This is Saint Brigid of Kildare. My vows to be an Oblate of St. Benedict has connected me to the Monastery of St. Brigid in Minnesota. I took my final vows last Monday. This last week I have been asking myself, "So now, what?"
Since there is no Benedictine community nearby I know my oblation will be mostly one alone. I hope to visit a community once in a while. The closest is about 3 1/2 hours away. Maybe I'll go to the St. Brigid's retreat this summer. I don't know.
I do sense that this step has had a deep, lasting affect on my being. Saying my prayers from the breviary each day; knowing many around the world are joining me. It has been a great source of centering each morning. Continuing to read the Rule and commentaries on the Rule are what I think are really tranforming. It truly is a way of being spiritual. Today was the last day of the 12 steps of humility. Yes, 12. As I read these I am lead to pray that I would live my life by Benedict's Rule.
The week before I took my vow I was required to think about why this way is one I would choose. I realized how much of who I am and my own journey is Benedictine. The heart of it all is that my spirituality is walked out, lived out in everydayness. And it is a life of hospitality. More and more I want to be a person who welcomes all to my table. My table might be one at Echo Cafe (since I don't have my own space right now), but I can make it my table to welcome those I meet there.
I'm not sure where this path will take me. Will it be one that is wide and just around the lip of a canyon? Or will it eventually be one that becomes narrower and narrower and takes me to the depths?
I guess the journey and adventure never end.
1 comment:
You are at a beautiful moment, aren't you? May the prayers of Saint Brigid be with you... May you follow Christ with the same fervor she had!
I found your blog when I was doing a search on Saint Brigid. I've written a children's book on her--love her, and seek to shine with the light of Christ as she did... Her light was so very bright--mine is a bit mundane and often very dim, but I seek to shine all the same.
May you be blessed on your new road. I'll be checking back from time to time :)
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