Thursday, September 27, 2018

Saint Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)

Thursday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch. 7:10-18
Mass: Si 1:2-11; Resp Ps 90; Lk 9:7-9


Prosper the work of our hands for us! Prosper the work of our hands!

One of the communal practices of Cistercian life as lived at Redwoods I especially appreciate is that of manual labor. There are many 'chores' to be done on our roughly 300 acres. They range in complexity and the amount and kind of strength and endurance needed to get the job done. To name but a few: all aspects of tending to our garden, mowing, cooking, cleaning, laundry, ironing, splitting and stacking wood (see today's photo!), hauling compost, doing dishes, weeding, pruning, moving things big and small, canning, making soap, and the honey business--mixing, dispensing, lids, labels, packing, and shipping, and even meditation! One may ask with the author of the Book of Ecclesiastes, 'What profit has woman from all the labor which she toils under the sun?' One answer is that manual labor is rewarding on many levels. First, it is how one contributes to the life of the community. Each chore, whether viewed as strenuous or not so strenuous benefits the common good; second, it provides opportunity to work quietly with others at some times, and alone on other occasions; third, for those so inclined, not without some ingenuity, one can incorporate some of the chores into the daily fitness regimen. Most importantly, manual labor provides an opportunity to seek God, namely, through the work of our hands and bodies. Each one of us is called upon to contribute in ways that she is able. So, the daily labor which we toil is profitable. Through it we seek God and keep focused on the goal of union with God. It is true that sometimes this is easier than others. 😊 By the grace of God go we.

The sisters should have specified periods for manual labor as well as for prayerful reading.
(RB 48:1)

St Vincent de Paul, pray for us. 

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