Oblate News Summer 2021.qxp_Benedictine Oblate-Winter 05 6/21/21 8:18 AM Page 1
Spiritual Poverty
“‘Poor in spirit’ is in part a synonym for the people who have enough humility that they do not operate from a sense of pride: the poor in spirit are those who recognize that they are both the beneficiaries of the help of others and part of a system in which they are to pay it forward and help those whom they can” (Amy Jill Levine: Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner’s Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven).
Spiritual poverty compels us to let go of our self-centeredness so we may be open to becoming more God-centered. It invites us to live with authenticity and full obedience. God calls us to hear his voice in the needs of our world. It beseeches us to an emptying of self, so that it is God’s life and love that fill us and move Artwork by Br. Martin Erspamer, OSB us to action.
Dead Sea Scroll, 1QM, uses the phrase “poor in spirit” juxtaposed with the “righteous of God,” to speak of those who align themselves to God and to others, rather than to selfishness.
“The cross is the sacrament of poverty of spirit, the sacrament of authentic humanness in a sinful world. It is the sign that one human being remained true to his own humanity, that he accepted it in full obedience” (Poverty of Spirit, Johannas Baptist Metz, “God Becomes Human”).
Jesus is the ultimate example of spiritual poverty. He tells his disciples, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” He is speaking to us. This issue of the Benedictine Oblate Quarterly focuses on our call as oblates to live spiritual poverty.
Kathleen Polansky, oblate New Salisbury, IN
QUARTERLY FOR BENEDICTINE OBLATES OF SAINT MEINRAD Summer 2021, Volume 27:3 Oblate News Summer 2021.qxp_Benedictine Oblate-Winter 05 6/21/21 8:18 AM Page 2
A POINT TO PONDER FROM Blessed are the Poor in Spirit: They remember all too well You need a good heart. If an artisan becomes proud and Truly we are forbidden memory to practice ends up believing the monastery owes him to do our own will, humility. I don’t more than he owes the monastery, well, in for Scripture tells us: mean you have to that case, Benedict says he is to be The Rule know what removed from practicing his craft so that Turn away from your happened on he may learn again how to practice his desires (Sir. 18:30). December 7, 1941, humility. And in the prayer too we or on November 22, 1963 – as The truly humble have truly good ask God that his will be Archabbot Kurt Stasiak, OSB nation-changing as memories. They remember their skills and done in us (Matt. 6:10). the events on those talents are gifts from God, not something days truly were. I’m talking about having they have earned. And so they give those We are rightly taught a good memory of your own history. gifts back to God by using them for the good of others. Then they truly use them not to do our own will, St. Benedict’s Chapter 7 on humility is for the greater honor and glory of God. since we dread what no humble chapter, for it can boast it is Scripture says: There are the longest chapter in the Rule. It speaks The ultimate criterion of the success of the of “12 Degrees of Humility,” and each work of our hands is that it serves, not the ways which some call one reminds us that God is God and “opus mei,” my work, but the Opus Dei, right that in the end that we are not. the work of God. plunge into the depths of hell (Prov. 16:25). That’s not a put-down. God values us Archabbot Kurt Stasiak, OSB beyond our wildest imagination. Recall Saint Meinrad Archabbey Rule of St. Benedict, 7:19-21 Psalm 8: “What are we humans that you should keep us in mind, that you should care for us?” The answer is one we can be proud of! “You have made us little less than a god; with glory and honor you crowned us.” Gift Shop Being poor in spirit doesn’t mean denying Your store for inspirational our greatness. It means remembering we gifts, books and more! are great because of what God has done Ben edictine Oblate Quarterly is published for us – not because of any claim to fame four times a year by Saint Meinrad Archabbey. we have earned or deserve. Editor: Mary Jeanne Schumacher Designer: Tammy Schuetter Being poor in spirit runs throughout the Oblate Director: Janis Dopp Rule. When speaking of “The Artisans of Oblate Chaplain: Fr. Joseph Cox, OSB the Monastery” in Chapter 57, for Editorial Staff: Kathleen Polansky, Brenda example, Benedict warns his monks not Black, Angie McDonald and Eunice Taylor to sell their handcrafted goods for more Send changes of address and comments to than they are really worth. An honest The Editor, Development Office, work for an honest price. Saint Meinrad Archabbey, 200 Hill Dr., St. Meinrad, IN 47577, But it’s clear that Benedict is concerned (812) 357-6817, fax (812) 357-6325 about “spiritual inflation” as well. 800.778.1152 or email [email protected] Sometimes a monk’s successful www.smagiftshop.com www.saintmeinrad.org handiwork can do harm to that monk’s ©2021, Saint Meinrad Archabbey
2 Oblate News Summer 2021.qxp_Benedictine Oblate-Winter 05 6/21/21 8:18 AM Page 3
Spiritual Poverty: Letting go in the darkness On the Fifth hear my prayer? But this is exactly If the reality of my relationship with Sunday of Lent where He had been waiting to meet God is highlighted by what I hope this year, Fr. me, and I wasn’t getting it. God will provide for me, am I trusting Thomas God or myself to determine what is Gricoski, OSB, Both of the Gospels of Matthew and best for me? Throughout the preached a Luke recount that Jesus promises the pandemic, I have been using the homily that kingdom of heaven to those who are Spiritual Communion Prayer of St. really struck me. poor in spirit. This has nothing to do Gertrude when I attend the daily Janis Dopp He started out with what we possess or not. Poverty livestreamed Mass from Saint Meinrad by saying, of spirit is about vulnerability and the Archabbey. “Easter is for those who know loss.” acceptance of our powerlessness. That really caught my attention. He A part of the prayer reads: “Give to concluded with the thought that If I can allow myself to be surprised by my heart to be perfectly in accord “Jesus is calling us to meet Him in the God, who loves me, has created me for with Thee in what I place before depths, in the darkness.” a specific reason, and guides me every Thee.” With trust in God’s unending step of the way, perhaps I will not feel love and care, this is what I long for at I was so struck by the backdrop of alone during times of difficulty. I have the end of the day. Spiritual poverty is these two phrases, and they kept always carefully guarded my ability to about letting go in the darkness so resonating in my heart for days. be in control of my life. Poverty of that I can claim a oneness with my Perhaps it was because I recently have spirit, however, offers nothing but Creator in the light. been dealing with some health issues. uncertainty. And yet, this is a key to When my struggle has been the the kingdom of heaven. Janis Dopp greatest, I have felt alone. Did God Oblate Director Words of wisdom from Mother Teresa Mother Teresa, living in the world. As her guide of bread, but there are many more now known as showed her around, Mother Teresa dying for a little love. St. Teresa of noticed the beautiful buildings, luxury Calcutta, shops and the expensive clothes that “The poverty in the West is a different founded the many people were wearing. kind of poverty – it is not only a Order of the poverty of loneliness but also of Missionaries of She also noticed that no one smiled. spirituality. It is a form of spiritual Charity, who Whether on the streets or in stores, she poverty. There is a hunger for love, as there is a hunger for God.” Fr. Joseph Cox, OSB care for the did not see one person who appeared blind, the happy or joyful. She said that even in elderly, the dying, and people the slums of Calcutta, people smiled, Fr. Joseph Cox, OSB afflicted with leprosy in the poorest but not here. She had never seen so Oblate Chaplain sections of Calcutta and other cities much material plenty alongside around the world. spiritual poverty as in the U.S.
