DAILY MEDITATIONS
November 16-20, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Today we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the martyrdom of six Jesuit priests, along with a Salvadoran woman, their housekeeper, and her 16 year-old daughter. On November 16, 1989, armed men burst into the Jesuit residence at the University of Central America in San Salvador and brutally killed all of them. The Jesuit priests had been speaking up against the injustices and oppression of the poor people of the country; the women just happened to be there. We are grateful for those who speak and live their convictions boldly in spite of danger. We regret that the innocent must suffer with them. Let us be grateful to all who speak up for human rights and risk their lives as peace keepers. We commend all who are participating in the World March for Peace and Non-violence. Today let us pray that all people may respect one another and live together in peace.
Bernadette Weber, OSB
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Living in a foreign country for an extended period of time gives Americans insight into what it means to have freedom of speech, of religion, of media, the right to vote. Many in the world do not have anything close to these freedoms. For others that do have some freedom, it has been hard won and is precious. We witnessed this with the people of South Africa as they walked for days to reach the polls when, after the breakdown of apartheid, they were finally able to vote. Many think that freedom is the same as doing what one wants to do and when. True freedom opens us to a responsibility to help assure that our neighbors have what makes for a full human life. Let us not take for granted our “government of the people, by the people and for the people” and in gratitude do what we can to promote true freedom for others.
Josue Behnen, OSB
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
November is a month of giving thanks for the many blessings in our life. We often remember this most vividly in annual Thanksgiving celebrations with family and friends. Genuine heart-felt gratitude is an ever present way for all of us to connect with the most important people in our lives. This unique connection bathed in appreciation for our deepest relationships gives life meaning in the best and worst of times. This Thanksgiving, celebrate by sharing with the people you love how much you appreciate them and what a difference they have made in your life.
Ruth Stanley, OSB
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Late in fall, the feast of Saint Cecilia, an early martyr of the Church, arrives on the Church calendar. Cecilia was chosen as the patron saint of musicians not because she was a musician herself but because of a tradition that says, while instruments were playing “worldly” music at her arranged wedding, Cecilia sang to God in her heart. She had made a vow of virginity; marriage was not the life she desired or chose. Somehow, Cecilia could sing to God in her heart. Just so, music is able to inspire and comfort others in difficult times. Let us be grateful for music in our lives and for those gifted people who compose and perform. Let us be grateful for song leaders and choirs and instruments that help us respond to God’s love in our hearts and with our voice.
Owen Lindblad, OSB
Friday, November 20, 2009
A precious gift in our lives is music—the ordering of sounds into a harmonious whole. Children recognize the gift. They easily break into song, often using a pot or pan to enhance their song with a “drum.” The psalmist (God’s musician) also knew the beauty and value of music. So many psalms invite us to sing or play instruments. “I will make music for my God as long as I live” (Ps 104). “Sing praise to our God with the harp” (Psalm 98). “In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises my God” (Ps 138). If Jesus meant it when he said we have to become like children to enter heaven, we need to examine our regard for music. Do you have a favorite tune or composition? Do you play an instrument? How often do you find yourself humming or singing a song? Next week we celebrate the feast of St. Cecelia, the patroness of music, and our annual Thanksgiving Day. Include music in your festivities.
Dolores Super, OSB