DAILY MEDITATIONS

November 2-6, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Mr. Allison asked his Wednesday night religion class the question: “Who is your favorite saint?” The high school students sat mum. Finally, Travis dared to say, “St. Anthony; he always helps me find things.”   A few giggled and someone said, “Boy, you do need all the help you can get!” Other favorite saints named included St. Francis of Assisi and the Little Flower of Jesus. The students really perked up when Mr. Allison mentioned that his favorite saints were three family members. He was sure that his baby brother who died in a car accident at the age of two was in heaven. He also was sure that his parents -- the best people in the world – were among those celebrated on the Feast of All Saints. Who are your favorite saints, traditional as well as more personal, that you will be remembering this month of November dedicated to the saints, living and dead?
Lois Wedl, OSB

Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Election Day is a good time to thank those willing to be public servants. Yes, it’s great to live in a “free country.” It’s great to have the freedom to vote, to have a say about public policies, rights, privileges and responsibilities. But what if no one were willing to run for public office? As we read the criticisms of our office holders, how can we not wonder why anyone volunteers for such a thankless job? To hold the political and economic welfare of the public in one’s hands is a weighty burden. To read or listen to the critics after making difficult decisions based on one’s best knowledge and reflection has to be disheartening. Those who merely sit on the sidelines and compare the votes cast with their own viewpoints have it easy. They can never know the soul-searching that goes into the lawmakers’ final vote. Let us spend a moment in prayer today for our elected officials—local, state and national.
Sheila Rausch, OSB

Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The pumpkins, potatoes and apples are in the cellar and we rejoice that harvest is complete. Autumn, the season of fruition, is coming to a close. Autumn is a pensive time. We see the analogy of seasons of life and seasons of the year. We are aware that “autumn-folk” are in abundance in our nation. These are the farmers, lawyers, nurses, teachers, mothers, fathers, and all who have come to the time of gathering in. This is a time of freedom, wisdom and deepening growth. Freedom, because one no longer needs to punch a time-clock or get the children on the bus; wisdom, because experience and the insight of years has made elders; deepening growth, because there is time to remember and reflect. May all autumn folks who hear this message, enjoy the freedom to do something you’ve always dreamed of, have the energy to share your talents, the courage to express your wisdom, and the time to recall all God has done for you.
Rita Kunkel, OSB

Thursday, November 5, 2009
A little boy answered the phone with a whispered, “Hello.” A man said, “Is your daddy home?” “Yes, but you can’t talk to him.” The caller asked if his mother was there and the boy answered, “Yes, but you can’t talk with her either.” The man thought there may be a babysitter there and asked if there was someone else there. The little boy whispered, “Yes, a policeman and a fireman.” The caller asked if he could talk with one of them and the boy said, “No.” The caller then heard a strange noise and asked, “What is that making that noise?” The little boy said, “The helo-copper just came. It brought people who are searching the house.” The man asked, “Who are they looking for?” And the little boy whispered, “They’re looking for me!” Do we play games with God? Do we make it difficult for God to find us?
Miriam Ardolf, OSB

Friday, November 6, 2009
Autumn is third in a cycle of four seasons and seems to be symbolic of aging in life. Sometimes we call it fall, but the words autumn and fall paint two different mental pictures. Autumn sets the thermostat at warm-cool and the plant world splashes a riot of color over the earth; some call the colors corduroy in texture. Fall implies crystalline frost, falling leaves, abundant harvests and breathtaking cold blue, black skies studded with stars. Together these views invite us to come to a feast and dance with the stars.Aging seems to be the autumn/fall of life, so how are we doing? Have we harvested the warmth of friendship and love? Has the color of joy found a place in our hearts? Is the view of the future crystal clear with hope? Is our mental picture satisfying? Then it is time to dance with the stars.
Phyllis Plantenberg, OSB