In one of her many interviews, she She said, “The greatest disease in the was asked about a visit that she made West today is not TB or leprosy; it is to the United States. She said that being unwanted, unloved, and New York City was the first place she uncared for. We can cure physical saw there. She had previously heard diseases with medicine, but the only about the U.S., and that it was a cure for loneliness, despair, and superpower, and that it was the hopelessness is love. There are many country with the highest standard of in the world who are dying for a piece
3 Oblate News Summer 2021.qxp_Benedictine Oblate-Winter 05 6/21/21 8:18 AM Page 4
Notes for Novices: Poverty enables us to live in humility The Franciscans Though I love the Franciscans and the “check engine” light in our cars (Friars of the they will always have a place in my when we have to earn a living. Sacred Heart heart, I know God is calling me to Province) have remain stable and obedient in living Benedictine poverty means giving our long been a part out my vow of conversatio as a gently used clothing to the St. Vincent of my family’s Benedictine monk. I understand my de Paul Society, making supper with history, as well calling in light of a Franciscan-like what we have in the refrigerator as my own poverty. instead of ordering a pizza, or opting personal history. for a car that is neither a lemon nor Br. Stanley Rother Wagner, OSB Bonnie Kirk, OMI, has written that ostentatious. Poverty means living in Beginning with poverty “… embraces a simple lifestyle humility, living in the truth of who my paternal grandfather’s parents that frees one from the rat race, and to God is calling each one of us to be in getting married at St. Augustine share time, talent and treasure.” In the present. Church at 51st and Laflin in Chicago, Benedictine terms, poverty enables us my grandfather receiving all his to live in humility, freed from the How you will practice poverty will sacraments at that church, my time ways of the world, which should not differ from the way I practice poverty working at St. Peter’s-in-the-Loop be our own (see RB 4:21). in the monastery. What links this while I was in the high school spirit of poverty is the call to become seminary, and even after my time as Practicing poverty in the 21st century more like Christ Jesus every moment an undergraduate at Quincy does not have to mean living of our lives – the same Christ who is University in Quincy, IL, I have seen paycheck-to-paycheck, giving all our true God and true human, the Risen the Franciscans binding themselves to money to the poor when we have a One in whom we find our salvation. “Lady Poverty.” family to shelter and feed, or ignoring Continued on Page 7
Notes from Novices: Endurance, patience are keys to oblate life As an oblate the result of this. Is God trying to tell Born and raised in southern Indiana, I novice, the delay me something? Is oblation really the have been visiting Saint Meinrad since in making route God wants for me? I was a child. The beauty of the oblations has grounds, the buildings, the relative been trying. The opening sentence of Chapter 58 isolation, its place atop a hill, and the of the Rule states, “Do not grant liturgy have all tugged at my heart. I was scheduled newcomers to the monastic life an When I was director of diaconate to make easy entry.” Though I am not seeking formation for the Diocese of Gary, oblation in June entry to Saint Meinrad as a monk, I Saint Meinrad was my first choice for Mark Plaiss 2020. When am seeking a filial association with the the canonical five-day retreat. It that was scrapped, I set my sights on house. As a lover of the place, I have pleased me when the candidates, most June 2021. Once again, postponed. been confident that Saint Meinrad of whom had never been to Saint So now I’m looking at June 2022. was the place to seek that filial Meinrad, found the monastery as association. appealing as I did. The reticence of Abbot Kurt to reopen the monastery to guests is The COVID shutdown brought all The interest in becoming an oblate of perfectly understandable. I questioned that into question. Saint Meinrad was something I
Continued on Page 14 4 Oblate News Summer 2021.qxp_Benedictine Oblate-Winter 05 6/21/21 8:18 AM Page 5
Quieting the interior noise: The discipline of lectio divina
We 21st-century away from the peace of one’s deep In a previous Oblate Quarterly, I Americans live center. This noise comes from a wrote of interior dispositions and in a very noisy fractured and alienated sense-of-self, attitudes as “spiritual possessions” that world. When I an ego entangled by distracting we attach to, maybe because they imagine noisy thoughts rooted in earthly attachments make us feel more powerful (less places, I usually (both spiritual and material) and vulnerable), or right (as opposed to call to mind the worldly patterns of desire. “wrong”), or holy (as compared to our busy streets of a neighbor with whom we all too often large American One reason monks and nuns have compare ourselves). Fr. Adrian Burke city. I think of typically located their monasteries at the traffic, the crowds of people some distance from busy urban These interior dispositions and making their way to shop, to work, to centers is to better hear the voice of attitudes attach to our minds and eat, chatting on cell phones or God that speaks from a Christ- hearts and inhibit the peace and masking the city noise with sound centered self. Whether the din of a tranquility that comes from attaching piped from cell phones into earbuds. hectic life overloaded with demands to Christ. To attach to Christ, we on our time or the distractions we rely must dispossess ourselves of (detach I think of workers tearing up streets or on to fill unoccupied moments and from) all that is not Christ. sidewalks for repairs or improvements, relieve boredom, our 21st-century the mechanical noise of a backhoe or lives are replete with noisy diversions To better understand how our the ear-jolting percussive pounding of that can keep one from the inner attachments and unwholesome a jackhammer. I think of the ear- work so necessary to connect with the dispositions possess us and inhibit our piercing commotion of sirens clearing deep self – what the Cistercian monk true freedom, we must cultivate the way for emergency vehicles Thomas Merton called one’s “True interior silence. We must sift through moving through traffic. Self” in Christ. all the interior “noise” and find our way to our center, where Christ waits Such a scene is not unusual in the To even realize how disruptive wrapped in silence. This requires urban landscapes of America’s busy interior distractions and attachments discipline, and there is no better cities. But, here in southern Indiana, have heretofore been, one must discipline than prayer for cultivating the noises are different. Birds and collaborate with God’s grace to interior silence and a disposition of squirrels and breezes through the trees liberate the mind and recenter the deep listening. make the sounds of a rural landscape. spirit on Christ, God’s Word, continually voiced from within. This The pattern of Benedictine prayer is Outdoor sounds here are gentle and requires practice, a certain amount of lectio divina. This quiet, reflective peaceful, except for the occasional dedicated time each day for simple, encounter with the Word of God in upset expressed by ubiquitous blue quiet listening. Scripture opens the ears of the heart jays or the melodious tittering of to God’s Presence voiced as Christ. Carolina wrens driving me away from For the Benedictine, listening is the The liturgy follows this pattern as a nests built in low-lying bushes or first precept of the holy Rule: “Listen kind of communal lectio divina in birdhouses. From the gazebo in front carefully to the master’s instructions which we collectively exercise the of the monastery, one is more likely to and attend to them with the ear of listening needed “to obey the master’s hear the lowing of cattle or a rooster’s your heart” (RB Prol. 1). So, for the instructions.” crow than the sounds of traffic on the Benedictine, listening is fundamental. highway some distance off. We read in the Rule regarding the Mysteriously present in the biblical restraint of speech, “the disciple is to texts is God’s Word voiced as God’s Amid all that tranquility, there is be silent and listen” (RB 6.6). Silence Self-poured-out (Christ), which is the another kind of “noise.” The kind that is required, then, for the sake of distracts us from within, pulling us listening. Continued on Page 9
5 Oblate News Summer 2021.qxp_Benedictine Oblate-Winter 05 6/21/21 8:18 AM Page 6
Reflections on Ravens A monk once Perhaps by emptying himself and What has happened to us? Whatever came to allowing God to fill him up, he it is, all I know is that one way to help Gandhi’s ashram obtained courage to resist, and the the situation and do better is to and asked to wisdom to do so peacefully. embrace spiritual poverty. That will join. Gandhi keep me quiet when I should be quiet, said, “Yes, but My few experiences as a kinda-sorta- and it will help me resist if that time you will have to dissident have taught me that people ever comes. put away your outside the Church are furious right robes.” The now. They yell pretty fast. People So I pray: God, empty me of me, fill Edward Castronova monk replied, “I inside the Church are angry, too, of me with you. On days when I am most am a monk, my robes reflect my course, and I get angry myself – it afraid: O God, come to my assistance. Sanyas (vow).” Gandhi said, “It is not keeps my confessor busy. O Lord, make haste to help me. about your vow or even your clothes. It is just that if you wear those monk But the situation is so tense that it has Edward (Ted) Castronova, oblate robes here, people will serve you. But, gotten to where a person who publicly Bloomington, IN we are here to serve, not to be served.” states an opinion on a certain topic can be ostracized, yelled at, targeted How did this spiritual poverty on social media, fired, or even receive influence Gandhi’s civil disobedience? death threats.
