We are beginning or Lenten reflections; our journey with five amazing Benedictine Women. On this blog, we have been introduced to Lectio Divina and some of the Wisdom of the Rule of Benedict. This Lent, we will explore the witness of five Benedictine role models. How did the Benedictine way of life, Lectio Divina and the Rule of Benedict transform their lives?
This is our chapel window of the five Benedictine Women saints at St. Benedict Monastery in Bristow, VA. As we pray in the chapel daily, the window and the saints continue speaking to us. You can find St. Hildegard (1098 – 17 September 1179) on the left. She is wearing a big cross that signifies her as an abbess. In her right hand, she is holding a quill and in her left, a book. She was a writer, poet, composer, scientist, herbalist and had other tremendous gifts. Her spirit shimmers through her writings and continues to inspire many.
How can Hildegard contribute to our Lenten journey?
How can Hildegard contribute to our Lenten journey?
"Hildegard, who often spoke of herself as 'God's trumpet,' was first and primarily a prophet, and she herself felt that calling to be a heavy burden. The God revealed to her did not show her the divine presence in order to draw her God-ward in mystical union, but in order to approach a human listener. Thus while every one of her visions begins with the very personal 'I,' that 'I' is like a door through which another enters, and that other is God. Hildegard was made a servant of the proclamation of salvation that from the deepest beginnings of the divine plan has been directed to and encompasses the whole human race." (Sister Caecilia Bonn, OSB, emphasis mine)
Listening, as you know, is an important Benedictine practice. Benedict wants us to listen with the ear of the heart, indicating that the listening needs to come from a very deep and gently space within us. Picture Hildegard as the listener. the woman practiced in Lectio, receptive to God's word.
Listening, as you know, is an important Benedictine practice. Benedict wants us to listen with the ear of the heart, indicating that the listening needs to come from a very deep and gently space within us. Picture Hildegard as the listener. the woman practiced in Lectio, receptive to God's word.
Listening
In this image, the listener is not just focusing all of her attention to listening. Her eyes are aimed at something she is seeing, her hand is opened in a gesture of receptivity. She is listening with all her being.
Lent is inviting us to listen deeply. Our prayer life and our spiritual practices are enriched and informed by Scripture readings, liturgy, and some of the reflections we might be reading over these holy 40 days.
This time of repentance is not just aimed at prayer, sacrifices and alms giving. It is nudging us to conversion, to become the best person we can be.
Lent is inviting us to listen deeply. Our prayer life and our spiritual practices are enriched and informed by Scripture readings, liturgy, and some of the reflections we might be reading over these holy 40 days.
This time of repentance is not just aimed at prayer, sacrifices and alms giving. It is nudging us to conversion, to become the best person we can be.
For your own Lectio this week, let Hildegard's own words speak to you:
Redemptive Penitence
Why was I born
to such great misdeeds?
In my soul I have sinned
against you, my God.
I sigh to you
who deigned to take on Adam's shape
from the virgin.
I firmly trust
that you do not despise me,
but free me from my sins.
In the countenance of your sacred humanity
receive me in grace,
for I repent with all my heart.
Redemptive Penitence
Why was I born
to such great misdeeds?
In my soul I have sinned
against you, my God.
I sigh to you
who deigned to take on Adam's shape
from the virgin.
I firmly trust
that you do not despise me,
but free me from my sins.
In the countenance of your sacred humanity
receive me in grace,
for I repent with all my heart.
Hildegard speaks of repentance "with all my heart." Benedict speaks of listening with the "ear of your heart." Maybe repentance means that God's word leads me to follow through on what I have heard and understood. God's word prompts changes.
How is Hildegard addressing God? How does she see human beings in relationship to God? How does she see God in relationship with human beings? Does this give you an indication of how she relates with God in prayer?
If you were to write a prayer expressing your relationship with God, what would you say?
What is conversion all about for you? What issues or areas in your life need conversion? Invite God into this sacred journey of repentance and conversion.
How is Hildegard addressing God? How does she see human beings in relationship to God? How does she see God in relationship with human beings? Does this give you an indication of how she relates with God in prayer?
If you were to write a prayer expressing your relationship with God, what would you say?
What is conversion all about for you? What issues or areas in your life need conversion? Invite God into this sacred journey of repentance and conversion.
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