A reflection by Mother Maria-Michael Newe, OSB
The dedication of our Abbey Church in 1999
As Benedictines, our lives are hidden with Christ in God and, truly, we take on the heart of Christ in prayer. And that is our life — we are called to pray with the heart of Christ. We hear in the Rule of St. Benedict how we should pray the Divine Office: “We believe that the divine presence is everywhere and ‘that in every place the eyes of the Lord are watching the good and the wicked’ (Prov. 15:3). But beyond the least doubt we should believe this to be especially true when we celebrate the divine office” (RB 19.1-2).
We are not alone when we pray.
St. Benedict continues: “We must always remember, therefore, what the Prophet says: ‘Serve the Lord with fear’ (Ps. 2:11), and again, ‘Sing praise wisely’ (Ps. 46:8); and, ‘In the presence of the angels I will sing to you’ (Ps. 137:1)” (RB 19:3-5).
So who are we assisting at praise? “In the presence of the angels I will sing to you” (Ps. 137:1).
“Let us consider, then, how we ought to behave in the presence of God and his angels, and let us stand to sing the psalms in such a way that our minds are in harmony with our voices” (RB 19.6-7).
What we sing we must believe. What we believe we must live out. We must live out the prayers we pray.
We are the bride of Christ. We have been born from his side. It is said that, at the end of time, hearts will grow cold. Let it not be said of us. We are not called just to pray with the mind. If Christ found no consolers, let he at least find consolers among us. And thank him for what he’s done.
Let us be guardians of the heart of Christ. Let us bear his heart within. That we may be truly one with him in mind and heart so that when we die, we have died with the heart of Christ. So too shall we rise with his heart.