Rediscovering spiritual practices to enrich your faith life Rediscovering with select spiritual practices, As our doing shifts, our being the spiritual something special can happen to and changes. When our being develops, dimension of within our life and faith communities. our entire life transforms. As our life Christianity has changes, our community does, too. given me a new, Practices are habits of doing that When our community changes for the yet ancient way shape being. Practices are a patterned better, our world can, too. of being a way of life. They are traditionally practicing described as a rule of life. Somewhat Ron Lewis, oblate Rule, Bloomington, IN Ron Lewis Christian. The like St. Benedict’s we become contemplative what we do. We can, by God’s grace, dimension of spiritual practices, in change. What we can’t do, we can ask addition to a daily practice, gently for help. began to answer my “how” questions. How can I abide with God in Christ? The menu of spiritual and (John 15:4). How can I become a contemplative practices that I use and participant in the divine nature? (2 suggest is not exhaustive, but I believe Peter 1:4). How can I die to self and that these seven practices can help live to God? (Galatians 2:20). deepen our spiritual lives and flourish in our churches: lectio divina, prayer I call spiritual practices the rhythms of of the Hours, self-observation, silence, silence, singing love into the still space simplicity, solitude and stillness. of grace within me. It has been my experience in my inner journey that These seven practices can change and when meditative prayer is also paired deepen our being by grace and work!
6 Oblate News Summer 2021.qxp_Benedictine Oblate-Winter 05 6/21/21 8:18 AM Page 7
Season your chant with St. Meinrad psalm tones I am an oblate historical psalms go well with this Try long narrative psalms in this mode. of Saint mode. Meinrad and a If you are new to chanting the Opus lifelong church Notice Psalm tone II’s limited range – Dei, listen to the monks during musician who only four pitches span its first three livestreamed Masses and Vespers. loves to cook. If lines. It is sad (tristis) and reflective, Chant psalms on one pitch, then psalm texts are pairing well with individual psalms of move to two. Pick your favorite psalm the meat and lament. tone. Our cathedral choir opens choir Terry Starr vegetables of the practice with the psalm for the Opus Dei, the Tone III is passionate. Look at the coming Sunday using Tone VII. psalm tones are its herbs and spices. melody in line 6. Its dramatic downward scale, and especially its two During the pandemic, the Memphis Theoretically, any psalm may be sung final notes, echo fiery Spanish Oblate Chapter has moved from using any of the eight customary flamenco music. No problem singing chanting every Saturday morning Meinrad tones. But pairing Psalm “By the streams of Babylon” in this Mass to daily Lauds and Vespers on 136, in which the psalmist invokes a mode! Zoom – one person at a time. You blessing on those who “seize and dash will be amazed at the blessing these [the enemies’] children on the rock,” Here’s a metaphor switch. Have you eight musical flavors bring to your with the sunny innocence of Mode V ever examined a wooden puzzle box? daily prayer. is like pairing broccoli with chocolate. Look at the first and last measures of Both foods are good, but together? Tone IV. The four note patterns Terry Starr, oblate No. interlock like puzzle pieces, especially Memphis, TN when only two-line verses are sung. So, what flavors do tones I–VIII, The last line seems suspended in mid- Continued from Page 4 derived from ancient Gregorian modes air, mysterious and unresolved. Finally, my dear oblate novices, I have and adapted for English by Fr. some news for you. Fr. Abbot Kurt Columba Kelly, OSB, impart to our Mode V, the “playground mode” has assigned me to finish my MA in daily monastic psalm-meal? What according to Fr. Columba, is easy to American history at the University of moods do these tones evoke? What find when playing on a piano’s five Louisville beginning this August. I am makes one tone distinct from another, black keys. Childlike and happy, this excited about this opportunity, and I giving each tone its unique musical mode naturally accompanies Psalm am grateful to my community for the ethos? 130. gift of finishing this degree, which I
started at another university seven While reading about each tone, have Mode VI breathes stability and years ago. at hand the written chant modes on contentment. Lines 4 and 6 match
pages 414-415 of Liturgy of the Hours exactly. Four of its six lines end solidly What this means for you is that I will for Benedictine Oblates, on its home tone, or tonic. This is cease my duties as Oblate Novice or scan QR code 1. musical comfort food, good for Mentor on June 30. Do not fret, Even better, listen to a wisdom psalmody. though, Br. Michael Reyes will monk chant each mode become the new oblate novice mentor. and scan QR code 2. The second line of Mode VII sweeps Janis Dopp and I rely on Br. Michael Look for #16, Psalm jubilantly upward to its characteristic for the diverse skills that he brings for Tone Demonstrations high note. It shouts in triumph. The your benefit and edification. Please under the heading: Hallel psalms, Easter and Christmas help me welcome Br. Michael into his Other. texts are just right for this mode. new role beginning July 1.
