November 20, 2011
The meeting was opened with introductions and the reciting of the Saint Meinrad Oblate Mission Statement. Second Vespers of Sunday was prayed using the Liturgy of the Hours for Benedictine Oblates. Ron was received as an Oblate novice of St. Meinrad Archabbey during Vespers. Lectio Divina was based on the Sunday Gospel of Matthew 25:31-46.
New Business: Rosemary brought devotional items to give away. Brother Francis brought Abbey Press books for sale and catalogues for information.
Conference: “Living in Gratitude: A Reflection on the Rule’s Caution Against Grumbling”.
Brother Francis used many Biblical, Benedictine Rule, and practical examples to reinforce the focus that St. Benedict’s emphasis against grumbling is meant to contrast with the importance of daily lived gratitude. Monks bow daily 25 time in the doxology Glory Be to emphasize humble surrender to our loving God with grateful hearts as in 1 Peter 5: 6-7 and Col 3:16-17.
St. Benedict hates murmuring or grumbling as in Chapter 4 and 34 because it is corrosive and a poison to any community life. The Book of Exodus and our own Christian journeys show the lessons of needing to trust in God’s care for our lives. An analogy of looking at a bed of flowers and seeing only two weeds is to miss the vision of the truly blessed who depend on God’s free gift of the Kingdom.
Stating facts is not grumbling but an honest sharing of lamenting a human condition as unjust or a reasonable call for justice which is handled with an appropriate contact as needed. This is different that a whiny attitude that can create a black hole in any community and often has underlying anger/envy/pride that is not recognized by the grumbler.
St. Paul when he was in prison gives rich blessed reflections of peace in Phil: 4-9 and 11-13. The parable of the prodigal son also gives rich food for reflection on this contrast of gratitude and grumbling. Oblates shared personal examples of these lessons from family, friends, parish, and work experience.
The meeting was closed with the praying of the Our Father and shared social time. Our next meeting is scheduled for January 22, 2012.
