When I told one of my uncles that I was entering the community, he suggested that “I consider one of those outfits that do more traveling – it might be more interesting.” He’d be surprised to know how much traveling I have done with this Benedictine community – not measured in miles of land traversed but in the breadth and depth of my being.

In my early days in community, I was somewhat chagrined by the passage in the Rule of Benedict that says, “If you notice something good in yourself, give credit to God, not to yourself…” RB 42

On this path of life I learn I need not earn God’s love; but, that I can choose to become more aware of it. And far from my earlier strivings, what gives meaning to my life is not to be perfect, but to live in and share with others the expanse of God’s love.

It is with the psalmist that I rejoice and acknowledge that God has placed a marvelous love in my heart for others. It is the light of Christ in me. This joy keeps me traveling on this path of life.