Mode I is serious. It ranges widely for Mode VIII narrates a story. It wanders five lines before proceeding downward freely, ending line 6 with a dramatic Br. Stanley Rother Wagner, OSB to its solemn conclusion. Royal and five-pitch drop. Oblate Novice Mentor 7 Oblate News Summer 2021.qxp_Benedictine Oblate-Winter 05 6/21/21 8:18 AM Page 8
Meet A Monk: Fr. Colman Grabert, OSB But was it his idea to come to Saint used to,” he says. Meinrad College after graduating from high school in the early 1950s? Was this an easy transition? Not “I came here because people said I necessarily. He is not shy about the should,” he says. struggle. And this has not been the only such challenge; Fr. Colman does Step by step, his direction became not shy away from voicing his clearer with time. It was during his ongoing recovery from alcoholism. first year of college that he began to get ideas about the monastic life. “I He has lived what he shares: we must liked the feel of it,” he says. “I had recognize our absolute dependence on great admiration of the men teaching.” God, which can be difficult for those used to being in control. The critical It soon became less of an idea and point? “We are utterly incapable of Fr. Colman Grabert more of a life direction. On August sustaining a worthwhile life, which is 15, 1960, Fr. Colman professed his always by God’s grace.” Fr. Colman Grabert, former vows to become a monk and joined impressionable lover of movies and the Archabbey monastic community. In his low times, he has had to accept self-described “devout kid,” has been a As many before him have done, he help. “My biggest humiliation was monk for over 60 years and a priest was ordained to the priesthood five being an alcoholic. I had to let go for almost that long. years later on September 5, 1965. completely. It took me falling on my face.” When a man professes his The Evansville, IN, native grew up “It’s a culture, a way of life,” he monastic vows after many years of steeped in the Catholic faith, attending explains, “to follow Christ, to seek formation, he has not arrived and he parochial school under the watchful communion and union with God.” is not finished. At that point, “life is eyes of Benedictine religious sisters. Distractions from even good things just beginning.” These nuns would play a pivotal role drop away in this single-hearted search in moving Fr. Colman along the path for Him. Fr. Colman gladly shares the bounty of to Saint Meinrad Archabbey and its his lived experience with others monastic community. Throughout his years as a monk, he through guided retreats tailored to the has served in many capacities, individual. They last anywhere from a “The sisters were great promoters,” he including as organist, secretary to the weekend to a full week at the Guest remembers. While teaching the “three archabbot, house prefect, gardener, House and Retreat Center. The person Rs” to their young charges, they also teacher, mail deliverer and, most on the retreat usually meets with Fr. shared the heritage and spirituality of recently, as director of guided retreats Colman once or twice a day to receive St. Benedict, and they talked to parents and group retreats. counsel regarding current life issues. about their sons and to pastors about Fr. Colman assists with Scripture and possible vocations among the students. It’s not so much the jobs he has held has the retreatant keep a journal of the throughout his life; it’s more about retreat. “I listen very carefully to what The seed of a vocation can take root the changes he has gone through. they’re saying,” he explains. in all kinds of soil and be nurtured by all kinds of experiences. One Friday For example, at one time he played all In his ninth decade, Fr. Colman afternoon before going home from the liturgical music as principal continues to seek God and help others school, Fr. Colman saw “The Song of organist. “I liked the liturgies. They do the same. With all the change he Bernadette” (1943) at the movies. drew me in,” he remembers. It was a has experienced, one constant remains: Afterward, filled with the wonder of great place to be. With advancing age, “It’s been God through the years … St. Bernadette’s visions of the Blessed however, he had to let even that you are where you are because this is Mother at Lourdes, he was awestruck wonderful task drop away and allow where God wanted you to be.” at the sight of brilliant rays the younger men coming up through backlighting a bank of clouds. It was a the community to step into that role. Angie McDonald, oblate kind of vision of his own, he recalls. “The synapses just don’t fire like they Huntingburg, IN
8 Oblate News Summer 2021.qxp_Benedictine Oblate-Winter 05 6/21/21 8:18 AM Page 9
Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord A couple of my right, then my left. As I walked, we turn away, hide and push God years ago, I the singing grew louder as each new away. We find ourselves numb to the attended the group joined the previous. beauty that surrounds us. We find Easter Vigil at ourselves poor in Spirit, unable or St. Approaching the end of Main Street unwilling to grab the wealth of the Bartholomew. I and my turn, it had become a gifts God has given us and the beauty got home at a beautiful symphony of sounds. Each and love that God surrounds us every little before 2 bird’s song, individual and unique, minute of every day. a.m. I was melding together in a beautiful song, John Brooks scheduled to showcasing the wonder, beauty and It is easy to imagine that when we are volunteer the majesty of God’s creation. It was only living in the sadness, sorrow, morning shift at Brighter Days, the as I turned, and the song faded, that I loneliness, confusion, frustration and homeless shelter. My shift started at 6 appreciated the transformation that anger of life, we find our hearts cold a.m. and, since it took about 20 had begun and was now and hardened to God. We become minutes to walk from my house, I overwhelming me. self-centered in our own importance, awoke at 5 a.m. and left the house searching for anything that will fill the about 5:30 a.m. It was a feeling of joy, happiness, void, if only temporarily, of the optimism, strength and hope. Silently emptiness, loneliness and distance we It was a beautiful cool Easter and alone through Lent, I had been have accepted. morning, but the beauty was escaping struggling after my wife of 35 years me because I was feeling tired and had passed away three years before at We only need to slow down, look empty. But what I noticed was how age 59. I was going through the around and listen to find God. It was quiet it was, just the sounds of a few motions of life, but I was feeling on a cool Easter morning, as I walked cars in the distance. empty, alone, sad, distant and angry feeling empty, lost and alone, that I with God. found a renewed spirit of God in the As I turned to walk down Main birds singing that lifted me from the Street, I noticed the singing of birds What my Easter walk taught me was depths of sorrow to the clouds of on my right. They subsided and birds that when we are going through hope and from the darkness of doubt on my left started singing as if difficult times in life, we miss to the light of faith. answering the birds on my right. opportunities to experience the While walking, it seemed the birds majesty, wonder and beauty of God John Brooks, oblate were following me, singing first from that surround us. During those times, Columbus, IN
Continued from Page 5 creative ground of our “True Self.” The practice of lectio divina also That deep and responsive place where enables us to discover in ourselves God rests within each of us, uniting what yet must be renounced of those A WoWork of Saint Meinrad Arrchabbey us with ourselves, with our neighbor, “spiritual possessions” that inhibit the Contact us to receive a FREE and with God. realization and expression of our True “Catholic Funeral Guide” Self in Christ. The Word of God thus Thus, lectio divina is practical impacts the whole of our lives as we training in spiritual poverty. By learn to “read” and respond to each continually returning the distracted situation from our deep and simple attention back to the “silence” of the center in Christ! Word, we learn to be centered on Christ, and thus more receptive and Fr. Adrian Burke, OSB, monk responsive to the “demands of Saint Meinrad Archabbey 800.987.7380 charity” (God’s will) encountered in www.w.abbeycaskets..com every moment of the day.
9 Oblate News Summer 2021.qxp_Benedictine Oblate-Winter 05 6/21/21 8:18 AM Page 10
Spiritual Direction: Doorways to Deeper Faith
At a 12-step ordinary people seeking God. When in spades, dedicating an entire chapter program, we seek God, God finds us. Standing to humility and suggesting 12 steps someone shared: aside God’s glory, the only reasonable (RB:7). Meekness is not weakness. It “When I was a response is to realize my spiritual is not a victim mentality. Meekness is kid, I relied only poverty. In this spirit, the Beatitudes tensile strength. It’s a sober assessment on myself show with relentless logic what of the true self (Romans 12:3), seeing because there spiritual poverty looks like: both gifts and limitations. Its was no one at confidence is not having to compare Beverly Weinhold home to help Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is oneself to anyone at all. me. But I’m no the Kingdom of Heaven. longer alone. Now I turn my ‘will and (Matthew 5:1-3) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst
my life over to the care of God as I for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Poor in spirit isn’t about low self- understand God’ (Step 3).” This (Matthew 5:6) esteem or a pittance in my bank cameo captures how I see spiritual account. It’s coming to my knees and Coming full circle, seeing God see us, poverty. It is a soul shift from self- knowing that I don’t have the power we are poor in spirit. Mourning over reliance toward God dependence. No to fix my problems, reconcile my sin, our stance is softened. This longer the captain of my soul, I turn relationships or live out my life. meekness makes us hunger for God’s my life over to the care of God. Theologian Howard Thurman calls justice summed up in this song:
this having one’s “back against the I first heard the term “spiritual wall”1. Sewing fig leaves over My eyes are dry poverty” years ago when my then- shortcomings won’t work, which is My faith is old husband and I were campus ministers why St. Paul cried out, “Wretched My heart is hard at Harvard University. A mentor used man that I am, who will save me from My prayers are cold the term to sum up the Beatitudes, this body of sin” (Romans 7:24). And I know how I ought to be saying, “Happy are the unhappy.” I Alive to You and dead to me struggled with the paradox. But it Blessed are they that mourn, for they But what can be done rang true. will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4) For an old heart like mine
Soften it up Still curious some years later, I taught Seeing ourselves as poor in spirit, it is With oil and wine a women’s Bible study on the only natural to mourn. The mourning The oil is You, Your Spirit of love Beatitudes. Reading them in the mentioned here is less about bereaving Please wash me anew context of the Sermon on the Mount, the loss of a loved one and more With the wine of Your Blood.3 I saw spiritual poverty as a blueprint about the sorrow of repentance.
