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Home , Book of Wisdom, Psalm 101, Psalm 132, Psalm 144, Psalm 18, Psalm 21

Oblates Newsletter for Oblates of the Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, Indiana

July 2012

First of all, every time you begin a good work, you must pray to God most earnestly to bring it to perfection…. what “is not possible to us by nature, let us ask the Royal Holy One to supply by By Sister Michelle Mohr the help of grace. In his book, “Praying the Psalms,” Walter Bruggemann poses two considerations when we pray the psalms. The first —Rule of St. Benedict Prologue 4, 41 consideration is: What do we find in the psalms that is already there, and the second is: What do we bring to the psalms out of our own lives. The royal psalms, our topic today, are categorized according to their subject matter of kingship. Specifically the royal psalms A recipe for success deal with the spiritual role of kings in the worship of God. “Begin with a prayer, The Royal Psalms live and work in God’s , Psalm 18, , Psalm 21, Psalm 45, Psalm 72, Psalm 101, Psalm 110, Psalm 132, Psalm 144 presence, His” grace will strengthen you, and God Each of these psalms makes explicit references to the subject, the king. Although will be glorified in all it is possible that other psalms which do not mention the king directly, may have things.” been written for royalty, e. g. , they are not labeled royal psalms.

In the book of Samuel we have the account of the people going to Samuel and demanding him to appoint a king to rule over them. Samuel was getting older and was handing the power of the Judge over to his sons. However, the sons did not follow in the ways of their father but “turned Monastery Immaculate Conception aside after gain; they took bribes and perverted justice.” (I Samuel 8:3) After 802 E. 10th Street much prayer from Samuel’s lips and much grumbling from the people, God told Ferdinand, Indiana 47532-9239 Samuel: “Listen to their voice and set a king over them.” (I Samuel 8:22) 812-367-1411, ext. 2827/2829 www.thedome.org/oblates [email protected] Continued on page 2. Oblates Newsletter Page 2

Who were these kings? Some are more familiar to us than Psalm 72, vs. 1-3, 12-19 others because of the readings at Liturgy. O God, endow the King with your judgment, the royal son Some kings were good, some bad, and some labeled the with your saving justice, to govern your people with fairness, worst by historians. Saul was anointed by Samuel as the first and bring justice to the poor. king of Israel. The successor to Saul was of whom May the mountains yield peace for the people, and the hills we know from various stories. King David created a bring forth justice. The poor will be saved from distress, and strong, unified monarchy, defeating enemies and creating the needy who are helpless. There will be compassion for the secure boundaries for the people. The follower to David’s weak, protection for the lives of the poor. The oppressed will reign as king was , known for his great gift of be saved from the violence, for their blood is precious. . Solomon’s rule was noted as a period of peace and Long life to your anointed one, to whom gold from prosperity. Roboam, Solomon’s son, taxed the people heavily Sheba is given, in whose name will be unceasing prayer, and and created impossible burdens for the people. Some people blessings invoked at all times. rebelled and the country was split into two kingdoms. May grain be abundant in the land, waving on the tops of The adage, “God’s ways are not our ways,” certainly holds the hills, crops rich and fruitful, as in Lebanon. May those true in the case of kingship in Israel. The people desired who live in the cities, flourish like grass on the earth. someone who could protect their nation, keep them safe and May the anointed one reign forever, and endure as long as prosperous. They wanted to be like other nations while God the sun. May all people be blest in that name, and all nations seemed to be choosing and someone who would proclaim these blessings. be God’s representative, a leader and model in living the O God of Israel, may you be blest; you alone do wondrous covenant. things. Blest forever be your glorious Name! Let your glory fill The royal psalms bring before our attention the image of the earth! Amen. Amen. Israel’s king, the image of a ruler chosen and blessed by God, on whose behalf they pray for peace, and who knows himself The royal psalms have preserved for us the highlights of to be strengthened by the divine promises. In these psalms the religious and national experience of Israel, bringing us we read how the people regarded the kingship as being a songs in which a strong faith is alive in God’s presence among religious vocation and responsibility. Being the elected of the people in the figure of the king. The liturgical aspect of God, the king enjoys the special favour of God, and is to give these songs is concerned with the Israelite king as he reigned a tangible shape to and realize the union of God with God’s on earth. One who is praised and extolled on the day of his people. accession to the throne, on the day of his wedding feast, and Psalm 2, vs. 1-3 on the day of his going forth to battle. Why are the nations in an uproar; why do peoples murmur Psalm 45 in vain? The rulers of the land plot rebellion; against God My heart overflows with noble words; to the king I address and the Anointed One they say: my song; my tongue is ready like the pen of a scribe. “Let us free ourselves from their yoke; let us break the You surpass others in beauty; your words are endowed with cords that bind us.” Enthroned in heaven, God is laughing grace; you are blessed by God forever. and derides their evil plans, then God speaks to them in Great warrior, in majesty and glory, ride forth with your anger, with words that fill them with terror: “I myself have sword and conquer, for the cause of justice and truth. God anointed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” chose you from among your companions and anointed you with the oil of gladness; your robes are fragrant with aloes and myrrh. In ivory palaces, stringed music brings you joy; royal daughters are attendants in your court. On your right stands the queen in gold of Ophir. Clothed in splendor, she is led to the king, with maiden companions in her train. They follow with joy and exultation as she enters the royal palace.

