Benedictine Sisters of St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, Illinois
January, 2008
Bell tower at Benedictine Sisters of St.Mary Monastery, Rock Island, Ill Steps
Discerning your path in life
Epiphany
Benedictine Sisters nativity scene at St Mary Monastery, Rock Island, Ill 
 
By Sr. Bobbi Bussan, OSB

Two thousand years ago, three kings - or wisemen or magi - set out on a winter's night to discover the reason for a new bright star shining high in the sky. After a long and probably grueling journey, they finally found what they were looking for: a tiny, beautiful baby tucked lovingly into a manger. This baby, they knew, was worthy of the gold, frankincense, and myrrh they carried to him. This baby would change the world forever.

We celebrate Epiphany on January 6, traditionally the final day of the Christmas season. Our gratitude is immeasurable: God's gift of salvation, of this baby, gives our lives meaning and hope. We know with certainty God's love and gentle care!

Even if we don't yet know God's plan.

As the three kings, the discovery of God's plan for us comes eventually. As the three kings, we have to "traverse afar." Through attentive watching, listening and feeling deep in our hearts, we will be guided to experience our own epiphanies of understanding. And we will be able to say, "Here, at last. Here is where I am meant to be."

Please feel free to call me anytime. And join the "blog" on the Bulletin Board at www.smmsisters.org. I am a good listener ... and I've been where you are.

Blessings on your journey.

Benedictine Sisters St Mary Monastery, Rock Island, Ill
"Do not be daunted immediately by fear and run away from the road that leads to salvation..."
The following is a quote from the Rule of Benedict, followed by commentary
from
"The Rule of Benedict" by Joan Chittister, OSB:

"...(The road) is bound to be narrow at the outset. But as we progress in this way of life and in faith, we shall run on the path of God's commandments, our hearts overflowing with the inexpressible delight of love. Never swerving from God's instructions, then, but faithfully observing God's teaching in the monastery until death, we shall through patience share in the sufferings of Christ that we may deserve also to share in the eternal presence." RB Prologue

The spiritual life takes discipline. It is something to be learned, to be internalized. It's not a set of daily exercises; it's a way of life, an attitude of mind, an orientation of the soul. And it is gotten by being schooled until no rules are necessary.
 
Among the ancients there is a story told that confirms this insight to this day:
 
What action shall I perform to attain God? the disciple asked the elder.
 
If you wish to attain God, the elder said, there are two things you must know. The first is that all efforts to attain God are of no avail.
 
And the second? the disciple insisted.
 
The second is that you must act as if you did not know the first, the elder said.
 
Indeed, in the monastery, God is a way of life.
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Benedictine vocation director Sr. Bobbi Bussan, OSBTo give you a chance to learn about Benedictine Sisters and our way of life, we host several vocation events every year. The next Come-and-See weekends are February 15-17 and April 4-6, 2008. Call (309) 283-2300 or e-mail Sr. Bobbi to register, or to set up a different time, if you can't make that weekend. You are our guest: there is no cost to you. We look forward to sharing a morning, evening, weekend or week with you. And visit our Web site at www.smmsisters.org.