The different paths to glory

A recent stay at Ampleforth Benedictine Abbey revealed to me my limitations and also the depth of the Church’s wisdom.  I have to admit – sadly - that I am not really capable of appreciating the solemnity of the Benedictine liturgies.  I say that I don’t appreciate them not as any sort of criticism of them but as an admission of a weakness on my part.  I can see that they are splendid and possess a beauty of their own, but it tends to pass over my head.  My limited ‘feel’ for liturgy is more in tune with the liturgical rawness of Carmel, and I can see that this is one reason why the Good Lord called me to Carmel.  The Church has a multitude of religious Orders because people come in all shapes and sizes.  The Benedictine charism for the liturgy is magnificent - but at the same time it’s not for everyone.  Sometimes our search for our niche in the Church seems to be long-drawn out, but we shouldn’t get impatient in the meanwhile.  I have to remind myself that the Good Lord is not in a hurry - so why should I be?

Intercessions:

Brian Davis – cancer

Cancer: Marie, Bernard (and wife Angela caring for him), Jacqui, Sue B, Theresa K

Siena, Elara – sick children

Wojtek – massive heart attack leaving him incapacitated

David OCDS - housebound

Sophia – blind infant

Joy Smith OCDS – seriously ill

Grace – troubling ailments, job difficulties, family (deceased mother and health of father)