However, the rest of the story indicates that the royalty of Israel fell in ruins. The kings proved faithless to their mission as representatives of God by taking to themselves the powers , Page 3 July 2012 that belonged to God who had my refuge, my shield in whom endowed the kings. They forgot I trust; you put nations under their call and were not mindful my power. of their mission. Psalm 21 As I pondered the various Your power, God, rejoices authors regarding psalmody, your anointed one, who is glad together with various Old because of your salvation, Testament passages viewing the whose heart’s desires you have desire of the people for a king, granted, whose prayer you did as well as their joy and elation at not refuse. the presence and the actions of Whom you met with the the king, I was aware of my own feelings and attitudes about blessings of good things, on whose head you set a crown of our national leaders of today. I get excited and hopeful when I pure gold, who asked you for life and received it, length of see a candidate who has the welfare of all the people in mind, days forever and ever. a person who radiates hope, justice, and peace. However, our Whose honor is great with your saving help, with the leaders are human and also are affected by greed, power, and majesty and splendor you bestowed, with blessings that will egocentric motives. last forever, and gladness with the joy of your presence. We have reflected on the psalms from the standpoint of Those who trust in you will never be shaken, because of what they are and what they contain. Do these majestic your loving kindness, O God. Your hand will reach all your psalms have a place in the life of Christians today? What enemies, your right hand will find those who hate you. Like about the consideration placed before us by Bruggeman who an oven of fire, at your appearing, they will be consumed asks: “What do we bring to the psalms out of our own lives?” by your wrath. Their osterity on earth will disappear; their He suggests that what we bring to the in order to pray malicious plans will never succeed. is a candid openness to the extremities in our own lives and In your strength, O God, be exalted; we shall sing and in the lives of our companions. This stance recognizes the praise your power. depths of despair and death as well as the utter joy and sheer gift of all of life. In praying the psalms we say the words but Perhaps, our call is to continue praying these psalms we need to let our minds and hearts grasp a deeper meaning. for our leaders while reminding ourselves that God is our It is important to spend quiet time, alone time with the true and faithful leader. God is the one we are to follow psalms letting the Spirit open these words with new meaning unreservedly and praise wholeheartedly. and understanding. The more we pray the psalms the more we discover Psalm 20 nuances that touch us personally. The royal psalms indicate May God hear you in the day of trouble. May the name the call of the king to be a sign of God’s presence among of Jacob’s God protect you, may God send you help from the the people as well as showing us attributes of a ruler and the sanctuary and give you support from Zion. relationship with the people. We, too, are called to be God’s May God remember all your offerings and look with favor presence among the people. We have been anointed through upon your sacrifice. May God fulfill your heart’s desire and Baptism and Confirmation so too it can be said of us in the give success to all your plans. words of Psalm 45, “God chose you and anointed you with May we shout for joy at your victory and triumph in the the oil of gladness.” name of our God. May the Most High answer your prayers. Psalm 72 invites us to act with fairness, justice and Now, O God, I know for certain that you come to the aid of peace. We are to save those in distress, help the needy, your anointed, that you answer from your holy heaven, with have compassion for the weak and save the oppressed from saving deeds of your right hand. violence. Furthermore, we are to honor all as precious. Some trust in chariots or horses, but our trust is in your Today we have reflected on various aspects of the royal Name. They will collapse and fall down but we shall rise and psalms. I believe that studying any aspect of a psalm or stand firm. group of psalms broadens our knowledge and understanding Send your saving help, O God; give answer when we call. of all the psalmody. I encourage each of us to pray with the Psalm 144, vs. 1-2 psalms or parts of a psalm letting your imagination and the Blessed be God, my rock, who prepares me for battle, who inspiration of the Spirit to walk with you and to guide you. trains my hands for war. God, you are my strength, my fortress, my stronghold and “Praying the Psalms,” Walter Brueggemann, Copyright 1982 by Saint Mary’s Press, Terrace Heights, Winona, Minnesota 55987, pg. 27. Oblates Newsletter Page 4

