Though I have been back in the Commonwealth since Tuesday night, the events of the last two weeks are still hovering in my head. When we experience something new it can seem like a dream – seem better than we’d hoped for. My weary body knows the work was real, but my soul is still doing lectio on the blessings of those days.
The time spent with the new vocation directors – seven Benedictines who are just beginning the ministry – was precious, indeed. I volunteered to work with the new directors because I wanted to share my own joys in the ministry – my confidence that GOD does, in fact, build the house (Psalm 127:1). It can seem an overwhelming job at times. There is certainly fear and trepidation at the beginning of any new work. But, it is easy for vocation directors to take too much on their shoulders – the burden of their community’s future. That future is up to GOD. We, who minister to those seeking, are charged with listening, affirming, guiding, testing the spirits…and helping candidates get where GOD wants them to be. Seen in this light vocation work is truly ministry.
When my workshop was over, I reminded these good monastics that they will do the job their way - not as it has been done in the past. They are "new wine" in "new skins" and in time we will taste the sweetness of their efforts. I will keep these seven in prayer this year…and trust that they will receive the grace required to “listen…with the ear of [their] hearts [RB Prol. 1].”
Next blog: Sister Joan Chittester, OSB, keynote speaker...
Blessings and love to you all...
- Sister Vicki