for Christian character. Godly sorrow begets conversion. Like Summing up, spiritual poverty, like Counterintuitive to the world’s way of the “Man in the Mirror” song2 the Beatitudes, begets blessings. striving for success, status and money, suggests: “I’m starting with the man Beyond happy, the Hebrew Scriptures the Beatitudes invited me to self- in the mirror; I’m asking him to suggest two root words for blessing: insight, humility and riches money change his ways, and no message kneel and pool. It’s a word picture of can’t buy. Like St. Benedict’s could have been any clearer; Take a camels coming home after a hard descending and ascending ladder, the look at yourself, then make a change.” day’s work and kneeling at a pool for way up is down (RB 7:7-8). water and rest. Now that’s a blessing.
Blessed are the meek, for they will The Beatitudes were taught to inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5) Beverly Weinhold, oblate novice followers of Christ. An overarching Louisville, KY theme throughout Scripture is God Being poor in spirit and mourning calling out a people to be holy. Like about it softens our hearts. Humility oblates, Christ’s disciples were makes us meek. St. Benedict saw this
1 Howard Thurman (1976). Jesus and the Disinherited. Beacon: Boston. 2 Glen Ballard and Siedah Garrett (1987). Producers: Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson. 3 Keith Green (1977-1979). © Universal Music Publishing Group.
10 Oblate News Summer 2021.qxp_Benedictine Oblate-Winter 05 6/21/21 8:18 AM Page 11
Considering the Psalms: Psalm 34: Moving beyond our fears I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed. This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, and was saved from every trouble. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him. O fear the Lord, you his holy ones, for those who fear him have no want. The young lions suffer want and hunger, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Which of you desires life, and covets many days to enjoy good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. … The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord rescues them from them all. He keeps all their bones; not one of them will be broken. … The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
—NRSV Bible with the Apocrypha, eBook Kindle Edition, by Harper Bibles
I grew up in the I immediately got a lecture about Living in trepidation and being the pre-Vatican II waiting so long. I repeated, “It was four bearer of consternation to another Church. Fear weeks.” That did not change the tenor opposes the love that God offers. The was a dominant of the scolding. I walked away from psalmist instructs us to look to God as feature when that sacrament for another four years. the one who protects and sustains us. confronting our Poverty of spirit invites us to empty sins and God. I Fear and criticism do not invite ourselves and allow vulnerability so recall many a vulnerability or humility. God can fill us with life and love. Kathleen Polansky “first” Thursday Admonishment does not encourage of the month openness or repentance. To open our The practice of spiritual poverty hoping to not be assigned to the hearts, our wounds, our scabs, our summons us to move beyond the self- Monsignor’s confession line, because transgressions to God, we must know protection that fear instigates and he would shout out your sins for all to that our cry for help will not be enter into a predisposition of self- hear and then berate you for them. turned against us. To have a giving based in love. We can then relationship with God, we first need allow others to approach us without Upon moving and attending a public the experience of God as love. preconceived arguments, biases or high school, I left the Church. College condemnations, and then truly drew me back into a new post-Vatican We are living in a time of immense encounter the mystery of the other. II Catholicism – to a degree. Four fear. Every action, every word, even weeks after returning to the Church every breath one breathes can bring Turning toward God requires a and the sacraments, I was home for massive suffering. Distress and anxiety relationship that is not based in fear of the holidays and went to confession. are reaching levels that destroy trust censure and reprimand, but implores and compassion. People are crying out healing and hope. Psalm 34/33 praises When I announced that it “has been in frustration and anguish. four weeks since my last confession,” Continued on Page 18
11 Oblate News Summer 2021.qxp_Benedictine Oblate-Winter 05 6/21/21 8:18 AM Page 12
A fresh look at the Parable of the Talents When homilies Conventional interpretations lull us hypocrites who will weep and gnash on the Parable of into a complacent attitude that no their teeth! the Talents longer requires engagement. (Matthew 25:14- Predictable, stale approaches render The Parable of the Ten Virgins, or 30) are preached, parables inert and incapable of Bridesmaids, is located just before this likely you’ve provoking a change in our usual ways Gospel passage. Its message, too, is heard a pretty of thinking, thus undermining real about staying awake and remaining standard and lasting conversion. So, I’d like to vigilant. Fr. Adrian Burke interpretation. offer a different take on the Parable of The gist of the the Talents. The segue into this parable is a verse message becomes how we are called by that begins, “For it is as if …,” a Christ to use our gifts and talents, our Context for this Gospel passage is phrase that seems to convey that the inventive creativity, skills, and provided by the unit consisting of Parable of the Talents is meant to proficiencies to build up God’s Matthew’s Chapters 24 and 25. The expound on what Jesus said about kingdom – to increase it, like invested first verse of Chapter 24 has Jesus keeping awake, for we know not the money that grows from interest departing from the temple with his hour, and I would suggest it does so accrued and compounded over time. disciples in tow, and they’re awed by by presenting an image of the cost the beautiful buildings. Jesus startles entailed in “staying awake” – the true I’ve often thought how odd it is to them by telling them that “not one cost of discipleship. represent the Kingdom of God in stone will be left upon another, all will terms of accruing worldly wealth. In be thrown down!” His comment So, what if we didn’t rush to assume another part of the Gospel, Jesus troubles them and they ask him about the standard metaphorical disparages mammon as an idol or false it: “When will this happen?” interpretation that the wealthy slave god, which some people choose to owner was meant to represent God? serve instead of the true God! Just a Jesus addresses the need for staying What if we examined this parable couple chapters earlier in Matthew’s awake, being attentive to the times, from another angle – that of the slave, Gospel, Jesus cast out of God’s and remaining vigilant for “you know who occupies the lowest stratum in a Temple those who were selling and not the hour when the Son of Man is worldly system of wealth-building and buying, making God’s house a coming.” In a sense, Chapters 24 and whose life is lived entirely for the sake marketplace, so it seems odd that, in 25 of Matthew are meant to of his wealthy and privileged owner? this passage from Matthew, he would reinvigorate our vigilance. We still use the image of commercial await the Coming – and we, too, are How can a slave-based caste system “mammon-building” to describe what urged by Jesus to stay awake! evoke Jesus’ paradigm for the Kingdom staying awake for the coming of God’s of God? Given the Exodus story, so Kingdom amounts to! Jesus speaks to them privately. He central to Israel’s identity as God’s warns about false prophets, fake people, I’m not convinced it can. As a seminarian, I took a course at “messiahs” that will come along and Presbyterian Seminary from Rabbi attempt to convince you to follow What if the rich man is not meant by Diamond, an expert in Jewish midrash them. False religious leaders that teach Jesus to represent God? What if he and the parabolic teachings of Jesus. a different Gospel will lead many represents the economically privileged He taught that rabbinic parables astray. Do not believe them! of society, those who dominate usually have more than one possible worldly economic systems where, meaning. One must not domesticate Those who are faithful to Jesus will be usually, the rich get richer and the them by reducing their meaning to found at work when He arrives. But poor, who often have little enough as only one possibility. the one who says, “The Master is it is, wind up even further behind? delayed” and proceeds to abuse the Now I am not saying that the other servants for personal gain will be What if, instead, this is a story about conventional interpretation of today’s severely punished when the Son of being prepared for the coming of the parable is wrong – it has some good Man arrives, cast out of God’s True King by refusing to play the qualities about it – but, nonetheless, household, like money changers from world’s game and investing instead in it’s a bit stale. the Temple, and put with the God’s Kingdom by saying “Enough!”