Wisdom Literature / Wisdom Psalms By Sister Mary Victor Kercher In our study of the psalms we have (Ch.6 v 20f) be its fulfillment. found prayers of praise, thanksgiving, in the Bible came Law was not to lament, and royalty in relation to one’s from a movement among the Oriental constrict, but to relationship to God and others, in people in order to gather, preserve liberate. dealing with the ups and downs and and express in concise language the In the psalms, in-betweens of life. results of human experience as a way law has a wide We surely want to be known as to understand and solve the problems meaning. It includes all of God’s people of wisdom. Wisdom is a gift of life. The wisdom literature was revelation, or God’s word. A restricted each one of us wants to have, to rather a matter of good judgment and sense of law is found in the first five develop. We can say that wisdom is practical reflection of good conduct in books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, the art of learning about how to be affairs of life and behavior in life. Those Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. These a person who is successful in life, the who cultivated wisdom were known as books, called the Pentateuch, are also search for meaning in life, and the sages or learned wise men, skilled in known as the “Law” or “.” mastery of life as we know it from government, served as counselors to Wisdom Psalms are included in the experience and faith. It includes rulers, and instructors to the people. category Didactic psalms, or teaching exploring the unknown and problems They reflected on the human experiences psalms. These psalms often use the of life... sickness, suffering, and death, and guided the people to understand term law in some aspect of the teaching to discern the inner qualities and and resolve basic problems and preserve concerning the relationship of the relationships, to have insight, and good unity and peace and good will. The creature to the Creator. sense in resolving problems. Today we result of this reflection was wisdom, Law (knowing God’s will) is not a want to talk about this gift and what as knowledge of the real values in life. burden, love is the fulfillment of the law the psalms teach us about Wisdom. These formularies or teachings from oral (God’s will). Wisdom concerns itself Wisdom literature in the Bible is not traditions made their way into the Old with the problems of life, origin, destiny, exclusive to the Psalms. The Book of Testament as Wisdom literature. search for happiness, suffering, of good Job, Proverbs, , the Song of In Israel the movement toward and evil conduct, death, and the state Songs (Solomon), the Book of Wisdom, Wisdom was identified with God’s will after death. the Book of (Ecclesiasticus), and His purpose for mankind. Wisdom psalms also address the as well as the Psalms are included in The people of Israel identified thorny problem of retribution. The the category of Wisdom Literature in wisdom with God’s Law. They equated psalmists did not enjoy the full insights Scripture. wisdom with the Law, which for them of the revelation. In the Chapter was the embodiment of God’s will. Just However, they did teach that the good 9, v.1ff,. we read “Wisdom has built a word about “LAW.” The Hebrew are rewarded and the wicked punished. her house...” The chapter continues word “Torah” is used to designate law. It However, often the just suffered while with the invitation to enter and eat at means “instruction.” Law and legalism the evil prospered. Their response to her table and describes two types of do not have the similar connotations this problem was the assurance that persons who may in the Old God would intervene at some time and respond. Chapter Testament. ultimately evil would be punished. six of the Book of Law was not We can say that the Wisdom psalms Wisdom strongly to be taken as deal with life’s mysteries, teaching the encourages us: a burden, but congregation about itself and God. To “the desire for rather a cause name some of the wisdom psalms, I Wisdom leads up for rejoicing. signal out Psalms 1, 32, 34, 37, 49, 73, to a kingdom... Law is not just 91, 112, 119, 127, 128, 133, 139, 150. honor wisdom a code to be The following psalms were printed on the that you may obeyed, and handout. The comments that follow are reign forever.” love was to just a beginning of wisdom reflected in Page 5 July 2012

