An Invitation to Our Oblate Initial Formation – Listen and Attend by Jan Davis, DMin, ObOSB
Several friends made strict New Years resolutions. Some of these friends confessed that they have already failed. And yet, some other friends vowed to begin again, this time with intentionality. There is a little 4”x6” booklet I keep nearby, entitled “Always We Begin Again” which keeps me on an even keel. I refer to it often. The subtitle of the book is The Benedictine Way of Living.
I began seeking the Benedictine way of living in the mid ‘80’s when I met a person who, in spite of all the challenges, lived what appeared to me to be a peaceful, reverent, life of integrity. I asked him how he did it. He taught me about the Liturgy of the Hours which eventually led me to St. Scholastica Monastery in Boerne, Texas. After 16 years as an Oblate, Bill and I now serve on the Leadership Team for the Benedictine Oblates, those who live by the Rule of Benedict, associated with a monastery but not living in it.
We soon are beginning a new cycle of Initial Formation, that is, gatherings of lay men and women desiring an intentional search for God through a life of spiritual guidance drawn from scripture. The 16th-century Rule of Benedict is based on scripture and revered ancient writings. There must be something very valuable about a rule of living that has lasted that long and now enjoys a flourish in today’s challenging times!
We invite you to meet with us, an ecumenical group of welcoming Benedictine Sisters and Oblates, by Zoom for 2 hours on January 23, February 20, March 20, April 24. You might learn more at these websites – What is an Oblate? – Benedictine Spirituality – or by contacting St. Scholastica Monastery or replying to this newsletter.
The Prologue to the Rule opens with these words: “Listen, child of God, to the guidance of your master. Attend to the message you hear and make sure that it pierces to your heart….”* This is a good time, in the new year, to take this invitation to heart and remember, we can always begin again.
NOTE: Below is a link to the Soul Windows Reflection e-Newsletter published by Bill Howden and Jan Davis. Both are Benedictine Oblates and serve on our St. Scholastica Monastery Oblate Leadership Team. There are many wonderful issues in the archives and you can sign up to subscribe to current offerings, as well. Enjoy!