12 Oblate News Summer 2021.qxp_Benedictine Oblate-Winter 05 6/21/21 8:18 AM Page 13
and having the courage to stand of Chapter 25, makes plausible this The Word of God demands a change against such unjust systems of unconventional interpretation of this of mind and heart and the self- mammon-pursuit? parable. It’s the one about the sheep renunciation required to take up one’s and the goats, which sheds light on cross by disavowing the peace and The personal cost would be great. what it means, in practical terms, to security the world gives and refusing Removing oneself from the pursuit of be a faithful servant “found at work,” to invest ourselves in secular and mammon as a means of securing one’s remaining vigilant and awake at the sacred ideologies. The Gospel future will likely lead to being cast Coming of the Lord. demands that we stand with the least out, judged lazy and worthless by the of our brothers and sisters, ready to masters of such worldly systems. As Feeding the hungry, giving drink to demand from the powerful and the for the slaves in this parable, what the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, privileged, on behalf of the outcast, security they enjoy is an illusion. visiting the incarcerated, caring for the what human dignity requires: respect sick, clothing the naked – that is the and justice. No matter how great the return on the stuff of standing with the outcast and investment, the money was not theirs. the marginalized. If charity is the fuel Once he is “cast out,” the so-called They remain slaves, in bondage to the by which our lamps remain lit, the fire lazy slave is ready for a new Master, system. Their “master” loves them is our opposition to unjust worldly one Who will raise him up with a because they’ve earned it! Their reward systems. Busy and vigilant disciples message of good news and true is rooted in placating the master. find their “peace” secured by Christ freedom – a new life, a new vision, a and in Christ, rather than seeking new humanity! Parables are meant to provoke, and security through worldly means – we the conventional interpretation of the remain in Christ by striving to be And if we, too, are willing to be Parable of the Talents has ceased to be Christ for others. identified with Christ-among-the-least, provocative. If anything, the usual who, though cast out by the world, are interpretation comes dangerously close Jesus doesn’t demand destitution. He known by God as his very children, to giving religious sanction to worldly said we must remain in the world, but then we might discover what true patterns of competition over-against be not of the world. But that’s the rub freedom means as those welcomed into others. – too often, from a desire to secure his wedding banquet when the Son of one’s life in the world, we become Man comes in glory. Now that is a Perhaps more crucially, the more entrenched in worldly ways of community in which to belong. conventional interpretation shields us thinking and acting. Too often, we a bit from the demands of the Gospel: invest in worldly ideologies and Fr. Adrian Burke, OSB the self-renunciation required for identify with a particular party or in- Saint Meinrad Archabbey disciples who wish to follow Jesus into group rather than the Gospel of Jesus a new world order, by taking up the Christ. cross and following Him who was cast out and crucified. Too often, we act as if our salvation is found in worldly systems of Perhaps through a less conventional economics and politics. Too often, AWWoork off Saint Meinrraad Archabbey interpretation, Jesus is saying that, to Christians have sown division and NEW CACARENOTETE be open and receptive to the coming discord, scattering what Jesus came to Kingdom, and thus ready to welcome gather. ByBy Diane Pharroo SCN, , Dirreector of the t Ser aentg ClinounseC aentg t Ser aint MMeinrarad. the Bridegroom, we must withdraw ToTo le morar e cn all 800.325.2511 our investment in worldly systems of “The truly great problem,” wrote or visit www ar.c teeno s .om.c certitude, the in-group ideologies that Thomas Merton, “is the salvation of anchor us in a false sense of security. those who, being good, think they We will need faith to be brave enough have no further need to be saved and to stand with those lorded over by the imagine their task is to make others privileged, whose resources allow them ‘good’ like themselves!” Every in- to work the system and “reap where group, every political party, every they do not sow.” church thinks they are the standard for what is true and good – but belief The third and final parable in this in our own “goodness” may, in fact, unit of Matthew’s Gospel, at the end be the greatest threat to our salvation.