here and the rewards of those who are faithful and generous in our love of God’s will, God’s law.

A SUGGESTION FOR FURTHER STUDY. Check out the other psalms, especially Psalm 119. It is the longest psalm. Psalm 119 is made up of 22 sections. Each section has 8 verses, making a total of 176 verses. The psalm is one of praise of God’s law. The psalmist uses eight synonyms: life and behavior and the rewards for protection. Declare your trust in the law, statutes, commands, ordinances, the faithful. Lord: He will free you from the snare decrees, precepts, word and promise. — Two ways of living. True of the hunter, from pestilence, shelter Keep in mind that LAW is not always happiness. you like a nesting bird, protect you as a to be taken as a burden, but rather as a “Happy the wise person, who takes shield. No harm will come to you. That reason to rejoice. Law was understood delight in God’s law…like a tree is just a few, gentle ways that God will as God’s will. Love is the fulfillment of planted beside flowing water.” protect you. God’s will, God’s love. Wisdom builds a “Not so the wicked…like winnowed God reminds us, “You are bound to house and leads to a kingdom. chaff…no room among those who are me in love so I will save you, protect you, just.” when you call I will answer.” N.B. Psalm 1 is a good introduction. Psalm 112 — The blessings of the It outlines the good and evil choices just. A special list of the affirmations possible and the consequences of praising the virtue of the God-fearing, each. The remaining psalms remind just person. Could we say that the just us of challenges, successes, setbacks, person acts as God acts? Note that Pray for the deceased relatives advances, the present and our need “generosity” is included in praising the of Sisters and Oblates: to rely on God, His mercy, His just. Generosity in the original Hebrew forgiveness, the rewards of fidelity and means “Justice” and later acquired the Sister Martha Marie Tempel good works, and God’s loving presence meaning of “liberality, alms-giving.” Betty Becker, mother of Sister in good and not so good experiences in Psalm 128 — The happy home of the Jane Becker life. A note on comes later. just. A Song celebrating the blessings of Psalm 32 — The joy of being family life. Count the blessings of one Clarence Rexing, father of forgiven. We have our faults, our sins. who fears God and follows the way of Sister Rose Mary Rexing Happy those who admit their offense, the Lord. Magdalen Weinzapfel, mother for sin is blotted out. The blessedness — The blessings of unity. of Sister Agnes Weinzapfel of being forgiven. God says, “I will How good it is when people dwell as Katie Dewig, sister of Sister show you the way, I will keep my eye one, in unity. Just as incense, a sweet Marilyn Market on you... Don’t be without reason, fragrance, pleases us, so God is pleased Vici Trapp, daughter of Oblate don’t be like the horse or mule.” when God’s people gather in unity. Phyllis Claycamp Psalm 49 — The vanity of worldly Psalm 150 — A final song of praise. Gertrude Dippel, mother riches. Wealth cannot save anyone We begin in Psalm 1 with a description of Sister Jennifer Dippel from death, for the good there is hope of the two types of people. The closing (deceased) and Oblate Jackie for blessedness after death. Don’t envy psalm is one grand hymn of praise and Richards and mother-in-law of the unjust rich who die and leave their thanks for the wonder of God and His Oblate David Richards wealth. God will save the just. attention to mankind through the ups Linda Dimon, daughter of Psalm 91 — Security under God’s and downs and in-betweens of our life Oblate Pat Dimon Oblates Newsletter Page 6

