RBWords - Volume 36 - Number 9: September 2023
Something to Think About
R. B. WORDS - VOL. 36 - NO. 9 - SEPTEMBER 2024 ########################################### SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT A question that I am often asked by people whom I am meeting for the first time is: Are you retired? By many standards, I would be considered so: social security, limited service roster of my Dominican province, age (81) and I look elderly enough. I do walk with a cane when outside my living quarters at the monastery, although I do not use it during liturgical events. When some people hear my age, they say “You look great!” I respond, “I have a wonderful taxidermist.” My current ministry as chaplain for a monastery of cloistered Dominican nuns would be considered by many of my Dominican brethren as a “retirement ministry” since the demands are not great: Mass in the morning and benediction in the evening. But I have trouble considering myself “retired.” Yes, I am aware of a difference in energy and movement and I have to respect what my body is saying, although I am in good general health. My ministry the last four years (2019-2023) before moving from Lubbock TX (and an active campus environment) to Lufkin (and a quiet monastic environment) was to be a “grandfather/wisdom figure” for students at the Catholic student center for Texas Tech University. I missed that when I moved, so I reached out to the campus ministry at Stephen F Austin University 20 miles north in Nacogdoches, TX and am serving in the same capacity twice a week as I did every day at Texas Tech. I also teach an adult faith formation course at a local parish in Lufkin. I am simply not used to having 12 unscheduled daylight hours at my disposal, so I found those two ministries to help fill some of the time. My gardening hobby has helped with the rest along with my love of crossword and jigsaw puzzles. Last, but by no means least, I have a “virtual” campus ministry by Facetime, Zoom and Googlespeak with student and former student friends at Texas Tech. Their friendship, love and support have been vital! I also preach online every day at <rbwords.com> under the title ‘THE WORD TO THE WISE.’ I hope, when my assignment in Lufkin ends, to return to a campus environment. I guess all of this puts me in that vague category of “retired-active.” So be it! IT’S SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT!
It Has Been Said
Life is about learning to grow through the growth of others. The people we live with and work with have something to give to our spiritual development. We have to learn to take the raw materials of our lives and turn them into the stuff of sanctity. We can’t wait for the perfect person or the perfect environment to call us to spiritual maturity. The people in our lives are the people who will test our virtues, our values and our depth.
From WISDOM DISTILLED FROM THE DAILY by Joan Chittister OSB
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