13 Oblate News Summer 2021.qxp_Benedictine Oblate-Winter 05 6/21/21 8:18 AM Page 14
Prayer to St. Euphrosynos of Alexandria O Holy Father Euphrosynos, thou Mother, depicted in iconic imagery otherworldly beauty; responded to the began life’s journey poor, obscure and upon the walls; with whom in venerable. “I am Lord of this nameless; drifting among the lands, enraptured mysticism pondered the paradise,” you said, “Lord over seeking the spiritual simplicity of spiritual reality of the wall-adorned everything you see here”; and then, in God’s love. With saints and angels images, eternally alive and shining entreaty, gave the father priest a watching over you, thou was led by reflectively in the candlelight, branch of apples, picked from the the Spirit to monastic life, as a cook in experienced an other-worldly radiance, garden. O Gardener of the virtuous the lowest of regard; toiling day and returning your gaze with Godly life, till into our souls’ furrows, the night, in the mundane; scoffed at and friendship and love, allowing the radiant pure peace of the Lord’s love disregarded by your brother monks, enjoyment of sublime peace and and grace. not unlike Righteous Joseph with his serene happiness of Heaven on earth. brothers. O Master of Edible Delights, once the O living icon of God’s radiant beauty, manifested revelation of the dream Thou received their rebukes humbly knead into the dough of our pliable was made known, and with the and patiently, serene and unruffled, hearts, the image, once lost, the subsequent renown of your emanating the truth of your name’s likeness of the Only Begotten. miraculous nature and virtue, O meaning, “He of the cheerful soul,” Father Euphrosynos, you left the modeling Christ’s humility, at the feet O perennial Feeder of the Hungry, cenobium for the wilderness of of the monks in prostration, seeking whose brother monks in the solitary desert, in anonymity, living blessing from all, otherwise, monastery never failed to laugh and out your days in the Heaven’s dream detractors. O most holy banquet of scoff at bumbling ways, seeing a of the old saintly priest; show us the humility, teach us the recipes of this dullard, fit only to be a cook; who was way of the desert’s purifying fire of divine virtue. seen by the elderly and venerable perfected life. hieromonk, in a longed-for answered Father Euphrosynos, sanctified dream, a vision of Heaven’s Paradise, Pray for us to be granted the virtues embodiment of humble virtue, who as the gardener of an angelic abode of you attained, through humble service after laboring in the daily menial delights; feed our dreams the sublime of feeding the hungry, both in body kitchen duties assigned, and in the delicacies of God’s holy pleasure. and soul. Amen. lengthy prayer services of monastic life, spent your nights in the wonder Most Holy Father of simplicity and Kevin Maloney, oblate and quiet solitude within the church, serenity, who answered the priest in Louisville, KY among the beauty of the saints and wondered confusion as to why the prophets, the Lord and His most holy cook-monk was in this abode of such
Continued from Page 4 pondered for years while the desire (Hebrews 10:36). I believe oblation is oblate. This recent pandemic drives grew in intensity. Currently, I live something God has called me to, home those two virtues. hours from the monastery. Would though I must wait for it. Patience, oblation be workable? Through prayer not being one of my virtues, makes Of course, if my only hardship during and communication with Janis, I this rather tough. Perhaps God is this pandemic is a delayed oblation, decided yes. using this COVID experience to help then I have no right to complain. me grow in patience. Death, misery and anguish have been So here I am, an oblate in waiting. the plight of too many people during The second passage: “And let all this. I have simply been challenged Two passages from Scripture have perseverance be perfect, so that you to learn to endure and persevere. sustained me. may be…complete and lacking in nothing” (James 1:4). Endurance and Mark Plaiss, oblate novice “You need endurance to do the will of perseverance are key to the Christian Fox Lake, IL God and receive what he promised” life, whether one is a monk or an
14 Oblate News Summer 2021.qxp_Benedictine Oblate-Winter 05 6/21/21 8:18 AM Page 15
Candidate feels drawn to the oblate life I wanted to share an experience I had lived a very stringent life as a is to follow Him and please Him, just recently regarding my adherence to Benedictine monk, even founding his as it was on St. Benedict’s heart and the Rule and desire to join the Order own sub-order. Through him, I on the heart of St. Celestine V. of St. Benedict. learned more about St. Benedict and his life of devotion, and I was drawn I wish to be an encouragement, and to On February 7, I was looking through with a desire to become an oblate. continue seeking our Lord, and living drawers of various paraphernalia I’d for Jesus every day. He is worthy of collected over the years. I did so to What do I mean in sharing all of this? no less than our complete and total find my crucifix necklace, purchased It’s because I believe that I have been devotion to Him, for all that He has several years ago. As I pulled it out to led to this order. Ever since I received done for us. And wherever you are, in wear on the Lord’s Day, as a reminder Christ into my heart, trusting in Him whatever you do, live for Him so that of what my Lord endured as the for my salvation (cf. Ephesians 13), I this fallen, sinful world may see the penalty for our sins, I looked at the have sought a deeper, fuller and richer love of our Risen Lord, and be drawn crucifix more carefully and made a walk with Him. I believe becoming an by the working of his Holy Spirit to remarkable discovery. It is a St. oblate is a way of entering that deeper enter that beautiful, loving Benedict Crucifix. walk with the Lord, inviting me to relationship that we enjoy with Him remain contemplative by keeping my today.
What is remarkable is that I did not heart and mind focused upon Him. know about the Order of St. Benedict Jeffrey Kern, candidate when I purchased the crucifix. I only As I draw near to Him, He will draw Canyon Country, CA learned about the order while near to me (James 4:8), for He desires researching Pope St. Celestine V, who to sup with me, and my heart’s desire
15 Oblate News Summer 2021.qxp_Benedictine Oblate-Winter 05 6/21/21 8:18 AM Page 16
Remembrance of Tom Rillo
Every morning before they went to work, I would join them for breakfast in the Guest House dining room. They shared and laughed about family stories and, at the same time, we discussed topics of spiritual growth. They loved their children and kept me informed of their lives.
Tom said to me, “I love your stories,” and he always wanted me to share more with them. This was kind of him to do this. Then I would say, “It’s time for work!”
They knew that I liked chocolates and one time when they came to work on the newsletter, they presented me with In this 2012 photo, Fr. Meinrad Brune, OSB, talks with Tom Rillo. a five-pound box of Whitman’s chocolates.
Tom Rillo – a tall man, a wide smile, on Benedictine topics, interviews with The oblate community provided a a faithful and loving husband to his monks and oblates, and text for rhythm of prayer in their daily lives, wife Joan, and a conscientious various pamphlets. He loved to write, by praying the Liturgy of the Hours. Benedictine Oblate of Saint Meinrad and he was good. Joan did the editing, When I would stay overnight with Archabbey and the Oblate correcting and telling her husband to them, we prayed the Hours together. Community. Tom passed away on cut the words and make it shorter. He They found in this rhythm the May 25, 2021, in Bloomington, IN. would listen to Joan. He and Joan heartbeat of Benedictine monastic worked on the newsletter until 2017. spirituality. Being an oblate Tom made his oblation on May 15, strengthened Tom in soul and spirit. 1999. Archabbot Lambert Reilly, They would come to Saint Meinrad He gained a love of praying the OSB, received his oblation. Tom took quarterly to create the newsletter and psalms in the Liturgy of the Hours. Augustine as his oblate name. He stay about a week to complete a draft
mentioned that he was interested in copy of the newsletter, which was Their prayer life together became the the oblate way of life because it then sent to the Communications center of their lives and connected emphasized personal and meaningful Office at Saint Meinrad. them more closely with God. prayer and close ties to the monks.
When they were on the hill, they I rejoice, above all, in my Christian Tom and his wife Joan were active in would join the monks for the Liturgy conviction that at this moment – the Bloomington Oblate Chapter and of the Hours and Mass. For these 15 Tom with Joan is more thrillingly attended retreats and other spiritual years, the two of them would write alive and at peace than he has ever programs at the Archabbey. Then in and assemble the Benedictine Oblate been. For that conviction and belief, I 2003 he offered his creative writing Newsletter. They were the mainstay rejoice! skill to Fr. Meinrad Brune, OSB, the and the major players in bringing the oblate director at that time. Tom and issues together. Fr. Meinrad Brune, OSB, monk Joan began to assist him in writing, Saint Meinrad Archabbey editing and assembling the oblate During their years of traveling to newsletter. Saint Meinrad, there were some personal and pleasant things that Tom did the writings: Point to Ponder brought joy to me. Tom’s wide smile from the Rule, book reviews, articles was a delight to see and experience.