Calendar of Oblate Meetings Oblate Birthdays August 2012 – May 2013 August The Sisters of St. Benedict welcome Oblate Meeting — 1 p.m. Eastern Oblates, Oblate Candidates, and 1—Paulette Campana, 4—Sister Kathy Inquirers (individuals with interest in N.B. The meeting is an opportunity to welcome the new Oblates. The Bilskie, 5—Olivia membership in the Oblate community). new Oblates and as many Oblates as Adler, 9—Craig Oblate meetings are scheduled for 1 possible will be part of a special Oblate Howerton, 10—Evelyn p.m. Eastern time in St. Gertrude Hall. community project. During the May Berube, 14—Valerie Morning Prayer —10 a.m. meeting of the Oblate Advisory Board Scott, 18—Dolores Mass — 10:30 a.m. the project was discussed. Before moving Webber, 19—Mary Meal — after Mass in the monastery ahead the Advisory Board determined Agnes Willegal, 20—Mary Etta Kiefer, dining room that all Oblates be aware of the project. 21—Judy Luebbehusen, 23—Carolyn Reservations for the meal are made to the During the meeting details of the Kohler, 27—Theresa Walker, 29— Oblate office by Tuesday before the Oblate project will be explained. Your ideas and Pauletta Adler Jeter meeting. wisdom will be helpful in helping the project move forward as a benefit for the September Oblate Community of the Sisters of St. August 19, 2012 2—Lee Garrity, 6—Barbara Nonte, Benedict, Ferdinand, Indiana. 8—Christy Dumont, 9—June Goforth Oblates all together for fun, food, and November/December 2012 and Brenda Padgett, 12—Victor Begle, friendship. Special time — 11:45 a.m. 15—Gloria Hasler, 18—Jane Ann Eastern (See reservation sheet.) Opportunities for Oblate volunteer service Breen, 25—Shirley Azure and Sheila with the sisters during monastery events Walker, 26—Mary Metz, 30—Gary September 23, 2012 are available. An occasion to get to know Adler Reception of Oblate Candidates 1 p.m. the sisters and share in some of the Eastern ministries of the Benedictine Sisters in October Ferdinand, Indiana. Presentation: , the 1—Mary Thale and Sharon Bittner, History, the Why for celebrating the January 20, 2013 5—Martha Hester and Rose Wilkie, 7— Schmitt, 11—Derrick Liturgy of the Hours, the Development of The Liturgy of the Hours: Monastic the Liturgy of the Hours. Dixon, Clarice Kroll, Katherine Practice / Roman Practice. Tennis, and Donella Vondrak, 19— Presentations will be made by Sister Rev. Gerald McCarthy, 22—Madeline Anita Louise and members of the liturgy February 17, 2013 Keplin, 23—Frank Keller, 31— team. The History of the Liturgy of the Hours Adelaide Trapp of the Sisters of St. Benedict, Ferdinand, October 21, 2012 Indiana Oblation Day — Ritual for Oblation and renewal of Oblation during Sunday March 17, 2013 morning prayer with the sisters. Retreat for Oblate Community — 1–4 p.m. TBA

Oblates is published four times a year April 21 2013 by the Oblate Leadership Team: The Liturgy of the Hours in daily life, Sisters Kathy Bilskie, Part I Mary Victor Kercher, and You are invited to be in Barbara Ann Offerman. May 19, 2013 touch with the Sisters of Send comments to the Oblate Office St. Benedict in prayer. Use The Liturgy of the Hours in the life of the Monastery Immaculate Conception the following link: 802 E. 10th Street Oblate, Part II Ferdinand, IN 47532 812-367-1411, ext. 2827/2829 mms://smtp.thedome.org/ [email protected] churchcam Page 7 July 2012

