Bee resting on a pink clover head

Lectio divina on the “book of creation”

Joanne Kollasch, OSBBuilding Community, Living in Community, Spirituality Articles 4 Comments

This post is transcribed from an oral presentation made by Sister Joanne Kollasch to the Benedictine Women of Madison Board of Directors on March 29, 2016, part of the sisters’ continuing mission to build community and share Benedictine values. A Spirituality for the Easter Season by Joanne Kollasch, OSB In morning prayer today we recited these words: Let all creation bend to you: For you spoke, and they took shape; you breathed: they came alive. Nothing can resist your voice. Or, in words recently shared by Margaret Mandernach, OSB:  “There is only one life, one love, one energy…namely, God. All of creation …

Sister Joanne speaking to an oblate gathering

A call to justice: Benedictine perspectives on listening, right relationships and public witness

Joanne Kollasch, OSBBenedictine Bridge, Building Community, Living in Community, Spirituality Articles Leave a Comment

The Oblate retreat, February 19-21, 2016, brought together 66 Oblates of Holy Wisdom, women and men from near and far, to learn from the sisters about the ways justice is expressed in Benedictine life through listening, right relationships and public witness. The following reflections come from a presentation given by Joanne Kollasch, OSB, on February 19, 2016 (pictured above). Today if you hear God’s voice, harden not your heart. —Prologue, Rule of Benedict There are many ways to hear God’s voice if we are silent and listening, if we are able to “welcome one another with the courtesy of love.” …

Lectio divina: the art of prayerful listening

Holy Wisdom MonasteryPrayer & Worship, Spirituality Articles Leave a Comment

“Listen!” is the first word in the Rule of Benedict. While a natural ability for most individuals, it is something that Benedictines hone throughout their lives. They believe that good followers and good leaders are good listeners, who listen not only to themselves and other individuals, but also to God. Lectio divina is one of the daily practices in Benedictine life that helps individuals emphasize the unity of being and doing. Lectio divina is a prayerful reading of scripture, a way of spending time with the Word of God. Readings are slow and deliberate, allowing the Word to resonate within …

“How to Paint a Portrait of a Bird” – a reflection on Benedictine life

Lynne Smith, OSBMonastic Life, Spirituality Articles 2 Comments

How to Paint the Portrait of a Bird First paint a cage with an open door next paint something pretty something simple something beautiful something useful for the bird next place the canvas against a tree in a garden in a woods in a forest hide behind the tree without saying anything without moving … Sometimes the bird comes quickly but it could just as well take long years before it decides Don’t be discouraged Wait wait years if necessary the speed or slowness of the bird’s arrival has nothing to do with the success of the painting When the …

Lectio Divina: Learning to read with heart

Rosy Kandathil, OSBA Benedictine Sojourner's Journey, Living in Community, Spirituality Articles Leave a Comment

I have always been a passionate reader. An early childhood memory is of me lugging home as many books as I could check out on my public library card, hoarding the biggest ones like treasures. It wasn’t long before my habit was common knowledge; the librarians would wink at each other when I came in. I read passionately because in many ways, as a child, I was seeking an escape from reality. In my daily life, I was awkward and helpless, a shy brown girl from Brooklyn who felt powerless to change anything about her circumstances. But in books, everything …

Newspaper lectio

Rosy Kandathil, OSBPrayer & Worship, Spirituality Articles Leave a Comment

It can be difficult to know how to respond to the overwhelming concerns of the world that come to our attention. How do we listen with compassion and love, without becoming numb to the troubles that surround us? The daily newspaper can become a valuable tool. As we read with sacred attention, the newspaper can slow us down, informing us about issues and events while also touching the wellspring of our hearts. Adapting the method of holy reading to the paper, enables us to listen deeply with the Spirit to the world’s concerns and pray with intelligence, understanding and compassion. …

Praying The Prayer of Jesus

Brenda LisenbyBenedictine Bridge, Living in Community, Monastic Life, Prayer & Worship, Spirituality Articles 2 Comments

          The Prayer of Jesus           Holy One, our only Home,              blessed be your name,                may your day dawn,                  your will be done,                  here, as in heaven.           Feed us today, and forgive us,              as we forgive each other.           Do not forsake us at the test,         …

Celebrating the Liturgy of the Hours in Advent and Christmas

Ann MoyerLiving in Community, Monastic Life, Prayer & Worship, Spirituality Articles Leave a Comment

During the last week before Christmas, we begin the daily singing of the O Antiphons, an ancient practice that embraces the sense of longing and anticipation for Christmas which swells with each day. These antiphons are sung prior to the Magnificat, the Song of Mary from Luke 1:46-55, in our evening prayers throughout this week. Each antiphon begins by addressing God with a name that expresses God’s loving design for people of all times and places. Each antiphon is completed with the petition to “Come” and continue the redeeming activity needed in our lives and in our world today. We …

Reflections on Morning Prayer

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by Ed Emmenegger, Holy Wisdom Monastery neighbor and volunteer All are welcome to attend daily prayer at Holy Wisdom Monastery. Ed Emmenegger (in front row) reflects on his experience at morning prayer below.  On Thanksgiving weekend 2009, while many were still gratefully celebrating the opening of the sparkling and highly acclaimed monastery building, I decided more prayer in my life would be a good thing for Advent. I wanted to see if I could build on positive experiences of morning prayer I’ve had away on retreat in past years. Though I had often prayed in thanksgiving and wonder while walking the trails of Holy Wisdom for …

The Benedictine way of discernment

Lynne Smith, OSBLiving in Community, Monastic Life, Rule of Benedict, Spirituality Articles, Women Exploring Community Leave a Comment

Discernment is a process of making a decision or finding direction in one’s life. At its very heart, discernment is a conversation – with God, with friends, with spiritual mentors and guides – a conversation which leads to more clarity about God’s call for you. Discernment brings into focus one’s deepest life questions: What is the purpose of my life? With whom do I want to live and how will I express my love? How can I use my gifts and talents and whom do I want to serve? Benedict’s emphasis in discernment is on listening with both the head …