Work of our hands

July 31, 2014

This week’s reading had much to do with the importance of work.  Benedict places emphasis on the balance of the work of the mind and heart with the work of our hands.   He also impresses upon us that we all need to work.  Sara shared these words from Sr. Joan:

“Even the sick and the weak are t be given simple tasks that upbuild the house of God because, Benedict knows, no matter how frail, no matter how old, no one is useless; every on of us is given a gift to give and a task to fulfill.” [Chittester, Joan. The Rule of Benedict: Insights for the Ages. July 31. New York: Crossroads, 2009. Print.]

She also shared the stories of William Wilberforce and of a courageous nun in a Benedictine Monastery in Indiana.  William Wilberforce was honored in the Episcopal Church’s cycle of prayer yesterday.  The work of his life was to abolish slavery and the slave trade in England.  He spent twenty years working toward that end, and it was not until he lay practically on his deathbed that the English Parliament stopped slavery in England.  This was his task to fulfill, and he went about the work of his lifetime.  His dedication and steadfastness through the many years of failure stand as a testimony to perseverance.

In her recent travels, Sarah and Don visited a Benedictine monastery in Indiana.  She brought back with her a booklet about the ministry of this place.   In this booklet was the story of one of then nun’s working as the Christian Education minister; this woman had been in a wheel chair most of her life.  Listening to the list of this woman’s work in the life of the church made me feel idle – she was so busy and productive.  She had found her gifts and was fulfilling the tasks set before; she seemed to overcome all impediments.

I am in awe of these driven and directed saints, who have listened for the voice of God in their lives and discerned their purpose.  I pray for this discernment.