Monastery Moments and Oblate Offerings July 28 raising money for the monastery. For more dinner to follow. There will be a meeting Missioning of Religious Community information, contact Sister Barbara Lynn at 1 p.m. to share and plan for the future. Members During a ritual for the religious Schmitz and the Mission Advancement Don’t miss the opportunity to contribute community only, sisters will participate Office. to the growth of the Oblate program. in a ceremony of prayer and blessing for Reservations required. themselves and their various ministries. September 8 Women of the Rule Banquet Donors October 27 August 1 who are members of Women of the Rule Sacred Music Concert Join the sisters Meeting of Oblate Advisory Board celebrate at their annual banquet and for this annual celebration of sacred 6:45 p.m., Room 200 South Tower. award funding to some of the sisters’ music at 7:30 p.m. in the monastery projects. church. No fee. Donations accepted. August 4 September 16 October 28 Golden Jubilee Celebration Four sisters will celebrate their Jubilee: Sisters Mary Hildegard Dinner This dinner honors Diamond Jubilee Celebration Several Louise Uebelhor, Christine Marie Fendel, members of the St. Hildegard Society who sisters will celebrate the anniversary Norma Fultz, and Patricia Ann McGuire. have named the sisters in their wills, life of their monastic profession. This insurance policies, or other estate planning. celebration is for the religious community only. September 23 70 years – Sister Mary Alice Schnur, Oblate Meeting and Reception of Oblate Sister Mary Kenneth Scheessele, Sister Candidates There will be a brief Rite of Johnette Finis, Sister Sylvia Gehlhausen Reception for those people requesting to Sister Mary Sister Norma become Oblate Candidates for 2012-2013. 60 years – Sister Maura Beckman, Louise After this ritual, Sisters Michelle Mohr and Sister Vera Kloeck, Sister Mary Benet Anita Louise Lowe will offer the first of Goodrum, Sister Mary Roman Dall, this year’s series about the Liturgy of the Sister Mary Claude Croteau Hours. Their topic is Liturgy of the Hours: Why, History, Development. Morning prayer in the monastery church is at 10 a.m. (ET) with Mass at 10:30 a.m. The meeting Sister Patricia Ann Sister Christine begins at 1 p.m. Marie Reservations required for all or part of the Sister Mary Alice Sister Mary Sister Johnette August 19 activities. Kenneth Oblate Picnic Oblates, candidates, and inquirers are invited to the annual October 17–21 gathering in St. Gertrude Hall. Picnic- A Benedictine Conversation Benedictine style meal begins shortly after the regular women leaders discern possible responses monastery Sunday Mass. Meat and to our call for authenticity in monastic drinks provided by the sisters. All other practices. participants bring a salad, vegetable, or Sister Sylvia Sister Maura Sister Vera dessert to serve 12 people. Reservations October 21 required. Rite of Oblation and Renewal of Oblation Oblate Candidates will profess August 27 their Oblation during Morning Prayer in 10th Dome Classic Golf Tournament the monastery church. All other Oblates The golf event allows women and men will renew their profession. Prayer will be Sister Mary Benet Sister Mary Sister Mary to come and enjoy themselves while at 9:45 a.m. Mass is at 10:30 a.m. with Roman Claude Oblates Monastery Immaculate Conception 802 E. 10th Street • Ferdinand, Indiana 47532-9239 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Around the Summer Social

Thank you! Thanks to all the Oblates who shared their gifts and talents in any way toward the THEME Pictured: Oblates seen BASKET BOOTH for the Social. We and unseen made received many compliments on the quality and the Summer Social a attractiveness of the baskets. God’s blessings on success. all who participated. —Sister Jolinda Naas