A Day of Horror

We can't imagine what it was like to be on the campus of Virginia Tech today when a lone gunman opened fire killing at least 31 people and wounding 29. Those reporting, not knowing what to say have already sensationalized the events by calling it "the deadliest campus shooting" in American history. I am unable to even begin to get my thoughts around this unfathomable thing that has happened. Most of those responding to the events of the morning are speaking out against the NRA, as well as, violence and sex in our media. Only one response was a prayer from a Jewish reader. It will take all of us sometime to comprehend this tragedy. What would cause one human being to destroy human life? What is our response as people of faith to such a barbaric act? How are we affected by the unspeakable? Will our lives be changed by this event? Or will we forget about this horror as the weeks go by? May we pray for the children who were killed and their parents and families. May we pray for the killer and his family? May we pray for the university and all the students and faculty. May we ask Christ to help us to understand and interpret the unimaginable.

Benedictine Spirituality: Hospitality

Reading the Holy Rule must at times appear rather archaic for we find ourselves far from living under discipline and obedience. However, in the midst of what at times must sound harsh and intolerant there is a wonderful spirit of hospitality that we as a parish, or any community of faith, must learn to embrace.

The rule calls the community to receive a guest as Christ, to show honor, charity, humility, kindness toward the stranger, to share the peace of Christ and the Word of God with those who have arrived; and to show even greater care and solicitude toward the poor. All guests and pilgrims are welcome at the Abbot's table giving them seats of honor and respect.

Those who desire to enter for the amendment of life are to test the spirits to see if their desire is of God; and priests desiring to enter must come without any expectation or desiring special treatment, but must take their place among the community. Once living within the monastic community, guest and pilgrims are to respect the communal life of the brothers.

How does such a spirituality of hospitality reflect our own welcoming of those who come among us? What do we need to do to share Christ's love with the stranger? How welcoming are we to the poor when they come through our doors?

The Ninth Day of Easter

O God, you have united diverse peoples in the confession of your Name: Grant that all who have been born again in the font of Baptism may also be united in faith and love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Rule of Saint Benedict, Chapter 61

How Pilgrim Monks Are To Be Received

But if as a guest he was found exacting or prone to vice,
not only should he be denied membership in the community,
but he should even be politely requested to leave,
lest others be corrupted by his evil life.

If, however, she has not proved to be the kind
who deserves to be put out,
he should not only on his own application be received
as a member of the community,
but he should even be persuaded to stay,
that the others may be instructed by his example,
and because in every place it is the same Lord who is served,
the same King for whom the battle is fought.

Moreover, if the Abbot perceives that he is worthy,
he may put him in a somewhat higher rank.
the Abbot may establish them in a higher rank
than would be theirs by date of entrance
if he perceives that their life is deserving.

Let the Abbot take care, however,
never to receive a brother from another known monastery
as a member of his community
without the consent of his Abbot or a letter of recommendation;
for it is written,
"Do not to another what you would not want done to yourself" (Tob. 4:16).