16 Oblate News Summer 2021.qxp_Benedictine Oblate-Winter 05 6/21/21 8:18 AM Page 17
In Honor of our Deceased Oblates The Saint Meinrad Oblate Office has wanted to find a way to honor our deceased oblates here at Saint Meinrad. Just as the memory of the deceased monks of the monastery continues to influence the lives of the monastic community, the oblates will always hold a place of honor on this Holy Hill. Br. Martin Erspamer, OSB, is designing a shrine for the sanctuary of the Saint Meinrad Guest House Chapel, which will house a book listing the names of all deceased oblates of Saint Meinrad. Each year, in a special ritual, we will add to the book the names of oblates who have died in the past year. We invite you to participate in making this tribute of love and respect a reality. To raise funds for the shrine, we are selling a limited edition set of Christmas cards. Each set of 12 quality cards features three different angels from the artwork collection of Br. Martin. Only 250 sets will be printed. Each set will cost $25, plus $8 for shipping and handling. Beginning September 1, please visit www.saintmeinrad.org/oblates to purchase your set and be part of this important project for our Oblate Community. Additional donations for this project are also welcomed. 17 Oblate News Summer 2021.qxp_Benedictine Oblate-Winter 05 6/21/21 8:18 AM Page 18
The Oblate Toolbox Aging brings spiritual poverty to forefront
“These, then, are the tools of the spiritual craft … the workshop where we are to toil faithfully at all these tasks is the enclosure of the monastery and stability in the community.” – Rule of St. Benedict 4:75, 78
What does it Over the past seven or eight years, my acquire possessions mean to be poor mother has experienced a series of and wall itself off from the needs of in spirit, and falls, minor strokes and other frailties others. how can we of old age. In early 2018, my brother cultivate this and sister-in-law opened their home Sometimes we don’t come up with beatitude? to her and are her full-time caregivers. the proper tools to pursue the This big change required her to spiritual life; God provides those This past reduce her possessions to the bare through the circumstances we face. December, my minimum. She no longer needs an Angie McDonald mother extensive wardrobe, a well-stocked For my mother, aging has been that celebrated her 90th birthday. In kitchen or space for entertaining tool to bring her spiritual poverty to recent years, I have watched as she has guests. So much has dropped away. the forefront. This Scripture is faced a steady decline in her abilities. particularly poignant to me in these A licensed marriage, family and child And yet, my mother’s essence has not waning days of my mother’s counselor, my mother was still seeing waned, but only sharpened. She is incredible life: “Therefore, we are not clients in her early 80s and living a quiet these days, but she doesn’t really discouraged; rather, although our fully independent life. need a lot of activity. She is content outer self is wasting away, our inner to read, listen, and just sit and watch self is being renewed day by day” (2 Before that, she had served tirelessly as the wind in the trees. Corinthians 4:16). an advocate for homeless families in a couple of nonprofit agencies. Her I would say my mother is solidly Angie McDonald, oblate home was always a haven for us, planted in the sphere of spiritual Huntingburg, IN where we shared innumerable family poverty. She lives it daily, in stark celebrations of life, holidays and contrast to the frenetic pace of the special occasions. Those times have world and its insatiable need to changed, and not in a small way.
Continued from Page 11
God for deliverance from distress and Practicing spiritual poverty will nullify turmoil. The psalmist in poverty cried our fear. It takes love and trust to Online Store to God and God answered. empty oneself and be free to accept God’s will and purpose for life and to Visit the Scholar Shop’s online store The psalmist teaches that God will ask: where in my life must I decrease hear those who genuinely live with so that God may increase? http://store.saintmeinrad.edu integrity, especially those in greatest need, those who are brokenhearted Kathleen Polansky, oblate Shop our website for and crushed in spirit. Once this is New Salisbury, IN the latest books from known, committing ourselves to the Saint Meinrad authors, will of God is an act of love and not clothing and other items. of trembling panic.
18 Oblate News Summer 2021.qxp_Benedictine Oblate-Winter 05 6/21/21 8:18 AM Page 19
Oblate News
DEATHS John Obst of Georgetown, TX, died on May 27, 2019. We want you and your articles! Benedictine Oblate Quarterly invites oblates and oblate novices to Arnul F. Esterer of Conneaut, OH, died on October 28, 2020. submit news and information about your chapter, write an article about your Benedictine journey, submit a book review for the Reading Richard Peters of Lowell, IN, died on Room column, or send in photos of you or your chapter engaged in February 19, 2021. oblate activities. Thomas Turner of Columbus, OH, died on February 23, 2021. All submissions must include your name, city and state, and an explanation of how it connects to the theme. Submissions will be Thomas Rillo of Bloomington, IN, edited and published as they fit the theme or need of the quarterly. died on May 25, 2021. ◆ A maximum of 500 words is suggested for all submitted articles.
VOLUNTEERS APPRECIATED Please send all submissions to Kathleen Polansky at [email protected]. Recent volunteers in the Oblate Office were Fr. Mateo Zamora, OSB, Br. Upcoming themes and submission dates: Michael Reyes, OSB, Nov. Benjamin Ziegler, OSB, Nov. Matthew Morris, Fall 2021 – Forgiveness (Final date of submission August 1) OSB, Nov. Connor Zink, OSB, and Winter 2022 – Perfection (Final date of submission November 1) Darren Sroufe, PhD. ◆ Darren Sroufe receives state award Darren Sroufe, Addie Maddox was born January This award is presented annually, at an oblate of 29, 1884. Her father Thomas the State Conference, to the Newburgh, IN, Maddox was town marshal in brother or sister who best received the Nortonville, Kentucky. Later, he exemplifies, as Sister Addie Maddox Addie Maddox moved to Hopkinsville, Kentucky did, the following traits:
Award from the and to Evansville, Indiana. 1. Devotion to duty Indiana Fraternal Order Addie joined the Evansville Police 2. Love of the fraternalism Darren Sroufe of Police Lodge Department on January 6, 1921. 3. Sincerity of purpose on June 9th at She was forced off the department 4. Concern for the well-being of the 86th Annual State Conference. on January 1, 1935, but was all fellow officers returned five and a half years later Darren was nominated and selected on July 12, 1940. In 1959, at the The Addie Maddox Award was as the recipient from among some age of 65, with 33 years of service started in 1971 by National and 15,000 members of the Indiana to her credit, Addie Maddox retired. State Past President, Robert Pat Fraternal Order of Police Lodge, to Stark. whom Darren has served as State She was a charter member of Chaplain for the past 25 years. Evansville Lodge No. 73, and The Addie Maddox Award is as attended every conference and local follows: lodge meeting until her health prevented it.
19 Oblate News Summer 2021.qxp_Benedictine Oblate-Winter 05 6/21/21 8:18 AM Page 20
Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE QUARTERLY PAID Permit #3 St. Meinrad, IN 200 Hill Drive St. Meinrad, IN 47577
Return service requested
Reading Room The Benedictine Gift to Music by Katharine Le Mée; venturing into a speculative association of the structure of Paulist Press, 2003. the Mass with the musical octave.
First, a tip of the hat to the author! In “Skilled Benedictine Musicians” are Hildegard of Bingen, Writing on such a subject could whose work was too long neglected; Guido d’Arezzo; and easily run to a multi-volume treatise; the labors of the Abbey of Solesmes in research and yet Le Mée manages a credible survey publication of chant. in just over 200 pages. Her writing is clear; examples are well chosen; the “Our Lady and Her Music” covers much of the Marian layout is attractive. musical tradition, and “The Elaboration and Vertical Expansion of Chant” traces the development of polyphony The approach is a series of essays from its roots into the Renaissance and later periods. connected by their relation to the Benedictine ethos: “The Foundations,” an outline of the Notes, which are extensive, and Resources for Further Study musical implications of the Rule of St. Benedict and are included. commentary of early Benedictine luminaries; “Opus Dei and the Liturgical Year,” a concise look at the structure of George Hubbard, oblate the Divine Office; “Gregorian Chant and the Mass,” St. Meinrad, IN