Benedictine Sisters of St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, Illinois
January 2009
Benedictine Sisters monastery grounds at St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, Ill Steps
Discerning your path in life

Snow falls on the grounds of St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, Ill. Being Here, Now:
A Contemplative Approach to Life


The world is charged with the grandeur of God. Gerard Manley Hopkins

If we create space in which God can act and speak, something surprising will happen. Henri Nouwen

Sister Catherine Cleary was stirring gravy at the stove before Thanksgiving dinner with her extended family when she noticed a tiny reflection of her activity nearby. Matthew Ryan, her 17-month-old nephew, had picked up his small spoon to stir the contents of his bowl, too. As they smiled at each other, stirring, Sr. Catherine felt a moment of profound joy and peace. It's what can happen, she says, when you seek to be present to the moment; to live in awareness, with your eyes open.

To reach the state of seeing the world through the eyes of God is what the ancients called contemplation. At its essence, contemplation is union with the divine. It is characterized by presence, silence, selflessness, and God-centeredness. Pure contemplation, though a gift, requires great discipline. Fortunately, for those of us who are less advanced on the spiritual spectrum, there are degrees of contemplation.

"We are all blessed with the opportunity for contemplative moments, inside and outside the monastery," Sr. Catherine says. "Listening to Mozart, watching a sunrise or gazing at a baby might produce a contemplative moment if we are ready for it."

Preparing for Grace

How to receive a contemplative moment from a sunrise or a baby's smile is largely a matter of being open, quiet and willing. Slowing down the pace of your life, turning off the TV, deep prayer and sitting in simple silence help prepare you for grace-filled moments that leave you with a sense of peace.

"Living contemplatively, whether as a Benedictine Sister or out in the world, means seeking to live in the presence of God at all times," Sr. Marilyn Ring says. "We must actively consent to - and seek to remain aware of - God's presence. We are all called to this awareness, but we are so into ourselves that we are often unresponsive to what might be wonderful contemplative experiences."

To be responsive, the Sisters suggest we focus on the beauty around us, breathe deeply, reduce our interior chatter, and consent to the invitation God offers to us to know.

Experiencing Harmony

"Contemplative moments draw us into relationship with God," Sr. Marilyn says. "How should we respond to the invitation to know God? Reading Scripture helps us put on the mind and heart of Christ. It helps grow our desire to embrace the union."

Sr. Marilyn says reflecting on Scripture deepens our relationship with God.

"Try reflecting on a parable," she suggests. "If you want to consider the story of the Good Samaritan, for example, you'll think about the people who passed by. You'll wonder why each one chose not to help. You'll ponder whether you would have. It helps you understand God's heart.

"Being drawn into union with God can happen while praying, listening to music, viewing art, being in nature. They all teach about God. It's our choice whether to respond, whether to experience the deep harmony with all that is."
A Tree of Prayer

On Becoming A Tree of Prayer

By Sister Bobbi

Jesus often used images in His teaching to create profound messages. Take the story of a small mustard seed that grows into a sturdy tree. How amazing that from a small kernel grows a large tree!

Metaphorically, most of us would have our doubts that something meaningful could come from something so small. Yet, Jesus continually reminds us, through His actions, that anything is possible. How about the apostles? Once  fishermen, tax collectors and everyday people, they grew strong, bold, courageous and influential under his guidance.


Our own lives begin as small kernels and seeds. Through Jesus, we can grow strong, faithful, courageous and bold. We everyday people can grow into disciples!

In discernment it is important to note that what may seem insignificant to you is not in God's eyes. Your gifts, desires and vision may seem like small and insignificant parts of you, but with God's love big things can happen.

Indeed, such small seeds make a huge difference in religious life. In the monastery, we grow from small seeds into a tree of prayer, work and community. What a difference we can make together!


Read more blog posts from Sr. Bobbi!

Winter photos of the people, creatures and even the trees that call the monastery home

A Benedictine Sister at prayer at St. Mary Monastery
 
Benedictines are different.
Benedictine Sisters crave quiet ... and laughter.
Benedictine Sisters crave solitude ... and companionship.
Benedictine Sisters drop everything three times a day to pray together.
Our ministries - from retreat work to social work, and education to art - never take us far from home.
For more information, contact Sister Bobbi Bussan (below) to learn more!

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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 welcome you for a visit. Call (309) 283-2300 or e-mail Sr. Bobbi to set up a good  time. Or join us for a Benedictine Experience Weekend on one of the following weekends: Feb. 27-Mar 1, April 3-5. No matter when you come, there is no cost to you. We look forward to a morning, evening, weekend or week with you! And visit our Web site at www.smmsisters.org.