary and yet practicing charity with family, community, co-workers...and the list could go on. I am an introvert and find too much socialization very draining. I was pondering the *interior hermit* just last week at my blog post here under *Pondering*: http://desertofmyheart.blogspot.com/2012/09/catholic-womans-almanac_17.html
DeleteIt is a sacrifice when our desire is to be alone with the Lord...but we are called to take what the Lord gives us in prayer out to others...even if in the silent way we live. I struggle too after many years of prayer...trust me! I struggle greatly even in my own Carmelite community in which I serve as President. I told my spiritual director that maybe the Lord is calling me to be a solitary...someday : )
Nancy, correct me if I am wrong, but you can still be a solitary and yet spend time with your family yes? ( I am talking when they are grown and out of the house) I remember reading Barbara Dent who was a Carmelite hermit and lived on the grounds of her daughter's land and saw her grandchildren.
Yes, I have found it possible to be a solitary while still spending time with my family. This might sound completely strange, but I've had a few experiences of feeling in "both worlds" at the same time. Adoring Our Lord in my inner heart... in my "cloister".. while at the same time interacting with my family. This has not happened a lot, but has on a few occasions. I, too, am a introvert (who sometimes looks to others like an extrovert), and the older I get the tougher it is for me to be comfortable in groups. I DEFINITELY know what you mean by finding too much socializing draining. A ONE TO ONE conversation with someone "on my spiritual wavelength" can be actually energizing to me, and we don't even have to be speaking of holy matters as such. But a gathering of more than a few people tends to make me uncomfortable. How does this work with my family? With extended family (in-laws, etc.), it has always been a challenge - as much as I genuinely love them. With my own family it has been easier, especially because I was younger than I am now when I was raising my children!
DeleteI know this is a long response... but I think a bottom line is that I believe I've been given grace for the vocations to which I've been called - and even for specific seasons of life. Now I am "older," and find I thrive under a combination of solitude and companionship, in turns.
I love getting a glimpse into how others fast - thank you, Theresa and Mags. A problem I personally run into is that since I can't do some of the food fasts others do, I FORGET to do OTHER kinds. It's something to work on, for me.
ReplyDeleteTess, I have wondered how it must be in a religious community of women, all living together. I used to wonder how they could observe silence day after day (in cloistered communities where that is done)... but in recent years I've come to really see the wisdom of it. And your sentence about a social gathering has suddenly brought me to a deeper understanding of why they don't have mealtime conversation, for I can identify with the hurdle it can be to attend a social gathering when one just does not want to do so. Imagine having to "engage in pleasant breakfast, lunch and dinner chit chat" in a social-gathering situation day after day. Yes, what you said has FINALLY helped me see a GREAT benefit from silent monastic meals!!!
Amen! I never thought of it that way before Nancy, but you are absolutely right. There is wisdom behind that silence!
ReplyDeleteNancy,
ReplyDeleteI love your post on community recreation in the monastery. While silence is important, the unity and community is equally so. I have been reading the Plan of Life for a group of diocesan hermits that live not far from where I live. Their solitude and silence goes even a bit further than that of a monastery, but even they have a day of community and recreation.
I couldn't agree more about conversation out here in the world. I find that my tolerance of idle conversation is decreasing by the day.
Thank you for posting about and bringing this important part of monastery life to our monastic day.
Thank you, Karinann! The diocesan hermits certainly sound intriguing...
DeleteWow, powerful video on "EWTN" Sisters! How assuring that they are "just as busy" adoring our Lord and praying for us. What a message for the world.
ReplyDeleteThe video on the nuns was just beautiful. My heart aches for a religious vocation for my children. Mainly my oldest. She is almost twelve, but an artist, and she has such a contemplative spirit. It's hard to nurture that without letting her be...well, her age. I think she is drawn to God more than the others because she is drawn to art, to beauty...hence that contemplative gaze. Fasting...I felt very, very called to fasting for close to a year. I found that my issues with my body image and food were helped in fasting. I remember one time in particular, when attending our monthly OCDS meeting, it was Profession Sunday...some making temporary promises and others their final promise (which always makes me cry...really). It's a hectic day because the family goes to Mass, then come home, eat, clean up, then I have to leave. So I basically don't eat until the community breaks for food and fellowship close to 3pm. I try to remember to eat something small for lunch (my formation class is at 1pm), but this particular day I didn't eat. So I ate at 9am or so, and then we had class, then the profession Mass at 2:45pm. Obviously not breaking the fast, we have food/reception afterwards. I can still remember the clarity of my thoughts, my heart, my soul. It was as if every word during the liturgy, the consecration, were crystal clear, because I had fasted. My soul was at this peace I cannot describe, and it was as if, for the first time, my complete attention, both body and soul, were on the Lord. And He on me. Now that I'm pregnant, I can't do that...but I can give up certain foods. Which I think I'm going to do. Anyway, I LOVE this parlor. So grateful for these wonderful people here.
ReplyDeleteMary and Jen, I was so glad to find this video and be able to share it. Jen, what you said about your daughter makes me think of myself at 12!
ReplyDeleteI, too, am so grateful for these wonderful people here. I thank our good God!!!!
Hi Nancy, Learning to listen to the "bell" of work and prayer has been a real learning experience for me. I believe with you that bad habits ,by grace can be broken. I'm grateful to have a Benedictine mentor who helps me along the way. Many blessings to you this week +
ReplyDeleteThank you, Caroline. How blessed you are to have a good mentor! Many blessings to you also :)....
DeleteLove that Mystic Monk coffee!
ReplyDeleteI was just reading how work...the work we do for love of God...takes on a new meaning...an eternal meaning. When it is done out of love and for the desire to fulfill the will of God, it is no longer for self-satisfaction, for profit, another chore just to *get it done*...it is work done in timelessness...in anticipation for the coming of our Lord.
Thanks for all your inspirational posts...so beautiful!
Thanks so much, Theresa. I love the thought of work done in timelessness, in anticipation for the coming of Our Lord!
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