DAILY MEDITATIONS
Monday, October 13, 2008
Since so much of the news coverage is centered on the presidential elections, it is tempting to think that if we just get the right people in office, all will be well. Not true. As citizens of this country, we believe that ordinary women and men have a vital role in determining the values, priorities and governance of our country and local communities. One opportunity to exercise grass roots democracy is by attending the “Building our Common Future–Faith and Democracy,” a public meeting on Tuesday, October 14, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Cloud from 7-9 p.m. Democracy is not about them (our leaders), but about us, people who are willing to be informed, involved and committed to building healthy, vibrant, just communities. Show up, be counted and be a part of democracy on October 14.
Eunice Antony, OSB
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Artists do not necessarily have the edge on the rest of us in questions of seeing, hearing and worshipping, although they seem more attentive and focused than most of us. Noticing what is, seeing beneath the surface, hearing what is behind and within words, is a matter of attentiveness, mindfulness; prayerful acknowledgement of the God who inhabits our world. And all of us can do that. Our world includes innumerable possibilities, from the small bug to a piece of bread or a suffering mother and child. It’s clearly a matter of being--that momentary manifestation of God-among-us. Can we do that? Yes, but it is difficult, especially when that manifestation must squeeze through mud, blood and the mystery of God’s never-changing and loving presence. May God’s peace disturb us like the grain of sand that makes the oyster pearl. Who would have guessed the possibilities resting in a miniscule grain of sand?
Reneé Domeier, OSB
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
What, really, is prayer? Can just anybody pray, or do we have to be close to God first? The short answer is that prayer is conversation with God and everybody can do it. Even though we may not feel close to God, faith tells us that God is always close to us, always ready to listen and respond. Many of us may have grown up thinking of prayer as certain words that we memorized and then repeated at the right times: before meals, at bedtime or in church on Sunday. Memorized prayers teach us some good ways of praying. But God wants to be invited into all our activities and every part of our day. God wants our spontaneous prayers as well as our memorized prayers. Just like conversation with a good friend, the words we use aren’t as important as the willingness to share our lives with another. There’s one way of learning to pray, and that’s by just doing it. The Holy Spirit is our teacher.
Delores Dufner, OSB
Thursday, October 16, 2008
At this time of year, nature pulls in on itself. Sap in trees becomes a concentrate and goes into the roots; animals fatten up and prepare to hibernate; birds fly back home after spending the summer with us. Nature seems to slow down. So, too, in our lives there comes a season when we turn in on ourselves, are less available to others and prefer to slow down too. By slowing down, we can tend to our interior lives and strengthen our connection to the world beyond, to the ultimate good. If, as the days get shorter and the nights get longer, you find yourself more reflective these fall days, you are right in tune with the rest of nature.
Mariterese Woida, OSB
Friday, October 17, 2008
Jesus said: “Come to me all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” There is probably no one in this world who has not had a problem or felt that their burden was too heavy. Relational problems, economic worries, illness, unexpected deaths in the family--these and so many other things insert themselves into the comfort of our everyday lives and often rock us to the core. Turn to God daily when you are bothered by even less traumatic things. Talk to God as you would to your best friend and pour out all of your thoughts and needs before God. Jesus promised that He would give you rest in your weariness--rest from your burdens--and He keeps His promises always. God is with you every moment of your life, waiting, listening and loving. Don’t forget to connect with your Creator who awaits your words.
Roberta Werner, OSB