During Lent, the Scripture readings and antiphons we sing with the Psalms remind us of our need to examine our lives and renew our relationships with God and others.
A few years ago at a retreat here, Joan Chittister, OSB, author of Wisdom Distilled from the Daily, shared this simple, wisdom distilled from the Prologue to the Rule of Benedict. These could provide guidance on our Lenten journey.
- Listen
- Wake up
- Do no harm
- Do good
- Trust in God
- Prepare your heart and your body
- Learn every day of your life
The two nuggets of wisdom that catch my attention today are waking up and trusting in God. About this time of year as the sun’s rays become more intense and the daylight hours lengthen, I become aware of the ways that winter’s long darkness and cold has put me to asleep. I begin to wake up from the winter doldrums. I notice how I have been putting my trust in what I alone can do, which some days doesn’t seem like very much. I wake up to what God is doing in my life and in the life of our community. I notice the energy that guests bring to the monastery, and I recognize God’s presence in them. The birds singing at dawn remind me that each new day is a gift from God. I shake the cobwebs off my hope and begin again to live with expectation. I sing the antiphon at Sunday Evening Prayer: “We look to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing” and my heart begins to warm with hope and yearning for new life.
Does the wisdom above speak to your Lenten journey? Share your thoughts and comments here on our blog.