|
|
Abbey Home -> Oblates -> Newsletter -> Newsletter 2 -> Newsletter 3 |
  Abbot's Reflection By Abbot Neal Roth, OSB Due to time constraints this reflection is from a previous article first printed in the publication of the Insight in Spring of 1994. I just took my handy desk dictionary and looked up the word vacation. It defines vacation as: rest from work, study, etc.; freedom, release from occupation. The last few weeks monks have been coming into my office with their vacation forms filled out, ready for a bit of dialogue and abbatial approval. Even monks need a vacation, a time to rest and relax, visit with relatives and friends. Most of us don't do anything terribly different or expensive (like most people, we are on a vacation budget). Just thinking about a vacation makes me realize, once again, how Saint Benedict, our founder, was so very wise. He said that we should do all things in moderation. I think he would have approved of a monk having a vacation. This time out allows that Benedictine Peace to recharge the inner person. We all need opportunities to "get away". When we return we will be able to face life and work situations with renewed energy. All of us, both in the monastery and out, have people and conditions that challenge us. There are some people who will not change and some work conditions that will always remain the same. We have to change as much as we can, even if it is by simply maintaining our patience. A vacation helps us to do what needs to be done. We have all been given an opportunity, for the few years we are on this earth, to make good use of ourselves and of our time. It would behoove us to enter into life as fully as possible. As Benedict writes, "Let no one follow what he thinks most profitable to himself, but rather what is best for another." Our own positive attitude can make such a difference how we view ourselves and others. Vacations also make me think about taking chances. One of our college trustees, about my age, went bungee jumping on one of his vacations. Now, I am not planning to bungee jump off the bridge over the Yakima River the next time I am in my hometown of Yakima (after all, the Church is short of priests and I have to take care of myself), but my college trustee friend's adventure made me think that it is good to take a chance. We all need to do that at some point in life. Sometimes it is in a small matter that, perhaps, affects only us; at other times, we might take a chance and speak out on an issue of justice and peace that needs our support and our example. Whatever the issue, we do need to act, and feel good about our actions, and the good that we helped to accomplish. A vacation can help us in still another way. We can come back knowing that what we do in life, what work we accomplish is good, of value; we can feel satisfied with what we do and where we are at this time. As a Christian, this means that I receive satisfaction, that I am committed, and that I strive to give a good example. I’m not sure just what all this has to do with anything at all. But, people do seek the monastery out as a place to rest, and a place to find relationship with God once again. It is very important that the monks are able to offer hospitality, peace, and love as a family. The ministry of hospitality that we offer with respect to visitors and our students, faculty, and staff is an extension and expression of our monastery's love. People should find St. Martin's a place not only of refreshment, but a healthy model for their own lives as well. One cannot present this gift of self when one is not "together". In short, we must be people who are healthy and rested so that we can be committed to others and to God.
next page Oblate Director:
|
|
